Indo-Pacific View
Dear Readers,
This edition of Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM highlights the complex interplay of traditional and nontraditional security issues that increasingly require collaboration among regional and global Allies and Partners to maintain peace and stability. Military and security forces must develop integrated strategies that embrace economic, environmental and geopolitical components, among other factors.
In this issue, University of the Philippines College of Law professor Dr. Jay L. Batongbacal examines the emerging security nexus in Southeast Asia. To counter China’s escalating aggression and enhance Manila’s defense posture, the Philippines is increasing partnerships with nations stretching from Europe to Northeast Asia and the South Pacific.
The New Zealand Defence Force highlights Indo-Pacific security convergence with an account of its contributions to the Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC), working with more than a dozen nations to monitor North Korea’s compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ECC, based in Yokosuka, Japan, and commanded by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is part of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange formed in 2018.
In another illustration of global security coalescence, Harsh V. Pant and Sayantan Haldar of the Observer Research Foundation detail how the Indian Ocean region is not only central to the Indo-Pacific strategic theater but also entails key advantages and security constraints. By enhancing engagement with Indian Ocean Rim Association members, New Delhi is advancing regional security initiatives and bolstering cooperation, including maritime domain awareness, Pant and Haldar write.
Two articles probe how nations from Australia to Ukraine have countered influence operations and thwarted manipulated information campaigns originating from China and Russia that target public opinion and elections. Dr. Tae-Eun Song of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy proposes a collective Indo-Pacific response to authoritarian regimes’ cognitive warfare.
We hope this edition fosters discussion on the Indo-Pacific as an evolving global security nexus.
Please contact the FORUM staff at ipdf@ipdefenseforum.com to continue the conversation and share your comments.
All the best,
FORUM Staff