The Indo-Pacific and Australia’s East-West Perspectives

Australia is one of the few countries whose shores lap both the Indian and Pacific oceans, and the old adage of “where you stand depends upon where you sit” rings true. From Western Australia, the “Indo” component of the Indo-Pacific has clear geographical clarity. Western Australians look north and west to rising India and rising Indonesia. From the east coast of Australia, developments in the Pacific, including in the nearby Pacific Islands, necessarily capture strategic attention. Geography plays an important role in driving different international and strategic outlooks in Australia. With an expansive coastline, Australia’s vastly dispersed maritime approaches give rise to very different geostrategic and defence considerations. How Australia both recognises and reconciles these differences, and executes a cohesive national policy for Indo-Pacific engagement, will have a significant impact on the nation’s prosperity and security. A La Trobe Asia/Perth USAsia Centre joint event. Speakers: Professor Gordon Flake (CEO, Perth USAsia Centre, University of Western Australia) Erin Watson-Lynn (Head of Programs, Perth USAsia Centre, University of Western Australia) Dr Euan Graham (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) Recorded on 22 August, 2019.