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The analysis of rainfall patterns in the Indonesian region utilized the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method to identify spatial and temporal variations. The study evaluated the dynamic influence of the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and the Tropical Pacific Ocean (TPO) on Indonesian rainfall using monthly data from the Southeast Asian Climate Assessment and Dataset (SACA&D) spanning from January 1981 to December 2016 and encompassing three extreme El Niño events in 1982/1983, 1997/1998 and 2015/2016. Using combined reanalysis and gridded-observation data, this study evaluates the potential impact of the two primary modes in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, namely the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Indonesian rainfall. The analysis using the EOF method revealed two main modes with variances of 35.23% and 13.07%, respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that rainfall in Indonesia is highly sensitive to sea surface temperatures (SST) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean and the central Pacific Ocean (Niño3.4 and Niño3 areas), suggesting that changes in SST could significantly alter rainfall patterns in the region. This research is useful for informing government policies related to anticipating changes in rainfall variability as part of Indonesia's preparedness for hydrometeorological disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and accentuated the irreconcilable differences among Indo-Pacific states concerning ideology, governance, and understandings of the legitimate uses of power. The Communist Party of China is employing great power statecraft that is best described by the Chinese concept of 霸权主义 Bàquán zhŭyì (hegemonism or aggression aimed at weaker states). This ideologically driven behavior threatens the stability of the global system and may hinder the political and economic gains achieved over decades through the collective cooperation and constraint of aggressive great power statecraft. This article describes a transformation in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) approach towards Australia. It suggests that unless there's an internal upheaval in the PRC's statecraft, the global system might need to temporarily rely on mercantilist blocs to maintain human security, primarily within the democratic states of the Indo-Pacific. This survival strategy would involve resisting hegemonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Just before the First World War, the largest French shipping line operating in the Indo-Pacific, the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, reported that 44 percent of its personnel were non-Europeans. Made up of French colonial subjects and foreign citizens, this workforce hailed from across the layover ports of the empire's Indo-Pacific steamship highways. Portrayed by French labor leaders as strikebreaking scabs, and by the large shipping companies as docile peons, these "indigenous" seafarers were largely erased from French imperial and labor history before the First World War. Mobilizing archives from France, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, especially ships' logs from the 1880s to the 1910s, this article reassesses the place of the French empire's Asian and African seafarers within an intensifying labor movement and an incipient imperial security state. Revisiting everything from mobile acts of outright rebellion to subtly assertive practices of placemaking, the article argues that indigenous seafarers had begun forging a disruptive politics of mobile labor well before the First World War. Their ability to wield power in the face of stigmatization and precarization, the article suggests, points to the underexplored tensions between the "New Imperial" French state and the subcontracted shipping lines on which it depended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of escalating global geopolitical concerns over the IndoPacific region, France stands out among its European counterparts for being the earliest state to recognize the region’s significance. This distinction has prompted key research questions in the following three areas: the motivation behind France’s Indo-Pacific policy, whether France’s actions deviate from its Gaullist foreign policy tradition, and the potential effectiveness of these actions. To address these questions, this paper conducted a careful qualitative examination of France’s Indo-Pacific policy development and characteristics. The findings revealed that France’s Indo-Pacific policy is motivated by three key interests, namely security, economy, and leadership. This paper also found that France’s policy actions reflected both a continuation and modification of the Gaullist tradition, evident in President Macron’s mix of cooperation and skepticism toward the United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Concerning policy effectiveness, France’s status as a regional and middle power implies significant constraints in its physical capabilities, which hinder its ability to alleviate tension arising from the US–China competition, the dominant forces shaping the regional political-economic dynamics. Nevertheless, France’s expanding presence and enhanced softpower influence in the Indo-Pacific region have the potential to yield increased bargaining leverage in its interaction with the US and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document the first record of Kishinouyepenaeopsis incisa (Wang & Liu in Liu & Wang, 1987) (Decapoda, Penaeidae) from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Five specimens were initially collected during a trawling survey in April 2014, followed by another 17 specimens collected during sampling sessions from February 2023 to August 2023. Previously, this species was known to occur only in South China and Bangladesh. We provide detailed morphometric and meristic data, along with brief diagnostic characters, supported by genetic analysis that corroborates the species identity and distribution.

This systematic review aims to provide a methodical analysis of the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from the perspective of Bangladesh, focusing on its growth trajectory, key stakeholders, policy frameworks, technological advancements, trade and investment trends, as well as challenges and opportunities for international business expansion. The methods employed a comprehensive search of electronic databases, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies for analysis. The results revealed that from 2000 to 2020, the Blue Economy sectors of the country, such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, and tourism, saw notable development. International development agencies, corporations, academic institutions, governments, and civil society organizations are some of the major players in Blue Economy projects. The policy frameworks that facilitate the development of the Blue Economy include integrated ocean management, blue growth initiatives, maritime security and governance, and resilience and adaptation to climate change. Innovation and expansion in the Blue Economy sectors have been fueled by technological breakthroughs, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, renewable energy projects, remote sensing technologies, and marine biotechnology. Rising demand for sustainable goods and services, technical advancement, and regional collaboration have all contributed to an increase in trade and investment in Blue Economy industries internationally. The study concludes that there is significant potential for the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region to drive economic growth, promote social progress, and ensure environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as regulatory complexity, access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, academia, civil society organizations, and international development agencies, along with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development practices.

The article analyses the evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the QUAD, involving the United States, Japan, India and Australia, that aimed at developing a coordinating policy and holding strategic consultations in an attempt to balance the growing power of China in Indo-Pacific region. The author presents the reasons, goals and objectives for the emergence of the QUAD, the interests of the participating countries, as well as the arguments of some countries that do not want to turn this alliance into an Asian NATO. The new great power rivalry between the US and China is having a negative impact on the existing system of political and economic relations in the Indo-Pacific region. Based on the study, the author argues that QUAD’s activities are aimed to control the Indo-Pacific region as a single economic and space and cover a wide range of different areas, and the US-led quadrilateral partnership is likely to increase tension in the region and will not help maintain stability in the region. The results of the analysis of QUAD’s activities have made it possible to determine the controversial nature of the policy of this alliance in the field of economy and security, and that the international situation in the region in the coming years will become increasingly tense and less predictable.

The article explores and assesses the strategic initiatives of China and India in the Indo-Pacific region, identifies new geopolitical problems and strategic dilemmas, and discusses emerging opportunities and options to address evolving threats and challenges. Special attention has been paid to the policies of China, whose geopolitical interest revolves around three maritime zones such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. China has been generally successful in achieving its regional objectives, but it is precisely because of this that it faces growing challenges for itself since defensive security measures are interpreted by regional states as offensive, which in practice converts into a rather fragile “balance of threats.” India has focused on defending its territory with a strong network of allies, which represents an advantage for the country both commercially and militarily, as well as a crucial element in containing Chinese influence in the region. That said, India is not seeking to become a balancing force in the Indo-Pacific region, but is using the current tensions between the United States and China as a real chance to counter Chinese expansion. In the author’s opinion, the steady trend of military buildup (including in disputed territories), infrastructure network densification, and “special strategic and global partnerships” formation point to the strategic competition growth and increase the likelihood of confrontation escalation in the coming decades.

Introduction Many countries around the world employ defense capabilities in support of global health engagement (GHE) through bilateral and multilateral organizations. Despite this, there does not appear to be a strategic approach and implementation plan for U.S. DoD GHE in support of and through multilateral organizations. The purpose of this research is to identify which security multilateral organizations are engaged in GHE, as well as how and why. These findings could inform an interoperable approach for doing so going forward. Methods A systematic review was conducted to develop a list of multilateral security organizations and agreements which engage in GHE, or could potentially play a role in GHE. Results Of the 3,488 agreements and organizations identified, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 87% (13/15) of the multilateral organizations are regional and 13% (2/15) are international, all established between 1948 and 2020. The 15 organizations cover all DoD Geographical Combatant Commands. Among them, 20% (3/15) are a legally binding alliance, 73% (11/15) have a treaty, and 7% (1/15) have a diplomatic partnership. Twenty percent (3/15) have an explicit intent to improve health in either their mission statement or as part of their goals, priorities, and/or objectives. Eighty percent (12/15) engage in at least two GHE domains outlined in DoD Policy, 67% in three (10/15), and 47% in all four (7/15). The most common domain is humanitarian assistance and foreign disaster response at 100% (15/15) and least common is Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs at 53% (8/15). Conclusions Although there is high demand for GHE, resourcing to enable implementation has not been prioritized. Therefore, multilateral organizations continue to support what is funded (e.g. disaster response) versus prioritizing capacity building or modifying authorities and appropriations to match demand. It is also worth noting most organizations included in this review support the European theater aligning to historical defense priorities, versus emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Identifying a forum within these multilateral institutions to convene GHE policy makers and practitioners is a logical next step. The forums could guide and direct priorities, devise solutions, and implement best practices. Near term efforts could include GHE financing, governance, assurance, and technical assistance within and across multilateral institutions. Recent efforts highlight growth in both interest and action to support the variety of GHE activities regionally and internationally. As the United States seeks to reinforce multilateral institutions and uphold the international and rules-based order, employing GHE through multilateral cooperation could buttress efforts. Now is a perfect time given the sustained interest in global health, amplified value of allies and partners, and renewed emphasis placed on multilateral cooperation for the DoD to design a multilateral GHE strategy and seek Congressional support to resource it accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia and New Zealand were founding members of the United Nations. They have a long history of championing liberty and openness to make a real difference in the world, and can do so now. In the face of multiple, concurrent challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the world, the Australia-New Zealand partnership matters perhaps more today than it ever has. The two countries have identified five areas where they have agreed to focus their efforts over the next decade: a sustainable economic partnership; security and resilience; partnering in the Pacific; upholding global principles, values and norms; and maintaining people-to-people links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the complex landscape of global security, operating in the gray zone-employing strategies that fall below the threshold of armed conflict-has become increasingly vital. This article explores adapting gray-zone strategies to the unique operational dynamics of space. It emphasizes synchronizing diplomatic, informational, and economic instruments to dissuade and deter adversaries while avoiding kinetic conflict. Focusing on the Indo-Pacific region's strategic significance, particularly China's activities, it delves into nonkinetic actions such as jamming and cyber operations aimed at degrading satellite capabilities, which can impact homeland defense operations. The article addresses legal frameworks governing space activities, the rise of commercial space ventures, and the need for collaboration between military and commercial entities to mitigate space threats. It advocates for transparency, international cooperation, and response strategy development to uphold space sustainability and stability. Ultimately, the article stresses collective responsibility in navigating the gray zone to preserve space accessibility for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AUKUS strategic alliance will be a cornerstone of the strategic partnership which will enable Australia to acquire the necessary strategic nuclear deterrence to deter China increased strategic imprint in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The three-way strategic alliance will also allow Washington to develop the necessary strategic umbrella to counter China's both conventional and nuclear submarine increased threat in the wider Indo Pacific region. Established in 2021, the AUKUS is intended to be a strategic partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States to bolster their allied deterrence and defence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. The trilateral partnership, which builds on their decadeslong security cooperation, has two pillars. Pillar I revolves around the acquisition and development of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy; and Pillar II calls for collaboration on advanced capabilities that will involve technology and information sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genetic analysis was conducted on Anguilla bicolor from Tanzania using the mitochondrial COI region. The study aimed to understand the population genetic structure and demographic history of A. bicolor. In this study, 42 samples of A. bicolor were collected from the Lower Rufiji River Basin and Pangani River in Tanzania between January and June 2023. The mtDNA COI sequences of 65 A. bicolor from various Indo‐Pacific countries were retrieved from GenBank. 2.The findings revealed an overall high haplotype diversity (0.83 ± 0.033) and moderate nucleotide diversity (0.63% ± 0.000).A limited genetic differentiation between populations was observed (FST = −0.00322, p = 0.0494), indicating gene flow, leading to an absence of population structure. The haplotype network tree also supported a panmictic stock in the Indo‐Pacific region with 44 haplotypes clustered around three principal haplotypes.Furthermore, the significantly overall negative values of both Tajima's D (−2.27, p = 0.002) and Fu's Fs (−26.36, p = 0.000) and the multimodal mismatch distribution suggested the presence of multiple demographic events in A. bicolor populations.Given the lack of substantial genetic structure among populations, managing the fishery as a single‐stock unit is advised, aligning with the current fisheries management practices in Tanzania. It is also crucial to ensure habitat quality along migratory paths to facilitate genetic exchange and long‐term species viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) sea surface temperature (SST) warming biases of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and CMIP6. The IPWP warming trend in the CMIP5 multi-model ensemble (MME) is closer to observation than in CMIP6 MME, but the IPWP expanding trend is the opposite. There is no qualitative improvement in the simulation of IPWP warming from CMIP5 to CMIP6. In addition, four metrics were used to investigate the performance of Indo-Pacific region warming trends in all models. CMIP6 models perform better than CMIP5 with smaller root mean square error and bias in MME and higher skill scores in MME and top models, which is tightly linked to their better performance in simulating associated physical processes in CMIP6 models. IPWP warming biases are mainly attributed to the combined effects of positive atmospheric process biases and negative ocean dynamics term biases. The positive atmospheric process biases are primarily related to the shortwave radiation and latent heat flux from atmospheric forcing, the latter of which can be attributed to the biases in surface wind fields. Compared with CMIP5 models, the IPWP warming simulated by CMIP6 models is weaker, related to the less robust atmospheric processes and the shallower thermocline anomalies simulated by CMIP6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports three new records of soft corals, viz. Sarcophyton boletiforme Tixier-Durivault 1958; S. cinereum Tixier-Durivault 1946; and S. turschi Verseveldt 1976, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The specimens were collected from coral reef regions, to a depth of 25 m. Species identification involved a detailed analysis of colony morphology, sclerite structures, and measurements taken from various parts of the colony. Sarcophyton boletifome features club-shaped sclerites (up to 0.38 mm) on capitulum and stalk surfaces, and spindle-shaped sclerites (up to 1.10 mm) in the stalk interior; S. cinereum exhibits warty club-shaped sclerites, in the capitulum surface layer (0.17–0.27 mm) and in the base surface layer (0.10–0.55 mm); and stalk interior features curved or straight spindles (up to 1.77 mm). The capitulum of S. turchi bears club-shaped surface sclerites, ranging in size from 0.09 to 0.38 mm, while the stalk interior contains spindle-shaped structures ranging from 0.35 to 0.75 mm. In a time when octocorals are threatened, it is refreshing to find octocoral species that are new to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands remain amongst the most ecologically significant in the Indo-Pacific region and should be protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the victim's decomposition process is crucial in forensic science for establishing accurate time since death, and the overall timelines of criminal investigations. Global research, which primarily relies on non-human animal proxies, highlights a scarcity of facilities using human bodies and a lack of baseline data for some regions and remote locations. In cases such as the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands (India), forensic practitioners turn to literature-derived patterns developed at the closest locations (mostly mainland India). This study examines 51 human decomposition cases investigated in A&N in comparison with the existing literature, emphasizing distinctions and similarities in their decomposition relative to the current Indian literature. This study advocates for further research and potentially calls for the establishment of the first anthropology research facility in the Indo-Pacific region, encouraging the development of tailored methodologies for more accurate estimations in diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embedding learning abroad as part of the curriculum has become popular in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US and European countries. In Australia, the government has actively promoted and committed to funding students' learning abroad in the Indo-Pacific region which is considered to be strategic to the nation's prosperity and public diplomacy. The majority of the literature on outbound student mobility has concentrated on its benefits to students' development of global competence and employability. However, little is known about how students are engaged in curriculum-specific learning and development of discipline-specific knowledge through short-term mobility experiences. This article responds to this gap in the existing literature. It aims to examine how a short-term mobility program to Japan affects Australian undergraduate students' curriculum-specific learning. The article draws on 45 interviews with science students across three rounds (pre-departure, in-country, and re-entry). It uses Barnett and Coate's framework of curriculum and Tran's concept of mobility as becoming to analyse whether and how the short-term mobility program engages students in their knowing, acting and becoming whereby they are able to construct, organise and build on what they know and can do to arrive at new knowledge, skills and ways of being/becoming. Based on the findings of the study, we discuss implications for how learning abroad in the Indo-Pacific can potentially enhance Australian students' deep and meaningful learning in not only cultural and social but also academic aspects. Practical principles for optimising students' curriculum-specific learning through short-term mobility programs are generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its rise will India be a responsible stakeholder or uphold US interests? These questions have occupied analysts since the turn of the century when India started featuring prominently in US grand strategy as a future great power. Two assumptions were laid out: (a) India's rise will have salutary effects in Asia, and (b) India's strong sense of neutrality, known as "strategic autonomy," and its newfound "strategic proximity" with the US will have to coexist. Amidst this came the Russia-Ukraine War. India's steadfast reluctance to take sides and its imports of Russian oil reignited the debate from which two camps emerged which (a) suggested "patience" with India as there is a bigger prize in the Indo-Pacific, and (b) advocated "punishment" by downsizing investments in and expectations from New Delhi. I point out how both these recommendations are flawed and do not aid in US grand strategic objectives. I advocate a third view of "leveraging" neutrality, which argues two major points. First, given the strong sense of strategic autonomy, both countries must agree to a larger room for disagreements. Second, instead of expecting absolute allegiance, US policy planners should strive to leverage India's size and autonomy in cases like Russia, Iran, Myanmar, and others in the global south. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maintain the power balance in the Indo-Pacific region, power dynamics are shifting, and small-scale alliances are expanding. This emerging arena of power struggles serves as the battleground for great-power competition, each vying to assert and uphold regional influence. As a counterweight to China's ascendant hegemony, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) emerges as a prominent and viable option within the region. Nevertheless, the institutionalization of the Quad presents inherent challenges. Addressing these challenges, this article employs Kai He and Huiyun Feng's leadership-institution model of institution building to conceptualize the Quad's institutionalization. This model delineates two forms of leadership: executive and ideational, which in combination yield four distinct institutional types. Through this framework, it becomes evident that the Quad possesses the requisite elements to evolve into a deeply institutionalized alliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On September 27, 2023, a seminar “Japan’s Economic Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Region” was held at MGIMO University. During the discussion, various issues related to the problems of Japan’s participation in the processes of international economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, infrastructure development projects, as well as the relationship between economic and political aspects of Japan’s regional strategy were analyzed. Special attention was paid to the Japanese concept of the Indo-Pacific region, the Japanese initiative “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure,” as well as the economic measures of the Japanese government aimed at containing China in the Asia-Pacific region. The publication offers a transcript of this seminar.

This essay seeks to provide an overview of the dynamics of nuclear order in the newly emergent geostrategic space of the Indo-Pacific. With the onset of increasingly sharp access/denial competition between the United States of America and China, the otherwise bilateral and dyadic rivalries are getting meshed together into the newly emergent geostrategic arena of the Indo-Pacific. This poses proliferation risks and miscalculations among the rival nuclear-armed dyads which populate the Indo-Pacific. Accordingly, the essay draws out the contours of the nuclear order and the attendant strategic necessities which mold the challenges posed to nonproliferation by the competition between nuclear armed states in the Indo-Pacific. It is argued that an action-reaction dynamic abounds in the region and as such given increasing competition between the United States & China and simultaneous Sino-India competition, the prospects for nuclear nonproliferation look bleak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Biden administration's strategy in the Indo-Pacific is of twofold interest. On the one hand, it breaks with the approach that the United States has always advocated since the 1980s, namely the general opening of markets through free trade agreements. And on the other hand, the economy, more than trade, is at the center of the negotiations, with security, technology, and the resilience of value chains as the main issues. Is this a turning point? After placing the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in its historical context, the author makes seven observations about it, to conclude that the initiative currently raises more questions than it provides answers to the United States economic security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate models suffer from longstanding precipitation biases, much of which has been attributed to their atmospheric component owing to unrealistic parameterizations. Here we investigate precipitation biases in 37 Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (AMIP6) models, focusing on the Indo‐Pacific region during boreal summer. These models remain plagued by considerable precipitation biases, especially over regions of strong precipitation. In particular, 22 models overestimate the Asian‐Pacific monsoon precipitation, while 28 models underestimate the southern Indian Ocean Intertropical Convergence Zone precipitation. The inter‐model spread in summer precipitation is decomposed into Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs). The leading EOF mode features an anomalous anticyclone circulation spanning the Indo‐northwest Pacific oceans, which we show is energized by barotropic conversion from the confluence of the background monsoonal westerlies and trade‐wind easterlies. Our results suggest precipitation biases in atmospheric models, though caused by unrealistic parameterizations, are organized by dynamical feedbacks of the mean flow. Plain Language Summary: The Indo‐Pacific monsoonal rainfall provides life‐supporting water to billions of people living in the region, and its associated latent heating drives changes in atmospheric circulation further affecting weather across the globe. The realistic simulation of rainfall over this important region remains challenging for generations of climate models. Many studies point to atmospheric models being the primary culprit, which motivates us to investigate the Indo‐Pacific monsoonal rainfall simulated by the latest generation of atmospheric models in the sixth Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP6). We find that models examined here continue to struggle with, to various degree, simulating the observed distribution of Indo‐Pacific monsoonal rainfall. We further find that variations in simulated rainfall among the AMIP6 models are not simply linked to their different model physics as previously thought, but are also strongly regulated by the atmospheric circulation over the Indo‐northwest Pacific. Key Points: AMIP6 models remain plagued by large precipitation biases in the tropical Indo‐Pacific region during summer with large inter‐model spreadThis inter‐model spread is dominated by an anomalous anticyclone (AAC) circulation over the northwest PacificThis AAC arises via barotropic energy conversion from mean circulation and is energized by convective feedbacks [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paradigms and conceptualisations are essential tools used in international relations literature. Such conceptualisations, however, continue to be heavily dependent on Western epistemology and strategically oriented. Such theoretical models and projections fail to adequately conceptualise the Indo-Pacific region. The neglect of local connectivity and subregions within the Indo-Pacific world has resulted in a relative understudy of the Bay of Bengal zone, a crucial subregion within the Indo-Pacific. The essay argues for a more holistic approach by amalgamating present strategic concerns with indigenous versions of regional projections developed historically. Only by grasping the significance and relevance of past build-ups, it would be possible to understand the Bay of Bengal zone and its effectiveness in creating a vibrant and dynamic Indo-Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Security has become a major issue in the study of international relations because it involves aspects of territorial protection, peacekeeping, economic stability, and other elements that influence the lives of countries throughout the world. In the context of international relations, security involves a deep understanding of threats, conflicts and strategies to maintain peace and stability both at regional and global levels. This research aims to analyze state behavior in the context of security cooperation, with a focus on the UK's participation in the AUKUS security alliance which was formed in 2021. The UK's decision to join AUKUS was driven by two main factors, namely national role conceptions and role prescriptions. This research pays special attention to the uniqueness of Britain's participation in this alliance, considering its geographical position which is located in the North Atlantic region, not in the Indo-Pacific region which is the main focus of AUKUS. It is hoped that this analysis will provide valuable insight for the Indonesian Government in addressing security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region related to the formation of the AUKUS alliance. By understanding the motivational factors driving UK participation, this research can contribute to formulating more effective policies in addressing security challenges at regional and global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities around the world are increasingly exposed to extreme events that have been exacerbated by rising sea levels. Sustainable adaptation strategies to cope with the associated threats require comprehensive understanding of past and possible future changes. Yet, many coastlines lack accurate long-term sea level observations. Here, we introduce a novel probabilistic near-global reconstruction of relative sea-level changes and their causes over the period 1900 to 2021. The reconstruction is based on tide gauge records and incorporates prior knowledge about physical processes from ancillary observations and geophysical model outputs. We demonstrate good agreement between the reconstruction and satellite altimetry and tide gauges (if local vertical land motion is considered). Validation against steric height estimates based on independent temperature and salinity observations over their overlapping periods shows moderate to good agreement in terms of variability, though with larger trends in three out of six regions. The linear long-term trend of the resulting global mean sea level (GMSL) record is 1.5±0.19 mmyr-1 since 1900, a value consistent with central estimates from the 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Multidecadal trends in GMSL have varied with enhanced rates in the 1930s, near-zero rates in the 1960s, and a persistent acceleration (0.08±0.04 mmyr-2) thereafter. As a result, most recent rates have exceeded 4 mmyr-1. Largest regional rates (>10 mmyr-1) over the same period have been detected in coastal areas near western boundary currents and the larger tropical Indo-Pacific region. Barystatic mass changes due to ice-melt and terrestrial water storage variations have dominated the sea-level acceleration at global scales, but sterodynamic processes are the most crucial factor locally, particularly at low latitudes and away from major melt sources. These results demonstrate that the new reconstruction provides valuable insights into historical sea-level change and its contributing causes complementing observational records in areas where they are sparse or absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-level cross-equatorial flows (CEFs) over the Indian Ocean–western Maritime Continent (IO-wMC) play a crucial role in transporting energy, mass, and water vapor into the Northern Hemisphere during the Asian summer monsoon season (May–September). Utilizing ECMWF reanalysis data (ERA5), we investigate three CEFs over the IO-wMC: the Somali-CEF, Bay of Bengal CEF (BoB-CEF), and South China Sea CEF (SCS-CEF). The statistical independence of the Somali-CEF and BoB-CEF implies distinct formation processes on the interannual time scale. To examine the interannual variability of CEFs, we perform an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of vertically integrated meridional winds from surface pressure to 850 hPa over the equatorial IO-wMC. The first EOF mode reveals a weakening of the Somali-CEF and strengthening of the BoB-CEF and SCS-CEF, which is associated with the concurrent summer Indian Ocean dipole and quasi-biennial phase transition of El Niño events. The second EOF is related to the Indo-western Pacific Ocean capacitor (IPOC) mode that often emerges in post–El Niño summers. Despite the IPOC's influence on meridional winds over the tropical southwestern Indian Ocean, three CEFs are uncorrelated with the EOF2. On the other hand, the Somali-CEF and BoB-CEF are significantly weakened in the EOF3. The EOF3 is an ENSO-unrelated internal IPOC mode. We further use a multilinear regression model based on preceding sea surface temperature (SST) over the Indo-Pacific and EOF3 to predict regional climate anomalies and compare the prediction skill with the SST-based models. Our results suggest that adding EOF2- and EOF3-related variability to the prediction model can improve Asian summer monsoon predictability. Significance Statement: This study examines the interannual variability of low-level cross-equatorial flows (CEFs) over the Indian Ocean and western Maritime Continent, crucial components of the Asian summer monsoon. We identify three CEFs and investigate their relationships with interannual sea surface temperature modes in the Indo-Pacific region. The leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of equatorial meridional wind reveal diverse CEF configurations and post–El Niño summer wind variability. Also, the EOFs distinguishes between El Niño and El Niño–unrelated equatorial meridional wind variability. Utilizing a multilinear regression model based on both preceding Indo-Pacific SST modes and configurations of CEFs, we demonstrate the potential to enhance regional climate predictions, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding and forecasting of the Asian summer monsoon and its associated climate impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Squaretail mullet, Ellochelon vaigiensis, is a commercial fish species distributed throughout the Indo‐Pacific region. This species tolerates wide variations in salinity, having been reported from both freshwater and marine habitats. Although economically significant, there is little information on its reproduction, especially in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), where it is heavily extracted. Our study elucidates the breeding pattern, seasonality, first length at maturity, as well as potential and relative fecundity of this species. Fish specimens were collected by trawl nets from November 2020 to October 2021 at four estuarine sites within the VMD. We found this species to be a synchronous spawner, with peaks in reproductive activity from June to September. In the populations we surveyed, there was significant dominance of males (1.26:1.00) based on 942 fish samples (526 males and 416 females). The length at 50% maturity for females was significantly higher than for males at all sites and ranged from 10.6 to 19.3 cm. The diameter of the eggs examined for this species exhibited slight variation, from 0.43 to 0.54 mm. The potential fecundity ranged from 246,254 ± 35,878 to 411,970 ± 54,370 eggs, corresponding to female length and weight of 26.7–32.6 cm and 102.97–234.19 g, respectively. Relative fecundity values were highest at Thanh Phu, Ben Tre (6388 ± 605 eggs), and Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (6461 ± 637 eggs), followed by Tran De, Soc Trang (4729 ± 408), and were found to be lowest at Duyen Hai, Tra Vinh (3117 ± 223 eggs). Information on reproductive behavior in this species has far‐reaching impacts on sustainable extractions, stock conservation, and aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, the European Union (EU) unveiled its first common Indo-Pacific strategy, demonstrating its emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region and plans to implement cohesive strategies as an autonomous actor outside of Europe. However, the EUs engagement in the Indo-Pacific region has yielded mixed results in terms of enabling the EUs exercise of strategic autonomy. Overall, deliverable actions fall short of the EUs vision of strategic autonomy. This shortcoming is attributable to three main problems: (1) the EUs strategic capacity is weak, (2) the Indo-Pacific strategy rebrands existing initiatives, and (3) the EU and the United States emphasise different strategy and policy domains. Nevertheless, the EU has opportunities to exercise its influence in the region, owing largely to its economic clout and policy choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a contested Indo-Pacific region with a rising and assertive China militarily and economically, Australia must look beyond the US as the sole guarantor of its security. Australia realises the importance of maintaining the US–Australia alliance, but it must also seek other like-minded nations to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. The potential development of an enhanced Franco-Australian partnership in the Indo-Pacific presents a promising alliance against the backdrop of heightened US-China rivalry, concerns over maritime security, challenges to sovereignty and economic prosperity. Australia, as a small to medium nation in the South Pacific, must develop and expand its geostrategic partnerships. As Australia seeks to grow, expand or reinforce existing partnerships within a contested and competitive environment, the potential benefits of an enhanced Franco-Australian alliance in the Indo-Pacific are significant and worthy of careful consideration. Bibliography Entry McCann, Edward. 2024. "A Case for Enhancing the Franco-Australian Alliance in the Indo-Pacific." Margalla Papers 28 (1): 58-74.

The influence of India's "Act East Policy" on regional cooperation-which includes economic integration, connectivity, people-to-people contacts, the expansion of commercial linkages, collaborations for research and development (R&D), and regional security-is critically examined in this research study. Formerly known as the "Look East Policy" during the 1990s, the Act East Policy, which was implemented in 2014, is a strategic shift in India's interactions with countries in East and Southeast Asia. The study looks at how the policy encourages connectedness through infrastructure initiatives, builds cultural linkages through people-to-people encounters, and supports economic integration through trade agreements and lower obstacles. An evaluation of the expansion of economic ties is conducted, with a focus on trade, investments, and the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The article explores R&D partnerships as well, emphasizing programs for technology transfer and skill development. Additionally, it assesses how the Act East Policy, including defence cooperation and participation in programs such as the Quad, enhances regional security. The results highlight the policy's significant benefits to the Indo-Pacific region's increased security, economic growth, and regional integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of rainfall patterns in the Indonesian region utilized the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method to identify spatial and temporal variations. The study evaluated the dynamic influence of the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and the Tropical Pacific Ocean (TPO) on Indonesian rainfall using monthly data from the Southeast Asian Climate Assessment and Dataset (SACA&D) spanning from January 1981 to December 2016 and encompassing three extreme El Niño events in 1982/1983, 1997/1998 and 2015/2016. Using combined reanalysis and gridded-observation data, this study evaluates the potential impact of the two primary modes in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, namely the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Indonesian rainfall. The analysis using the EOF method revealed two main modes with variances of 35.23% and 13.07%, respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that rainfall in Indonesia is highly sensitive to sea surface temperatures (SST) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean and the central Pacific Ocean (Niño3.4 and Niño3 areas), suggesting that changes in SST could significantly alter rainfall patterns in the region. This research is useful for informing government policies related to anticipating changes in rainfall variability as part of Indonesia’s preparedness for hydrometeorological disasters.