A region in flux

Abstract

‘Asia is one of the world’s most complex regions and one whose impact is increasingly felt globally. No one can claim to understand geopolitics anywhere without some understanding of Asian geopolitics. This is an invaluable, clear and comprehensive guide to the past, present and possible futures of Asian geopolitics.’ Bilahari Kausikan, former permanent secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ‘This Adelphi book accurately captures the present-day Asian anxieties over an unravelling regional order and a future filled with geopolitical strife and unknown dangers.’ Yao Yunzhu, retired major-general, Chinese People’s Liberation Army ‘An important contribution to informed debate on the various visions for Asia’s future strategic order. Its sub-regional approach allows for cogent analysis of the unique dynamic and circumstances prevailing in each sub-region, while at the same time offering identification of some of the common challenges and opportunities.’ Marty Natalegawa, former foreign minister of Indonesia Intensifying geopolitical rivalries, rising defence spending and the proliferation of the latest military technology across Asia suggest that the region is set for a prolonged period of strategic contestation. None of the three competing visions for the future of Asian order – a US-led ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’, a Chinese-centred order, or the ASEAN-inspired ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’ – is likely to prevail in the short to medium term. In the absence of a new framework, the risk of open conflict is heightened, and along with it the need for effective mechanisms to maintain peace and stability. As Asia’s leaders seek to rebuild their economies and societies in the wake of COVID-19, they would do well to reflect upon the lessons offered by the pandemic and their applicability in the strategic realm. The societies that have navigated the crisis most effectively have been able to do so by putting in place stringent protective measures. Crisis-management and -avoidance mechanisms – and even, in the longer term, wider arms control – can be seen as the strategic equivalent of such measures, and as such they should be pursued with urgency in Asia to reduce the risks of an even greater calamity.