ABSTRACT
The two decades since the turn of the century have seen a number of transformations in the political landscape of the region known as the Asia-Pacific. The idea of the region is, first and foremost, being reshaped by a shifting balance of power. This shift is so pronounced that the region is often now referenced by the relatively novel name of “Indo-Pacific.” Given that the potential consequences of the fluctuating environment are a matter of grave concern for Australia, the country has become one of the most relevant actors involved in the process of constructing this new idea of the region. This chapter aims to explore the nature of this ontological change taking place in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and its ramifications; Australia’s role, interests and behavior in this new imagined community; and how Australia may take advantage of this new construct in order to provide meaningful responses to the serious threats and buoyant opportunities that these transformations may bring.
