The Indo-Pacific as a Strategic Space

The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the world’s economic and strategic centre of gravity, an area in which established and rising powers are now heavily competing with one another. Our work particularly emphasises the perspectives of actors (both governmental and non-governmental) in the Indo-Pacific. Learn more about the GIGA’s research on this mega region. 

The Indo-Pacific as a Strategic Space

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    Current Research

    Countries and Regions


    Research Project | 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2022

    Engaging the Indo-Pacific: German and Korean Perspectives on Regional Cooperation

    A policy-oriented research project bringing together the GIGA and the East Asia Institute in Seoul. The project aims at analysing German/EU and Korean strategies for Indo-Pacific engagement and identifying areas for in-depth consultation, coordination and cooperation.
    Korea Foundation, 2022

    Prof. Dr. Sook-Jong Lee

    Prof. Dr. Yul Sohn

    Prof. Dr. Chaesung Chun

    Research Project | 01/07/2018 - 31/12/2021

    Recalibrating China Policy: Australia and New Zealand in Comparative Perspective

    Australia and New Zealand (NZ) have in recent years been at the forefront of the growing confrontation between the ‘West’ and China. Despite very close economic ties with China, both countries have substantially changed their approaches to dealing with the People’s Republic. This research project contributes to and seeks to advance relevant academic as well as policy-oriented debates on the topic.
    GIGA, 2018-2021

    Research Project | 01/01/2017 - 01/12/2019

    Crisis Narratives, Institutional Change and State Transformation: Japan in the Global Context

    While East Asia’s and especially China’s economic growth has become a major driving force of global change, developed countries struggle to readjust their social, economic and political institutions to the challenges of financial crises, shrinking populations, and the rising demand for and costs of social welfare. As an economically and technologically highly advanced society, Japan finds itself at the intersection and forefront of these regional and global changes.
    GIGA, Tohoku University Forum for Creativity, 2017-2019

    Dr. Sebastian Maslow

    Prof. Dr. David Chiavacci

    Prof. Dr. Hiroko Takeda

    Dr. Jeremy Breaden

    Prof. Dr. Koichi Hasegawa

    Ass. Prof. Dr. Saori Shibata

    Dr. Paul O'Shea

    Ass. Prof. Dr. Raymond Yamamoto

    Ass. Prof. Dr. Dr. Ra Mason

    Dr. Shogo Suzuki


    Stockholm Paper | Institute for Security & Development Policy | 04/2025

    India-Sweden Ties as a Gateway to India-Nordic Engagement

    This paper presents a culmination of policy papers and features diverse scholarly perspectives from leading academics and experts. India’s ties with the Nordics and the EU hold great potential but face several challenges. Sustained political will and regular policy exchanges are essential to overcoming divergences and strengthening cooperation.

    Policy Brief | 03/2025

    India-Nordic Budding Dynamics: Sweden, a Vital Gateway?

    Amid a fractured global political landscape, India and the Nordics must reverse years of strategic neglect of each other’s potential, and chart a new course of constructive, effective, pragmatic, and values-based cooperation.

    Policy Brief | 03/2025

    India-Sweden Ties: Forging a Cohesive Partnership

    This paper argues that the strategic gains of a strong India-Sweden relationship outshine persisting challenges. Both partners should focus on five key areas of convergence: innovation and technology, green energy, sustainable development, defence trade and security, and trade and investment.

    Asia New Zealand Foundation | 27/06/2025

    AsiaNZ Foundation Track II NextGen Workshop on Asia-EU relations

    Organiser: Asia New Zealand Foundation Prof. Dr. Patrick Köllner (Panelist)

    Patrick Köllner contributed to a Track II event targetted at tertiarty students and young professionals in New Zealand, speaking about the role of the EU in the Indo-Pacific. The event preceded the Otago Foreign Policy School 2025, organised by the University of Otago in cooperation with the GIGA.

    Conference | 27/06/2025 - 29/06/2025

    Otago Foreign Policy School 2025

    Otago Foreign Policy School 2025, University of Otago, Dunedin Prof. Dr. Patrick Köllner (Organiser, Speaker, Chair)

    Patrick Köllner serves as co-director of the 2025 Otago Foreign Policy School at the University of Otago, the GIGA's institutional cooperation partner in New Zealand. This joint venture builds on the successful joint organisation of the 2018 edition of New Zealand's oldest international affairs conference.

    New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | 25/06/2025

    Small State Agency: Conceptual Perspectives and Pacific Experiences

    Organiser: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Prof. Dr. Patrick Köllner (Speaker)

    Patrick Köllner was invited to speak in the ministry's staff forum series 'Te Rourou' on how small powers, in the Pacific region and beyond, impact international affairs.

    President (ad interim)

    Prof. Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach is President (ad interim) of the GIGA.

    Prof. Dr. Sabine Kurtenbach

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