On November 21, The Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) will launch its new policy paper series: The Centre of Gravity (COG) Series. The Series will launch with a public lecture by Rory Medcalf, of the Lowy Institute for International Policy. Rory is author of the first paper in the Series, Pivoting the Map of Asia: An Indo-Pacific Strategic System.
In recent years, the Asia-Pacific definition of Australia’s wider region has begun giving ground to an Indo-Pacific concept, which spans the Indian and Pacific oceans in a single maritime strategic system. But the Indo-Pacific idea remains controversial, with some observers equating it with a strategy to curb China’s role and status. In this lecture, Rory Medcalf will examine the debate about the Indo-Pacific. He will argue why the concept properly defines Australia’s strategic and economic environment, why it can be inclusive towards China, and what it means for the strategic policy choices of Australia and other powers.
Rory Medcalf is Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute for international policy. His professional background spans diplomacy, journalism and intelligence analysis. He has worked as a senior strategic analyst with the Office of National Assessments, Canberra’s peak intelligence agency. His experience as an Australian diplomat included a posting to New Delhi, a secondment to Japan’s foreign ministry, and truce monitoring after the civil conflict in Bougainville. He has contributed to three landmark reports on nuclear arms control: the Canberra Commission, Tokyo Forum, and International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.
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The night will also see the launch of Tim Huxley’s COG paper, Engaging Southeast Asia: Limits and Opportunities, though Tim is unfortunately unable to join us.
The COG Series is the flagship publication of the SDSC. The Series aspires to provide high-quality analysis and to generate debate on strategic policy issues of direct relevance to Australia. COG papers are 1500-2000 words in length and are written for a policy audience. Consistent with this, each COG paper includes at least one policy recommendation. Papers are commissioned by the SDSC and appearance in the Series is by invitation only. The SDSC commissions up to 10 COG papers in any given year.
When: Wednesday 21 November, 5.30-7pm
Where: The Finkel Lecture Theatre, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Garran Road, ANU
Enquiries: T 02 6125 1164 E Andrew.Carr@anu.edu.au
Free and open to the public
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