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Thursday, 27 January 2005

Experts on politics and security from around the world are gathering at the University of Adelaide this week to discuss the changing environment in the Asia-Pacific region post September 11.

Organised by the University of Adelaide's Centre for Asian Studies, the two-day symposium (January 27-28) involves speakers from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the United States, Iran and Australia.

Called "Asia-Pacific and a New International Order: Responses and Options", the symposium will look at a range of issues from the points of view of a number of countries: not just the Asia-Pacific, but also the subcontinent, the Middle East, Russia and the US.

Issues to be discussed include:

· recent historic developments - the end of the Cold War, the Asian economic crisis;
· Islamic fundamentalism, the "War on Terror" and responses to US foreign policy;
· "soft power" in the Asia-Pacific post 9-11;
· the rise of China.

"It is crucial not just in this post September 11 environment but also following the Asian tsunami disaster that experts from around the world and Australia are able to come together to discuss these issues," says symposium organiser Professor Purnendra Jain, Centre for Asian Studies, University of Adelaide.

"The changes occurring in the Asia-Pacific are crucial to Australia's future, as they will shape our involvement in the region and the security and well-being of our respective populations."

The symposium is being held in the Council Room, Level 7, Wills Building, North Terrace Campus. Registration is required.

The symposium is supported by the Japan Foundation Intellectual Exchange, ARC Asia-Pacific Futures Network and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Adelaide.