Indo-Pacific View
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM’s issue on enduring partnerships.
Partnerships come in many varieties. They can address special or broad interests, including economic, humanitarian, military and political concerns. They can be domestic, regional or global. They can involve governmental, nongovernmental and private sector entities.
The United States and its Allies and Partners have built strong partnerships across the Indo-Pacific to support global peace and prosperity. This issue of FORUM explores the importance of upholding these mutually beneficial bonds. Like-minded nations, for a start, are expanding relationships to better defend collective interests, deter aggression and counter coercion.
Amid growing security threats from space, Allies and Partners are developing innovative ways to ensure a safe, sustainable and stable environment for civil, commercial and military use of the domain. In this edition, U.S. Navy Lt. Stephen Schroeder looks at how partnership and cooperation are essential for establishing global norms to benefit emerging and existing spacefaring nations and ensure space remains a frontier that provides prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) stands as a beacon for enduring partnerships in the region. Comprised of 18 nations and territories, the group exemplifies mutual respect, dialogue and consensus. This edition examines how PIF leaders are enhancing their commitment to regional advancement by promoting cooperation among Pacific authorities, collaborating with international governments and agencies, and working with intergovernmental organizations.
Another key article examines emerging partnerships between Mongolia and other like-minded countries. In the decades since becoming a democracy, the landlocked nation has become strategically important to regional security. The piece details how Mongolia is increasingly playing a leadership role in fostering peace and stability by hosting the multinational Khaan Quest exercise, among other activities.
Also in this issue, Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, a professorial fellow in economics and trade at Gateway House in Mumbai, India, probes how partnerships may help resolve Sri Lanka’s lingering economic challenges. Improved government policies and assistance from development partners, such as India, the U.S. and the International Monetary Fund, are helping put the nation on a path to recovery.
We hope these articles encourage regional conversations on the importance of enduring partnerships for the U.S. and its Allies and Partners in the Indo-Pacific. We welcome your comments. Please contact the FORUM staff at ipdf@ipdefenseforum.com to share your thoughts.
All the best,
FORUM Staff