Australia-New Zealand and Southeast Asia Relations: An Agenda for Closer Cooperation

This timely report by two specialists on Asia-Pacific affairs at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore surveys the history of links between Australia-New Zealand and ASEAN, assesses the current state of relations between the two regions, and recommends ways to strengthen ties. With the leaders of ANZ and Southeast Asia to meet at the ASEAN summit in Laos on 30 November 2004, for the first time since 1977, ISEAS commissioned the report to find out whether there was a firm basis for reinvigorating the ANZ-Southeast Asia relationship and, if so, to make proposals that might interest policy-makers. This report finds that despite past differences and periodic setbacks, the relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia has become increasingly solid and multi-faceted, as successive Australian, New Zealand and Southeast Asian governments have taken steps since the early 1970s to facilitate mutual ties and interaction in a wide range of areas. What is most striking is that in recent years much of the real substance in the relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia has developed without the direct assistance or guidance of governments as private business, education and travel have mushroomed. From being largely government-fostered in the 1970s, the links between the two regions have become more broadly based and oriented towards closer contacts between people. This is the "soft power" of the new relationship between ANZ and Southeast Asia.-- Provided by publisher

From China to Facebookistan, the Internet has transformed global commerce. A cyber-law expert argues that we must free Internet trade while simultaneously protecting consumers.

On the ancient Silk Road, treasure-laden caravans made their arduous way through deserts and mountain passes, establishing trade between Asia and the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Today’s electronic Silk Roads ferry information across continents, enabling individuals and corporations anywhere to provide or receive services without obtaining a visa. But the legal infrastructure for such trade is yet rudimentary and uncertain. If an event in cyberspace occurs at once everywhere and nowhere, what law applies? How can consumers be protected when engaging with companies across the world?

In this accessible book, cyber-law expert Anupam Chander provides the first thorough discussion of the law that relates to global Internet commerce. Addressing up-to-the-minute examples, such as Google’s struggles with China, the Pirate Bay’s skirmishes with Hollywood, and the outsourcing of services to India, the author insightfully analyzes the difficulties of regulating Internet trade. Chander then lays out a framework for future policies, showing how countries can dismantle barriers while still protecting consumer interests.

CONTENTS FOREWORD THE AUTHORS INTRODUCTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND TO AN EVOLVING ASEAN-ANZ RELATIONSHIP SHARED PERCEPTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDIX. Australia-New Zealand Leadership Forum Inaugural Meeting in Wellington, 14–16 May 2004