This report provides an insight into the domestic and international economic, political and policy environment, giving policymakers and organisations an insight into the operating environment in the year to come.

Drawing upon the lessons of region-building efforts elsewhere, this paper calls for a greater emphasis in Australian foreign policy on community building in Asia. It explores the challenges of building a stronger ‘community’ in the Asia-Pacific, using a ‘comparative regionalism’ approach. The report outlines five strategies for policymakers.