Since its founding in 2019, Verve Research has established itself as an independent think tank delivering policy-relevant research and nuanced analysis of Southeast Asian foreign policy and security affairs.

Our vision is to deepen understanding of the political, security, economic, and social developments shaping Southeast Asia, and to provide independent, credible insights that support informed decision-making in a complex strategic environment.

Our Mission

• Advance knowledge and debate: We promote well-informed public debate on strategic, defence, and foreign policy issues of regional and global significance, including matters of interest to Australia and Southeast Asia.

• Support policy and strategy: We provide rigorous, independent analysis that informs government policymaking and strengthens stakeholder understanding of the region.

• Develop expertise and community: We contribute to the development of future strategy and foreign policy expertise through mentoring, engagement, and collaboration.

Our Expertise
Verve Research is independent of national governments and funding sources. Our work focuses on Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, with additional coverage of Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Our thematic expertise spans:

• Foreign policy, strategic and defence policy

• Civil–military relations and defence industry

• Extremism, terrorism, political violence, and irregular warfare

• Subversive statecraft, cyber security, and emerging technology

Natalie Sambhi

Founder and Executive Director, Verve Research