The Indo-Pacific is a critical region, containing over half the world’s population, almost two-thirds of global GDP, and seven of the world’s largest military forces. In recent years, major actors have formulated Indo-Pacific strategies to serve as guiding principles for their regional engagement.
From an early stage, Japan has articulated a vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” emphasizing principles such as the rule of law, quality infrastructure investment, and maritime stability. In September 2021, the European Union adopted a strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing stepped up engagement in priority areas such as sustainable and inclusive prosperity and a green transition. In the United States, the Biden administration released its Indo-Pacific Strategy in February 2022, emphasizing both the importance of the region and mounting challenges, particularly China’s pursuit of a “sphere of influence” as it seeks “to become the world’s most influential power.” Canada is also actively developing an Indo-Pacific strategy to diversify trade and investment, strengthen security cooperation, and boost international assistance.
How should we understand these Indo-Pacific strategies? Are the strategies likely to contribute to tangible changes in foreign policy? What are the common themes, and what are significant areas of disagreement or divergence? How can global institutions complement the national strategies to facilitate cooperation and reduce systemic risks? What are the implications of the war in Ukraine for the Indo-Pacific? A panel of distinguished experts from Canada, Japan, the United States, and Europe will share their insights.
The Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy is hosting this event.
Our APF Canada Distinguished Fellows Jonathan T. Fried, Deanna Horton, and Yves Tiberghien will be speaking at this partner event.
