Secure Waters: ASEAN, Quad and the Indo-Pacific The Indo-Pacific region is characterised by a complex interplay of alliances and strategic partnerships. Its evolving geometry of partnerships—ASEAN and the Quad among them—reflects a shift from traditional bilateral alliances to more dynamic frameworks. The future of regional peace and stability, and of a free and open Indo-Pacific, depends on how these groupings evolve and engage with shifting global dynamics.
This panel will examine the chances of success for these emerging geopolitical and geo-economic collaborations. How can Indo-Pacific nations strategically reconcile their individual national interests with the imperative for cohesive multilateral cooperation to foster enduring regional stability? What impacts could the new administration in Washington DC have on the US’s role in the Indo-Pacific, and on the strategic commitments and geopolitical alignments of states in the region? What impact does the rise of non-state actors and transnational threats have on traditional state-centric security paradigms?
Speakers:
- Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Philippines
- Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
- Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow, Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology, Allison Center for National Security, The Heritage Foundation, United States of America
- Hiroyuki Akita, Foreign Affairs and International Security Commentator, Nikkei, Japan
- Ji Yeon-Jung, Assistant Professor, Department of Military History and Strategy, Republic of Korea Naval Academy, South Korea
Moderator Lisa Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Australia India Institute, Australia