World politics in the twenty-first century represents a complex arena characterised by a diversity of paradigms. These paradigms entail a dynamic interplay of conventional and newer ways of engagement. Today, the globalising world witnesses newer imaginations of space and interactions where state actors continue to enjoy a preeminent status, adopting policies based on imaginations of space in terms of connectivity and gateways while maintaining their territorial integrity. They devise a whole array of mechanisms to define, redefine and secure their interests as well as elevate their aspirations of assuming newer responsibilities and bigger roles. What we witness today is dynamic endeavours by the states to hold on to and amplify their traditional roles and carving out newer contours of forging and consolidating relationships in the global framework of international relations. This also leads to the construction of new geo-strategic and economic hotspots. This complex interplay of the traditional and the newer interactions creates both synergies and discord. The Indo-Pacific represents such a hotspot in contemporary world politics, and Indias engagement with Southeast Asia is a significant area of interest therein. 2024 Taylor & Francis.
