Leading realist thinkers in International Relations have characterized the change in the global order as one of a ‘power shift’. To the extent to which there has been a change from a unipolar order to a new multipolar order the realists are right. Yet the power shift argument underestimates other important dynamics. One of these relates to the growing importance of economic power over military capability. China’s initiative with respect to ‘One Belt, One Road’ recognizes that extending development opportunities to allies is more likely to enhance China’s influence over the architecture of the global order. Realists, however, would say that those countries that have not signed up to OBOR are calculating that they would rather maintain their strategic independence. Australia is an interested case in point: despite wanting China’s investment and the export opportunities that have opened up as China’s rises, Australia has so far wanted to stop short of aligning its economic and its strategic interests with Beijing. Is such a position sustainable in the long-run? And more broadly, what other kinds of opportunities and constraints are likely to emerge in the Asia Pacific as we move from an American-led order to the new multipolarity?
1
Professor Tim Dunne brings over 20 years of experience as researcher, educator and academic leader to the role of Executive Dean. His most recent appointment has been as Professor of International Relations and Research Director at UQ’s Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), where he led a successful application to AusAID for core Centre funding (2012—2015).
He joined UQ in 2010 from the University of Exeter (UK) where he was Professor of International Relations, and successively Head of Politics, Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dean of the College of Social Sciences. Tim began his career at Aberystwyth University in Wales, which is famous for having the oldest and one of the very best departments of International Relations in the world. His graduate training was at the University of Oxford.
1
He is internationally recognised for his work on human rights protection and foreign policy-making in a changing world order. He has written and co-edited ten books, including Human Rights in World Politics (1999), Worlds in Collision (2002), International Relations Theories (2007), and Terror in our Time (2012) co-authored with Ken Booth. Tim has extensive experience as a co-editor of leading journals, including European Journal of International Relations (2009-2013) and Review of International Studies (1998—2002). Tim brings a strong commitment to teaching and learning exemplified by his engagement in professional training of diplomats and senior armed forces in Europe, Africa and Australia.
1
In addition to traditional academic publications, Tim is a regular contributor to high profile websites and newspapers. As part of his duties in the Asia Pacific Centre for R2P, Tim has written several policy briefings and been involved in high-level discussions with governments and think tanks.