Abstract
As a small, export-reliant country, it has been in both New Zealand’s self-interest and shared interests to remain committed, in concert with others, to a rules-based regional and international architecture in order to advance its economic, political and defence objectives. At the same time, New Zealand has had to manage these objectives while balancing, managing and mitigating tensions in the context of larger power dynamics. Throughout the Asia–Pacific, alliances and allegiances have been shifting, and countries across the region have been increasingly looking to each other for support in grappling with their foreign policy challenges. As such, New Zealand policymakers have moved from a discussion of ‘balance of power’ to a ‘balance of partners’—and looking to those who are ‘like-minded’ in navigating through this complex environment together.
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Notes
- 1.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries and territories across Asia — see map on page 17 of Asia New Zealand Foundation (2019) New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples 2018 Annual Survey. https://www.asianz.org.nz/assets/Uploads/PerceptionsofAsia_2018Final_Online.pdf.
- 2.
This is one of five unofficial Regional Groups in the United Nations.
- 3.
The ‘ASEAN Way’ is characterised by an informal and personal approach that aims at conflict prevention, often not demonstrated in public. It is also important to not embarrass members or compromise their sovereignty.
- 4.
ASEAN-NZ Trade Figures as of July 2019. https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/south-east-asia/association-of-south-east-asian-nations-asean/. Accessed 7 January 2020.
- 5.
NZ Inc ASEAN Strategy. https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/nz-inc-strategies/asean-strategy. Accessed 7 January 2020.
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To, J. (2022). Navigating the ‘New Normal’: New Zealand Track II Diplomacy and the Shifting Dynamics in Asia. In: Patman, R.G., Köllner, P., Kiglics, B. (eds) From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific. Global Political Transitions. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7007-7_9
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