Beyond the Headlines: A Fresh Look at Indo-Pacific Security

The Indo-Pacific—the most populous and economically dynamic region on Earth—is increasingly at the center of global security concerns. But beyond the headline-grabbing U.S.-China rivalry, a far more intricate and consequential story is unfolding.

In Dialogue Episode 37, I sat down with Shyam Tekwani and Dr. Lami Kim to discuss the release of the Center’s 30th Anniversary book, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic: Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This volume, which I had the privilege of editing, brings together 27 distinguished experts to offer fresh perspectives on how Indo-Pacific nations are shaping their own security futures—not as pawns in a geopolitical chess match, but as active agents of change.

This book is not a typical military-centric analysis of the region. Instead, it reframes the conversation to include economic resilience, environmental cooperation, governance, and leadership, recognizing that security is multidimensional and interconnected.

Beyond Great Power Politics: A Mosaic of Agency

One of the book’s most compelling arguments is that Indo-Pacific nations are not simply passive players in a great power competition. Instead, they are actively shaping their own security landscapes through strategic partnerships, economic innovation, and governance reforms.

I introduce this idea in Chapter One, “Finding Security in the Indo-Pacific,” by presenting the region as a mosaic—distinct yet interconnected nations, each contributing to the broader security framework.

This perspective moves beyond simplistic U.S.-China binaries, urging policymakers to focus on pragmatic, issue-based cooperation rather than adversarial power struggles. As I noted in the interview: “Security in the Indo-Pacific isn’t just about military strength. It’s about resilience, partnerships, and the ability to navigate disruption and uncertainty.”

The Power of Leadership in Crisis

Security is not just about alliances or military posture—it is deeply influenced by leadership and governance. In the book, Roxane Turner and I examine the leadership of Atifete Jahjaga in post-conflict Kosovo and Jacinda Ardern in crisis-stricken New Zealand, illustrating how empathetic, decisive leadership fosters national resilience.

Similarly, Dr. Scott McDonald’s chapter argues that ASEAN must move beyond its consensus-driven approach to assume a more assertive leadership role, particularly as it confronts crises like the ongoing instability in Myanmar.

China’s Rise: Challenge and Adaptation

The book does not ignore the region’s biggest security disruptor—China’s military, economic, and technological expansion. Several contributors provide deep, critical analysis of its implications: Dr. Denny Roy, Colonel Ryan Agee, Elliot Fox, Dr. Bill Wieninger, and Dr. Srini Sitaraman delve into China’s military modernization, territorial ambitions, technological advancements, and industrial base, offering a sobering assessment of the challenges ahead.

Yet, while China’s rise poses challenges, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic goes beyond the threat narrative, exploring how Indo-Pacific nations are adapting through strategic alliances, technological innovation, and regional cooperation. For example, some Southeast Asian nations are strengthening their maritime domain awareness capabilities and deepening defense partnerships with countries like Australia and India to counter China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

A Blueprint for Cooperation

Ultimately, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic offers a message of hope. It champions cooperation as the cornerstone of security, arguing that collective action is essential to address the region’s multifaceted challenges. Whether tackling water security, economic vulnerabilities, or human security issues like forced labor, the book emphasizes that shared solutions are the only way forward.

A Call to Action: Join the Conversation

The Indo-Pacific Mosaic is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for policymakers, scholars, and security practitioners to engage with the region’s evolving challenges with strategic foresight and collaboration.

Download your free copy of The Indo-Pacific Mosaic at doi.org/10.71236/BNMC9228 or request a printed copy by emailing pao@dkiapcss.net.

Tune in to Dialogue Episode 37 to hear Dr. Minnich discuss the book with Shyam Tekwani, co-author of insightful chapters on India’s rise and South Asia’s smaller states, and Dr. Lami Kim, who provides an expert perspective on South Korea’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.