Vol. IV / No. 8 | December 2024

Authors:
Marie Kwon, PhD Student, Chair Geopolitics of Risk, École Normale Supérieure of Paris, and the European Studies Unit, University of Liège (F.R.S.-FNRS).

Summary
This paper explores the resurgence of classical geopolitics in analyzing the Indo-Pacific amid the context of US-China rivalry. With its roots in German and Anglo-Saxon traditions, classical geopolitics remains central to contemporary formal discourses shaping the Indo-Pacific as a site of conflict. Despite critiques from critical geopolitics, realist frameworks and balance-of-power narratives continue to dominate, influenced by the historical legacy of classical geopolitical thinkers. This study examines the implications of this revival for the study of Asian regional space and highlights the need for critical engagement to uncover the power dynamics embedded in Indo-Pacific scholarship.

Keywords: Indo-Pacific, US-China Rivalry, Geopolitics, Balance-of-Power, Classical Theories

Vol. IV / No. 7 | December 2024

Authors:
Danny Widiatmo (MA Students in Asia-Pacific Studies, College of Social Sciences, National Chengchi University, Taipei)

Summary
Postage stamps are one of the most important official documents issued by the government of a state. Although the main function of postage stamps is the currency for postal services, it does have a greater meaning for many countries relating to their international politics. This short article argues that postage stamps become a very important tool to observe and analyze the state’s symbolic gestures of foreign policy and positions on the international phenomena. First, for many under-recognized countries or nationalist movements, postage stamps become a tool of sovereignty, marking their existence in the international community. Second, as the postage stamps often commemorate bilateral friendship and multilateral participation, the philatelic collection could also reflect countries’ political dynamic and transformation which might influence their foreign policy. Lastly, it could also show how states show solidarity, stances, and alliances, towards one another. For Indonesia, studying postage stamps issued by Pos Indonesia could also help understand the transformation of its foreign policy, and observing other countries’ stamps on Indonesia, on the other hand, could reflect something else for its international relations.

Keywords: postage stamps, philately, international politics, foreign policy

Vol. IV / No. 6 | September 2024

Authors:
Ali Abdullah Wibisono (Associate Professor in International Relations Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia)
Anastasia Artantri Widyautami (Teaching Assistant in International Relations Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia)

Summary
The establishment of AUKUS as a maritime alliance in the South Pacific has raised concerns about the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region. The plan to provide Australia, a non-nuclear weapon state, with SSNs could be viewed as taking advantage of the loopholes in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), including its Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement (CSA) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agreement between Australia and the IAEA does not impose further restrictions on the development of nuclear material and technology for purposes other than nuclear weapons proliferation. This shortcoming could potentially encourage other countries to use similar justifications to install their own nuclear naval reactors, free from the IAEA inspection. With that possibility coming to a realisation, Indonesia submitted a working paper, “Nuclear Naval Propulsion” to the 2022 UN Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, expressing concerns about potential issues arising from the exchange of nuclear technology between NWS and NNWS. This commentary concludes that while nuclear weapons non-proliferation diplomacy must continue, the NPT and its additional protocols must adopt some changes. Such amends must include formulating strict conditions for non-nuclear weapon states to be able to build nuclear technology that can be integrated into their weapons platform and exempted from IAEA inspections.

Keywords: AUKUS, Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, IAEA

Vol. IV / No. 5 | September 2024

Authors:
Baginda Muda Bangsa (Political economy analyst at Laboratorium Indonesia 45)
Karina Apriladhatin (Junior Planner at Directorate of Foreign Policy and International Development Cooperation, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bapppenas)

Summary
The damage caused by World War II has given rise to the notion of globalization and free trade up until today. Data shows that free flows of capital and goods among countries have led to global convergence marked by rapid economic growth and a declining poverty rate. Nevertheless, free trade also has its shortcomings. It creates inequality and increases countries’ risk of the crisis. Global Financial Crisis 2007- 2008 marks the beginning of the globalization scepticism era. Many countries, including the United States and Europe, the biggest proponent of free trade principles, turned their back to protectionism. The situation is aggravated by the US-China trade war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine War. The future of global free trade looks ill-fated. It seems like the damage is beyond repair. Reverting to protectionism is not the solution. We argue that free trade has brought prosperity to the world, and it will always be. However, revaluation and adaptation of the current global trade regime is imperative to create a desirable future economy. This writing will focus on explaining the possible future scenario of free trade and how we can prepare for the next globalization’s wave.

Keywords: Globalization, Free Trade, Protectionism, Multilateralism

Vol. V / No. 3 | July 2024

Authors:
Nida Rubini (Lecturer at Department of International Relations, Universitas Indonesia)

Summary

The Indonesian House of Representatives is poised to enhance its diplomatic role through parliamentary diplomacy, a less formal and more issue-oriented approach that complements traditional state diplomacy. Empowered by law and with a history of international engagement since Indonesia’s independence, the House actively participates in various inter-parliamentary organizations and global forums to represent the nation’s perspectives and convey grassroots concerns. Parliamentary diplomacy serves four key roles: overseeing foreign policy, engaging in diplomatic activities, involving international and regional organizations, and disseminating global issues to the grassroots. Despite challenges such as balancing national interests with multilateral cooperation and skepticism about its effectiveness, parliamentary diplomacy offers opportunities for growth, including increased funding for delegations, training for parliamentarians, and public awareness campaigns. This approach allows Indonesia to address global challenges, integrate international agreements with national policies, and ensure the voices of its citizens are heard in international decision-making.

Keywords: The Indonesian House of Representatives, parliamentary diplomacy, inter-parliamentary cooperation, second-track diplomacy, DPR-RI