Indonesias Regional and Global Engagement: Role Theory and State Transformation in Foreign Policy

Karim examines the changes and continuity of Indonesias foreign policy in the post-authoritarian era, under presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo.

Indonesia conceptualised and aimed to adopt four principle roles after 2004 being a voice for developing countries; being a regional leader; being an advocate for democratic and human rights; and being a bridge-builder. These roles, however, were by no means stable and were constantly being negotiated and contested. Karim analyses the contested nature of Indonesian foreign policy and the limits this places on consistency in enacting these roles. He highlights two drivers for such limitations conflicting role conceptions and state fragmentation. He develops this argument based on four case studies of Indonesias engagement in human rights governance and trade governance at both regional and global levels.

Essential reading for students and scholars of Indonesias foreign policy, that will also be of substantial value to those studying policy in Southeast Asia more broadly.