Abstract:
This article explores the evolution of the ‘Indo-Pacific’ as a concept and geopolitical
social construct. Since 2007, the concept has been framed predominatly to fit the
geostrategic concerns of global North powers. Contrary to this slant taken by an array
of recent Indo-Pacific strategies, the concept itself is historically rooted in ideas of anticolonial
politics, social justice, developmentalism, and cooperation. Regional Security
Complex (RSC) theory is applied as a useful conceptual framework and shows how
security problems and concerns are intimately tied to others and are thereby relational.
Indeed, such a theory will need to increasingly account for ocean regions and move away
from a terra-centric focus. Finally, the article explores the role of political geography.
While the security complex in this mega-region is defined by particular states, the
physical boundaries remain open to interpretation based on a state’s view of itself and
its geography, as well as how it makes sense and projects its changing interests. It is for
these reasons that the western Indo-Pacific and African littoral states remain unevenly
accounted for.
