INTR13-305: Australia and the Asia-Pacific

This subject introduces you to the new dynamics in foreign policy, economics, culture, and security issues that are affecting Australasia in the broader Asian, Pacific and Indian Ocean contexts. You will explore Australian foreign affairs and defence policy, and Australia's contemporary regional setting. The subject examines a range of topics including the ties with East and Southeast Asia and, in recent years, gaining awareness of the future impact of India and South Asia as a whole. Other themes focus on changing security concerns which have also complicated dialogue with Indonesia and China, transformed within the context of relations with the United States that is re-engaging the region. You will also examine relations with small and developing nations within the Asia-Pacific, e.g. with the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asian states. The subject assesses the role of regional organisations such as APEC (the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation process), ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), the ASEAN Regional Forum, CSCAP (Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific), and the East Asia Summit (EAS).  Australia and the Asia-Pacific will provide you with an opportunity to investigate Australia’s radically changing responsibilities in regard to its regional and global roles, and how economic, environmental and energy concerns are interlinked in this region, needing careful calibration for future development.