ABSTRACT
The current phase of globalisation is being defined by geo-economics and geopolitics of connectivity. In the emerging Indo-Pacific economic architecture, almost every important country in the region has its own connectivity plans, either individually or as part of multi-lateral frameworks. Many multi-lateral institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank as well as think tanks like the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) are tracking these designs systematically. Within the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, these connectivity strategies have also become an important part of national or regional strategies. Some of them have also competed for space and influence. Almost all connectivity initiatives in the region have both developmental and geopolitical dimensions. Some of them also have strong domestic political economy implications. Ultimately, some of these initiatives may lead to a new connectivity architecture in the Indo-Pacific. The chapter looks at the importance of connectivity in national and regional growth strategies and analyses development and geopolitical implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
