The Indo-Pacific Mosaic:
Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

As part of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 30th Anniversary, the Center created this publication, “The Indo-Pacific Mosaic: Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” to capture the essence of its three decades of dedication to building a more secure and collaborative Indo-Pacific region. This book explores the Center’s unique approach to fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse nations, highlighting its enduring impact on regional security. It serves as both a retrospective of past achievements and a roadmap for future endeavors, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security and collective action in addressing the evolving challenges of the Indo-Pacific.

Message from the Editor

The Indo-Pacific is a region of unparalleled complexity and significance, where the challenges of our time demand innovative, inclusive, and cooperative approaches. The Indo-Pacific Mosaic brings together the perspectives of 27 distinguished experts to address pressing issues ranging from maritime disputes and climate change to great power competition and societal resilience.

This book is more than a collection of insights; it is a call to action for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to embrace the power of collaboration and the agency of all regional actors. As editor, it has been my privilege to work alongside such remarkable contributors to present this volume, which I hope will serve as a valuable resource in building a more secure and prosperous future for the Indo-Pacific.

Dr. James M. Minnich
Editor, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic

Contributors

Colonel Ryan C. Agee, born in New Zealand and raised in southern California, began his military career with a commission in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the California Maritime Academy. Transitioning to the U.S. Army, he became a career Special Forces Officer regionally aligned to the Indo-Pacific. A combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, he has deployed globally in support of various partners and allies. Colonel Agee holds a Master’s in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and was an Army War College Fellow at DKI APCSS from 2023-2024.

Dr. Ethan Allen, who holds a Ph.D. in Systems and Integrative Biology from the Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, has been a professor at DKI APCSS since 2019. With a geographical focus on Oceania, he concentrates on environmental, climate, and water security, the science-technology-security interface, and learning. Earlier, he led science programs at Pacific Resources for Education and Learning, nurturing regional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. He has also promoted our common, deep connections to STEM through an internet television program.

Anny Barlow is a U.S.-based consultant specializing in international maritime security, with a diverse background as a commercial fisherman, business risk mitigation professional, and marine scientist. She holds a BS in Oceanography from Hawai'i Pacific University and dual Master’s degrees in Marine Affairs and International Studies from the University of Washington, where she focused on combating labor abuses in fisheries. Ms. Barlow further expanded her expertise through a DKI APCSS research fellowship, exploring how labor abuses at sea intersect with broader maritime security threats.

Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd is a leading authority on Myanmar security. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and professor at DKI APCSS, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her Burmese heritage and extensive experience in military and academic spheres. Dr. Byrd’s influence extends to the highest levels of international discourse, as demonstrated by her recent briefings to Japan’s Upper House and lectures at Tokyo University. A passionate advocate for democracy and stability in Myanmar, she is a vital voice in shaping global engagement with the country. She holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California and a master’s from the University of Hawaii.

Dr. Jiahan Cao is a senior researcher at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), specializing in geopolitics, energy, and environmental security. Since 2011, his research has focused on energy and climate security, particularly in China-U.S. energy and climate diplomacy. In 2017, Dr. Cao completed the Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCM-17-1) program at DKI APCSS. He currently co-hosts a Track 2 dialogue on “Strategic Competition and Cooperation: Geopolitics and the Pursuit of Environmental Security” in collaboration with Climate and Environmental Security, LLC.

Elliot Joseph Fox is a researcher specializing in the intersection of strategy and emerging technologies, focusing on space technology, artificial intelligence, military theory, and conflict monitoring. He holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawai'i Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from San Francisco State University. Mr. Fox previously worked in the alumni outreach department and as a regional security studies intern at DKI APCSS, where he gained valuable insights into security cooperation and strategic policy development.

Peter M. Haymond is a U.S. Ambassador who led the U.S. Embassy in Laos from January 2020 to September 2023. In September 2023, he joined DKI APCSS as a Senior Diplomatic Fellow. Previously, Ambassador Haymond served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Thailand from 2016 to 2019. His other notable positions include Director of the Office of Chinese and Mongolian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu, China.

Dr. J. Scott Hauger is a seasoned researcher and professor with over 45 years of experience in science, technology, and policy. Since 2004, he has focused on climate change and environmental security. Upon retiring from DKI APCSS as a professor of environmental security in 2021, he founded Climate and Environmental Security, LLC. His recent projects include advising USINDOPACOM’s Climate Change Impacts Program, studying sand and dust storms in Mongolia, and co-hosting a Track 2 dialogue on “Strategic Competition and Cooperation: Geopolitics and Environmental Security” with the SongYun Forum of the Shanghai Institute for International Strategic Studies (SIIS).

Dr. Lami Kim an expert on nuclear nonproliferation and Northeast Asia security, is a professor at DKI APCSS. Her research has been published in leading journals like The Washington Quarterly and policy platforms, including Foreign Policy and War on the Rocks, and featured in prominent media outlets such as The Washington Post, Time, and Wall Street Journal. Dr. Kim’s career includes Associate Professorship at the U.S. Army War College, research fellowships at Harvard’s Belfer Center and the Wilson Center, and service as a South Korean diplomat. She holds a Ph.D. from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a master’s degree from Harvard University.

Dr. Elizabeth Kunce, a Professor at DKI APCSS, is a leader in fostering trust and integrity within the information environment, with a focus on crisis management and digital resilience. She plays a vital role in countering digital threats and strengthening societal resilience. With over 25 years’ experience bridging civilian and security sectors across varied crises—ranging from race relations to international humanitarian efforts—her work ensures safe, trustworthy information spaces. Dr. Kunce holds an MPA from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, positioning her as a key architect in this field.

Dr. Scott D. McDonald, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Georgia and a Non-Resident Fellow at DKI APCSS. Before earning his Ph.D. in international relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, he completed a 24-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps. In addition to tours as an armor officer, he was a China Foreign Area Officer and learned Mandarin Chinese. This specialty led to diplomatic tours at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, and the American Institute in Taiwan in Taipei, Taiwan; operational and strategic tours focused on the Indo-Pacific; and a tour as Military Professor at DKI APCSS.

Dr. James M. Minnich, Colonel, U.S. Army (ret), is a Professor at DKI APCSS and an expert in Korean security studies, bringing 43 years of distinguished service with the Department of Defense. Dr Minnich’s extensive regional expertise is showcased through his authorship of The Denuclearization of North Korea and The North Korean People’s Army, along with numerous book chapters and articles. He also hosts Dialogue, a bi-weekly program featuring insightful discussions with security experts. Dr. Minnich earned his doctorate from the University of Southern California and a master’s from Harvard University. His proficiency in Korean affairs is further enhanced by his studies at Sogang University’s Korean Language Institute, Korea Army College, and Korea National Defense University.

Andreea Mosila is a Doctoral Candidate in Global Security at American Public University and a Fulbright Scholar in Romania. Her research focuses on space security, climate change security risks in river deltas, and non-traditional security threats in island nations. She holds degrees in Space Studies (BS), Political Science (MA), and Aeronautics (MS). Ms. Mosila is a visiting practitioner at DKI APCSS, working on developing a space security curriculum. Her ultimate goal is to strengthen the bridge between science and global governance, which is critical for addressing the climate crisis effectively.

Dr. Sam Mullins is a professor at DKI APCSS, specializing in counter-terrorism, irregular warfare, and gray zone competition. Prior to joining DKI APCSS in 2019, he spent seven years at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, shaping the education of over a thousand security professionals worldwide. Dr. Mullins holds a PhD in counterterrorism and has presented his research to prominent agencies, including the FBI and NATO. He is the author of two books on Islamist terrorism and serves on the editorial boards of leading terrorism journals.

Divya Rai is a Research Associate at the Delhi Policy Group (DPG), specializing in Indo-Pacific Maritime Geo-strategies of regional and extra-regional powers and regional architectures (multilateral, minilateral, and trilateral) within the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on India’s role. Ms. Rai has previously worked with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Maritime Research Centre (MRC), Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), and Raisina House, a youth-led think-tank (India). Her expertise includes maritime security, regional connectivity, and economic architecture. She has published widely on these topics in both digital and print media.

Rachelle Rodriguez is a Ph.D. student at Harvard University, studying global history with a regional specialization in Oceania. Her research examines the 20th-century development of international norms such as state sovereignty and self-determination. Before her doctoral studies, Ms. Rodriguez was the Fellows Project Coordinator at DKI APCSS, where she engaged graduates in completing security-related longitudinal projects, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustained impact on regional security initiatives. She graduated with Honors in International Relations from Stanford University in 2023.

Dr. Denny Roy, Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, has been a Senior Fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu since 2007. Before this, he was a professor at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Dr. Roy specializes in security issues in the Asia-Pacific region and is the author of Return of the Dragon: Rising China and Regional Security (Columbia University Press, 2013), along with numerous articles in academic journals and foreign affairs media.

Dr. Joanna Siekiera, PhD, is an international lawyer and legal advisor specializing in legal warfare (lawfare). Dr. Siekiera is an Assistant Professor at War Studies University in Warsaw, Poland, a consultant in NATO, and a Fellow at the U.S. Marine Corps University. Dr. Siekiera did her doctoral studies on Pacific regionalism at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and completed postdoctoral research on legal consequences of ocean change in Oceania at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her expertise encompasses the law of armed conflict (legal culture), maritime security, and Pacific law, making significant contributions to the understanding and development of legal standards in these areas.

Dr. Srini Sitaraman is a Professor at DKI APCSS, specializing in South Asia and India-China relations. He authored State Participation in International Treaty Regimes (2009) and contributes to global discourse on international security through his research on emerging technologies, economics and security, and non-traditional security issues. Previously a tenured Associate Professor at Clark University, he directed the award-winning Model UN Program. Dr. Sitaraman holds degrees in Economics and International Relations and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His insights have appeared in top journals and major media outlets worldwide.

Dr. Kevin D. Stringer, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), is a Lecturer at the University of Northwestern Switzerland and Chair of Education for the U.S. Irregular Warfare Center. With 30 years of commissioned military service, including as a foreign area officer in U.S. special operations, he previously taught at the U.S. Army War College. Dr. Stringer holds a Ph.D. in International Affairs from the University of Zurich and an MA from Boston University. He was a distinguished West Point and the U.S. Army War College graduate. In 2005, he was a Visiting Research Fellow at the East-West Center.

Saumya Sampath is an international security specialist and implementer for the U.S. Department of State with Hive International, a U.S. consulting firm that provides foreign technical assistance. Her diverse experiences in international security and public policy include research on South and West Asia security at DKI APCSS and cyberterrorism simulations at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism in Israel. Ms. Sampath holds a Master’s in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School and a Bachelor’s in International Affairs and Digital Marketing from FLAME University, India.

Shyam Tekwani is a Professor at DKI APCSS, specializing in the Global South with a focus on India and the security dynamics of South Asia. With over 35 years in journalism and academia, his research explores the media’s role in conflict, especially online propaganda’s influence on insurgencies. His work spans new media, conflict reporting, and security reforms. Mr. Tekwani holds degrees from Visva-Bharati University and the Maryland Institute College of Art, and he has authored works like Media and Conflict Reporting in Asia (2008) and Online Networks of Terrorist Groups (2007). He is completing Serendip to Sri Lanka on the Tamil Tigers and Sri Lanka’s ethnic war.

Roxanne Turner is an accomplished professional with over 14 years of experience advancing women’s inclusion globally. She specializes in developing and assessing programs while fostering relationships with governments and organizations. A Women, Peace, and Security advocate, she serves as a curriculum developer and trainer for the U.S. Joint Staff J5 Mobile Training Team. Previously, she was a Research Fellow at DKI APCSS. As founder of One World Today, she mentors Ugandan women and girls, making over 20 trips since 2007. She holds advanced degrees from Seton Hall University and USC Rossier School of Education.

Madison Urban is a Risk Analyst at Systems Planning and Analysis, pursuing a Master of Arts International Security at George Mason University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Peace, War, and Defense from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Previously, she was an analyst at the Irregular Warfare Center, contracted from Valens Global. Her research focuses on strategic competition, non-state actors, and economic statecraft and has been published in Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, The RUSI Journal, Lawfare, and by the Irregular Warfare Center and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Dr. Bill Wieninger, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, is a professor at DKI APCSS specializing in Weapons of Mass Destruction, deterrence, missile defense, and security sector development. His expertise extends to cyber security, energy security, Indonesian politics, and Women, Peace, and Security. He earned his Ph.D. from McGill University in 2004 and has taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Defense Nuclear Weapons School. Dr. Wieninger’s broad academic interests and teaching experience enhance his contributions to the security discourse.

Dr. Chen Xue is a Research Fellow at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) and a council member of the Shanghai Society for People’s Friendship Studies (SSPFS), affiliated with the Shanghai Municipal Government. Since joining SIIS in 1994, Dr. Xue has focused on strategic and security studies related to China’s periphery, particularly the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. He earned his Ph.D. from Fudan University in 2012 and has participated in U.S. Department of State programs, including as a presenter at the Symposium of Northeast Asia Security (SNEAS) and as a participant in the 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Dr. Xue is an alumnus of the Advanced Security Cooperation (ASC 16-1) course at DKI APCSS, Hawaii.