Alexander Waworuntu is a PhD candidate in Global Governance and Global Political Economy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. His primary research focus is on the political economy of digital entertainment industries. His doctoral research explores the role of state actors in cultivating national video game industries in Southeast Asia. His other research interests include the political economy of state-led developmentalism, neomercantilism, and North American economic integration.

Prior to joining the Balsillie School, Alexander built extensive professional experience working on Indo-Pacific issues, including several years at Global Affairs Canada’s Southeast Asia Bureau. As a Senior Desk Officer responsible for Canadian-Vietnamese relations, he supported the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. As a Development Analyst, he contributed to Canadian development assistance towards Myanmar impacted by the combined crises of the 2021 coup d’état and COVID-19. Alexander was also a Canada-Asia Young Professional Fellow at the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada.

Alexander is a graduate of the Balsillie School’s Master of Arts in Global Governance program. His master’s research examined how Asian pan-nationalism has historically been used as a tool for foreign policy. He additionally holds a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University. Alexander was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and grew up in Markham, Ontario.

Courses Taught

• PSCI 380: Political Economy of International Trade, University of Waterloo, Winter 2026