Security boost in Asia-Pacific

Story Fiona Taylor

The Griffith Business School's strength in all things Asia was recognised through the latest rounds of ARC grants.

Three of the grants won by the school focus on the Asia-Pacific region, also falling under the University's strategic democracy, security and public policy research program.

Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) Research Fellow Andrew Selth received an ARC grant to explore Burma's Role in Shaping the Asia-Pacific Strategic Environment.

Mr Selth said his research results could help shape Australia's foreign and defence policies.

"The diverse security challenges in the Asia- Pacific region, such as those associated with 'pariah' states like Burma, and the management of related transnational threats are critical to Australia's foreign and defence policies,"
Mr Selth said.

"Australia is an active participant in global security affairs, not only as a close ally of the United States but also as an independent middle power with its own perceived sphere of influence."

Also researching within the sphere will be GAI Associate Professor of International and Asian Studies John Butcher, who received an ARC grant to help improve Australia's relations with Indonesia.

"The project will shed light on the tensions between Australia and Indonesia concerning the seas they share and lay the foundation for greater cooperation," Associate Professor Butcher said.

Issues explored will include why the sea has become an important part of Indonesia's national identity, the impact of boundaries on peoples who moved about freely in the waters, and why the Indonesian government has so little control over what goes on within its maritime territory.

The third Asia-Pacific-focused project won by the Griffith Business School will look at the development of nuclear energy in China and India from an Australian perspective.

Project head, Centre for Governance and Public Policy Professor Xu Yi-Chong said Australia had great interest in the development of nuclear capacity in those countries.

"Since the traditional path of energy consumption is not an option for China and India, nuclear energy is recommended as a clean and sustainable alternative," Professor Yi-Chong said.

"If either China or India, or both start expanding their nuclear energy capacity, Australia has a direct interest as a major supplier of coal, natural gas and uranium.

"As two unconventional great powers, their ability to expand nuclear energy to an extent necessary to meet the challenges will also have security implications in the region."