East Asia Explorer

The East Asia Explorer tracks evolving geopolitical trends, emerging security challenges, and progress towards regional integration in East Asia. It focuses on the ASEAN grouping, domestic and foreign policy developments in countries of East Asia and Oceania, great power contestation in the region, and India’s relations with ASEAN and its member countries. 

In this issue, Dr. Satish Chandra Mishra explores the emergence of Generation Z as a potent political force across South and Southeast Asia, marked by a series of youth-led protests in 2025. He highlights that from Indonesia and Nepal to the Philippines and Bangladesh, these movements reflect deep-rooted frustrations with corruption, inequality, and democratic erosion.  He further cautions against reductive labels like “Gen-Z riots,” urging a historically grounded understanding of these events and their implications for democratic resilience.

Dr. Pradeep Taneja explores Prime Minister Albanese’s efforts to deepen Australia’s regional influence amid rising geopolitical competition, particularly with China. Albanese’s efforts to finalise two major bilateral agreements—the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu and the Pukpuk Treaty with Papua New Guinea—are examined in detail. Despite initial setbacks, the successful signing of the Mutual Defence Treaty between Australia and PNG on October 6 marked Australia’s first such treaty in over 70 years.

Divya Rai examines Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first official visit to India since reassuming office, marking a milestone in the 60-year journey of India–Singapore relations. Timed with the anniversary of diplomatic ties, she highlights that the visit culminated in a bold new roadmap under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting the stage for deeper collaboration across eight key areas.

To read East Asia Explorer, Vol. III, Issue 9, please see the PDF attached.