The Russia–Ukraine war and inter-state dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

This special issue analyses how the war in Ukraine has been perceived and interpreted by some of the major states in the Indo-Pacific and what their primary policy responses have been. It assesses the geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economic challenges faced by these countries as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with a particular focus on how they affect (and potentially transform) inter-state relations within the region. Some key themes emerge from the special issue. First, the ‘neutral’ positions adopted by many countries are nuanced, differ considerably from each other and have different rationales. Second, many governments in the Indo-Pacific have drawn a connection between Russia’s conduct in Ukraine and China’s potential near-future conduct in the region. Third, while the war has not fundamentally changed alignment dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, it has intensified a broader process of geopolitical bloc building which has been ongoing for a long time.