Conference Program

Security issues always play a strong role as a source of legitimacy for political actors and allow to perform agency in a given area, to build an image of efficient and capable authority able to make decisions and actions necessary for the "common good". Hence, the secuirty could be instrumentalized as an area of symbolic activities, in which "real actions" are not necessarily the main goal of a given security actor, but rather it will be the sphere of symbolism emphasizing the agency of the state and its agents. This approach, rooted in the assumptions and findings taken from the Copenhagen and Paris schools in security studies, will be used in the analysis of contemporary security architecture in the Indo-Pacific with specific emphasis on the QUAD and the politics of such states like Australia. The assumptions that security in the political sphere is an area of symbolic movements and that these activities are an end in themselves, and that security policy can be treated as a kind of "theater" will be tested.

Contemporary global security order is undergoing a significant transformation marked by the convergence of the European and Indo-Pacific (IP) theatres. This development carries profound implications for the IP region, which lacks a consolidated security architecture comparable to NATO. Instead, it exhibits a diverse array of security geometries distributed across the Indian Ocean sub-theatre and Pacific Ocean sub-theatre.

Middle-order powers are advocating for multipolarity in the region to mitigate escalating tensions arising from the competition between the United States and China. Despite these efforts, establishing a security architecture with a synergistic framework to address imminent threats remains an unresolved challenge.

This paper addresses pivotal research questions related to reinforcing multipolarity in the IP and constructing a robust framework tailored to its unique context, distinct yet interconnected with the Euro-Atlantic theatre.

The focus is on evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Hybrid Threats Centre for the Indo Pacific, led by the European Union (EU), to counter the growing risk of hybrid threats in the region. The paper identifies four compelling reasons supporting this proposal: its suitability for engaging middle-order powers, offering a genuine third approach beyond the binary of Great Power Competition, potential adaptation from the best practices of the Hybrid CoE in Helsinki, and involving multiple stakeholders—states, non-state entities, and private players—through flexibility, resilience, and a multilateral, multistakeholder approach.

Considering the expanse of the IP domain, the paper suggests the establishment of two related centers: an EU-India-led center in the Indian Ocean region and an EU-Japan-led center in the Pacific Ocean.

This paper aims to investigate the complex impacts of digitalization on democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific that may influence the security dynamics of the region. It analyzes how technological advancements shape democratic processes, addressing issues such as regional power dynamics (e.g., AUKUS, US-China tensions), Civil-Military Integration, cyber threats, algorithm in democracy, and ultimately the role of AI and hyper information among less-educated demographics that affect policies, state interaction and the balance of power in the region. Various challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including elections influenced by disinformation spread through mobile apps accessible to less educated populations, and the concern of digital authoritarianism circulating globally, may affect the shifting national interests in the region. This research will employ techno-realism theory, developed during my MA studies within the realism school of thought, as a bottom-up approach in comprehending security and foreign policies in the region. Its application is particularly adept at unraveling the complex relationship between democracy and technological development, offering valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics shaping state behavior in the Indo-Pacific. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative case studies and quantitative analyses. Focused on the Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape, the case studies will delve into policy documents, electoral processes, and digitization initiatives, encompassing relevant regional incidents and colliding interests such as Digital Silk Road (DSR), and its statistics. The anticipated discoveries are designed to elevate scholarly discussions through an interdisciplinary International Relations approach to geopolitics.

The Indo-Pacific is a region where the sea is a key element for cooperation and competition.

On the one hand, the United States and Japan seem to be the cornerstone of a cooperative security strategy aimed at promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy: this is attracting other middle powers, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, in different cooperative scenarios.

On the other hand, China is becoming increasingly assertive towards Taiwan, testing Taiwanese defensive response and investing in constructing a robust blue water Navy.

This paper analyses the role of the most recent multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific to understand what kind of impact they could have on the region under the lens of naval diplomacy.

At the same time, it considers the limits of a maritime-based strategy, evaluating the costs and benefits of such an approach and speculating about possible alternatives.

This research provides an in-depth look at the competition between Japan and China, exploring their energy dependencies and reliance on maritime energy routes within the framework of neoclassical security studies. In the realm of post-climate change decarbonization politics, states are working to safeguard their territories and populations by fulfilling their energy requirements and participating in global energy commerce. The Indo-Pacific region faces a multitude of security challenges, with the growing energy demands of its nations being a significant concern. Preserving the fragile equilibrium of peace and stability in the region necessitates continued dedication from a diverse array of partners. This encompasses governments and organizations at both regional and global levels. The paper explores the rivalry between China and Japan in the domain of regional security architecture, with a particular emphasis on pinpointing noteworthy energy-related points of contention. Crucial areas of study revolve around investigating China's impact on the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region to its energy needs, evaluating the consequences of organizations such as ASEAN and security alliances like AUKUS on the dynamics of energy security, and comprehending the intricate engagement of these nations in regional affairs, encompassing cooperation, competition, and rivalry. The investigation explores the integration of energy cooperation into security alliances and its potential influence on the regional order. The papers also explore strategies for Japan and China, as important states, to navigate their energy security agendas and promote regional stability and peace.