Includes bibliographical references (page 17)

This discussion paper provides an analytical overview of the structural changes occurring in
international relations and its strategic implications to power relations in the Indo-Pacific. It
explores the changing framework in the region, as strategic studies scholars and political actors
shifted from the Asia-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific region as a term of reference. The change is more
than a geographical one; it is essentially about vision and ideas. The notion for connectivity that
the new regional framework presents positive economic and political opportunities for major
powers within and outside the region. Nonetheless, such expansive frameworks are also hampered
by structural characteristics, mainly the changing nature of the threats in the international order
that are driven by systemic changes in domestic factors. These forces come in play when a
sufficient number of the domestic populace begin to feel alienated or marginalized, and the
resulting changes have implications for the conduct of international relations.