Strategy Amidst Indifference by Ashton Robinson

Strategy Amidst Indifference by Ashton Robinson

This book examines Australia's strategic attitude towards the Indian Ocean islands below the equator.

Australian strategic theory, policy and practice have to date understandably prioritised China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Indian Ocean islands filling Australia’s western flank are now changing and growing rapidly, however, with a series of new strategic challenges that pose difficulties unaddressed by Canberra’s current strategic settings. The book sees the disconnection as derived from Australia’s history and explores how Australia found itself without influence in the Indian Ocean islands and what strategic and security hazards lie in continued indifference. Drawing on an empirical analysis of island historical and anthropological sources, archival and business investment materials, interviews and strategic pieces, the book traces a long continuation of Australian behaviours towards the region and local postcolonial imperatives. It also discusses Indo-Pacific theory and the Indian Ocean gaps peppered within it.

The book will be useful to academics, researchers and advanced students in the fields of security and strategic studies and international relations, especially those with an interest in Australian history and foreign policy, the growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, AUKUS and the QUAD.

"Ashton Robinson's Strategy Amidst Indifference is a groundbreaking and timely work that focuses attention onto a surprising Australian blind spot - the southern Indian OceanThis rigorously researched and eloquently written work sheds light on an important yet underappreciated part of Australia's neighbourhood. Robinson starts by exploring Australia's approach to the region in its historical and political context. Robinson unpacks the history of Australia's persistent indifference to the southern Indian Ocean and flags the consequences. Along the way, he examines the French continuance, neutralism, regionalism and transnational issues. The bottom line, he argues, is that in an era of heightened connectivity and great power competition, indifference is unsustainable and inaction can be expected to generate negative consequences for Australia. I highly recommend it for Australian policy makers, strategists and those interested in understanding more about Australia's place in the broader Indo-Pacific."

Professor John Blaxland, Colonel (Ret’d), BA (Hons), MA, PhD, psc (RT), SFHEA, FRSN, FAIIA, MSM (USA)

| Director ANU North America Liaison Office, Washington DC

| Professor of International Security & Intelligence Studies | Strategic and Defence Studies Centre

| Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs | Australian National University

Ashton Robinson is a Visiting Fellow at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre in the Coral Bell School at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.