ChinaTalk To The Quad! The Origins of "Indo-Pacific"
Mar 13, 2021
Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University and author of 'Indo-Pacific Empire,' dives into the complex geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. He discusses historical maps like the 15th-century Kangnido, the promising yet thwarted 1947 Asian Relations Conference, and Australia’s evolving role amidst rising tensions with China. Medcalf offers insights into the Quad alliance, touching on the necessity of strategic collaboration between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. to navigate contemporary challenges and enhance regional stability.
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Modi-Abe Train Ride
- Rory Medcalf opens his book with a train ride between Modi and Abe.
- They had a profound conversation about geopolitics, even sharing maps and discussing balancing Chinese power.
Historical Indo-Pacific
- The Indo-Pacific, a broad, maritime-dominated conception of Asia, has been the historical norm.
- Maps throughout history consistently include Southeast Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and North America in one frame.
1402 Kangnido Map
- The 1402 Kangnido map, a Korean map, illustrates a broad, interconnected view of the region.
- It depicted continental Asia, coastlines, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and even Africa.
