Indonesia's Ascent

As Indonesia's economy grows, it is increasingly being referred to as a rising middle power and there is mounting speculation that Indonesia might eventually join the ranks of Asia's great powers. Regardless of just how far Indonesia will rise, its government and the will of its people will become increasingly influential in terms of its regional leadership and the values and the norms Jakarta espouses. What are the domestic opportunities and constraints that inform Indonesia's rise and how will various domestic contexts affect Indonesia's foreign policy and the values it espouses? This volume provides a timely analysis of the key opportunities and challenges associated with Indonesia's ascent, both at the domestic and transnational levels. The contributors explore a range of issues including Indonesia's economic resources, political institutions, identity and independence, as well as Jakarta's regional relations, leadership and the exercise of hard and soft power. Examining the likely directions for Indonesian foreign policy following the election of President Joko Widodo in 2014, this collection offers an assessment of the potential trajectory of Indonesia's future.