The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia.
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Forum of Experts to Discuss Our Region’s Future
Press Release | 23 January 2020
On 4 February 2020, the Australian Institute for International Affairs’ Indo-Pacific Research Forum will meet in Tokyo to debate the ‘Indo-Pacific idea,’ a re-framing of our region and Australia’s place within it.
This concept seeks to define how strategists, policymakers and world leaders will understand the region from India to the USA, into the future.
The Research Forum is an ongoing project led by the AIIA, in partnership with the Japan Foundation, Australia-Japan Foundation, and Australian Government.
Dr. Bryce Wakefield, National Executive Director of the AIIA, says that the Forum is important to the region’s future.
“The Forum is really about understanding shared and conflicting perceptions of the Indo-Pacific, so that in the future we can talk about turning the Indo-Pacific into an agenda for action amongst countries in the explore Indian perspectives on, regional interest in, and institutionalisation of, the Indo-Pacific region.”
In February’s Forum, academics and diplomats will concept. They will consider the likelihood of it materialising as an EU-like regional organization, and the interests at play in such a body.
Last year, its findings included that Australia could benefit from extended economic relations with South Asia and Africa, and that regional relations were threatened by deep suspicion and strategic manoeuvring.
For media comment or interview opportunities, please contact AIIA National Executive Director Bryce Wakefield at Bryce.wakefield@internationalaffairs.org.au.