As FDI’s newest research portfolio, the South and West Asia Programme aims to enhance Australia’s understanding of the geopolitical dynamics of both regions. The programme also analyses how both these regions are likely to affect Australia’s vital national interests, now and into the future.

Both South and West Asia are of critical importance to global security and stability. They share similar issues of significance, such as serious political instability, religious and ethnic conflicts, the prevalence of numerous insurgent and terrorist groups, growing food and water scarcity and population pressures.

South Asia is the world’s most densely populated geographic region, containing 1.5 billion people, or one-fifth of the world's population. In addition, South Asia contains the Indian Ocean Region’s two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, which are also historic adversaries. Indeed, the spectre of major conflict is an ever-present fear that overshadows the region’s geopolitics.

Similarly, the criticality of West Asia to the world economy lies in its vast energy reserves and strategically important sea lanes that facilitate much of the world’s seaborne trade.

The Indian Ocean links South and West Asia, extends down the African east coast, and west to Australia and the key access routes to Southeast Asia and beyond. 

These two regions will assume increasing importance to Australia’s future interests.

Sergei has extensive background in analysis and journalism emphasising security, defence and geopolitical issues relating to Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.

His research has been published widely and has appeared in the Australian Financial Review, Resource Stocks, The Diplomat, The Australian, Harvard International Review, The West Australian, Jane’s Defence Weekly, Jane’s Navy International, Jane’s Intelligence Review, Jane’s Intelligence Weekly, Naval Forces, Defense News, Force, South Asia Defence and Strategic Review, Asia Defence News, Defence Today, Policy, Asia Pacific Defence Reporter, Defence Review Asia, Australian Defence Magazine and The Interpreter.

He has previously worked as a Senior Interviewer for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs sponsored Australians at War Film Archive, and has appeared as a current affairs commentator on television and radio programmes such as the 7.30 Report, Australia Network, Discovery Channel, ABC Radio Australia – Asia Pacific and Late Night Live with Philip Adams on Radio National.

Sergei is also a regular presenter at the Australian Defence College on Indian Ocean geopolitics, including defence and security issues. He has also presented talks at Safeguarding Australia, Royal United Services Institute (ACT Chapter), and the Special Forces Training Centre at Holsworthy.

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Afghanistan: The Old-New Geopolitical Blackhole

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