The Asia-Pacific Programmes major objective is to provide in-depth analysis of the various political, economic and security issues facing the region, while also stepping back from current events to develop functional and sustainable frameworks for understanding Asia-Pacific. Through IRIS, researchers can pursue their fields of study, draw on colleagues’ research in other fields and explore the intersectionality between these various points of view.

Internationally renowned expertise

The Asia-Pacific research team is recognised nationally and internationally for its work. They have been commissioned to prepare consultancy reports, research and studies on the region’s strategic issues for both public- and private-sector clients.

To help companies navigate and advance in a complex environment and grow internationally, IRIS offers a range of services and expertise that are suited to short-, medium- and long-term needs and strategies.

An in-depth expertise

With the region’s rich diversity, the IRIS Asia-Pacific Programme is organised around five thematic research areas, divided geographically:

Northeast Asia (Japan, Korean Peninsula, China, Taiwan); Southeast Asia (ASEAN countries); South Asia (Indian subcontinent); Central Asia (former Soviet republics, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Russia by extension); Intersectional issues (South Pacific, Eurasia, relationship with major powers).

IRIS has particular expertise in Asia-Pacific security and defence issues, but the Programme’s scope is wide and covers:

Political changes in the region; power dynamics and diplomatic relations; economic and social issues; questions of regional integration; military presence and the threat of conflict; resources and resource-related issues; soft-power strategies; cultural policies; America’s Asia-Pacific policy; France’s Asia-Pacific policy; connections with other major powers.

“Asia Focus”, an Asia Programmes’ Collection

The Asia-Pacific programme has developed the Asia Focus collection to disseminate it findings and share its knowledge. The collection offers analysis, interviews with experts and key figures, and commentary on major publications by French and international Asia-Pacific specialists. Its goal is to deepen our understanding of current events and to provide insight into issues currently facing the region, with a special focus on politics, security, economics, culture and social studies.