Southeast Asia’s current geopolitical dynamics are influenced by several key factors, including rapid economic growth, foreign investment, and tensions between major powers such as the United States and China. The region faces significant challenges that impact regional political, economic and security stability. Rapid population growth and increasing urbanization are two important factors in the development of Southeast Asia. Countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines recorded extraordinary economic growth, causing a shift in economic power within the region. Large infrastructure investments, especially through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have changed the economic landscape in these countries. However, this also has the impact of dependency which can give rise to new geopolitics. In terms of security, the South China Sea is a major point of conflict between countries claiming the area. Tensions between China and ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines pose risks to regional stability. This dispute has the potential to become an arena for competition between major powers, with the United States taking a proactive stance by increasing security cooperation with its allies in Southeast Asia. ASEAN relations are also undergoing transformation in the face of these dynamics. As an organization that aims to promote regional cooperation, ASEAN strives to maintain political and economic stability. However, differences in interests among its members often hinder effective decision making. Competition in influence between China and the US forces ASEAN to balance this relationship. In the context of trade, agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) demonstrate the strength of Southeast Asia as a profitable market. RCEP opens up opportunities for member countries to increase access to wider markets, strengthening integrated economic sectors. However, trade tensions between the US and China remain a challenge that must be overcome to ensure sustainable growth. Social dynamics also play an important role in Southeast Asian geopolitics. Public dissatisfaction with the government often creates waves of protests and social unrest, which can weaken political stability. For example, the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar shows how popular aspirations can conflict with foreign geopolitical interests, prompting countries to choose sides in global competition. The influence of information and communication technology cannot be ignored. The digital revolution is accelerating the Southeast Asian economy and creating new space for competition. Countries that are able to adapt quickly, such as Singapore and Malaysia, have the potential to take advantage of technological advances to increase their global competitiveness. The importance of multilateral cooperation is increasingly visible in efforts to overcome global challenges, including climate change and health. Food security and natural resources are crucial issues that must be considered, especially with the impact of climate change which is worsening conditions in several countries. With all these dynamics, Southeast Asia remains a strategic region on the world’s geopolitical map, where major powers compete with each other to expand their influence. A balance between national interests and regional cooperation will be the key to regional development in this era of global competition.