The Indo-Pacific has emerged as one of the defining strategic and geopolitical frameworks of the twenty-first century, reshaping regional and global politics. Once regarded primarily as a geographical expression, the Indo-Pacific has evolved into a strategic space where security, economic connectivity, maritime governance, technological innovation, and diplomatic engagement increasingly converge. The growing strategic importance of the region reflects shifting power balances, expanding maritime interdependence, technological competition, and the emergence of new regional and minilateral partnerships.
This panel seeks to rethink the Indo-Pacific by examining the strategic, political, economic, and institutional forces shaping its evolving regional order. It invites theoretical, empirical, comparative, and policy-oriented research that explores competing visions of the Indo-Pacific and assesses their implications for regional stability, international cooperation, and global governance. The panel encourages contributions addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including maritime security, territorial disputes, economic statecraft, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, climate security, and human security.
Particular attention will be given to the strategic roles of major and middle powers, including Australia, China, India, Japan, the United States, ASEAN member states, South Korea, Pacific Island countries, and other regional actors. Papers examining the evolution and impact of regional institutions and initiatives—including the Quad, AUKUS, ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and other cooperative arrangements—are especially welcome.
The panel aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on the future of the Indo-Pacific by bringing together scholars from political science, international relations, strategic studies, political economy, geography, public policy, and Asian and Pacific studies. By examining the interaction among strategy, security, and regional governance, the panel seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and competing visions shaping the future regional order.
