The latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the challenges confronting South-East Asia as it finds itself at the epicentre of the rivalry between the United States and China.

Our Unstable Neighbourhood looks at the fragile state of democracy and the growing threat of instability in the region, as well as the risks for Australia as it navigates ties with nations which have vastly differing interests and outlooks.

·   Allan Gyngell on whether Australia’s diplomacy in the region is working

·   Nicole Curato on democracy troubles in South-East Asia

·   Kishore Mahbubani on why South-East Asia views China so differently to Australia

·   Sebastian Strangio on China’s deepening regional footprint 

·   Award-winning writer Richard Cooke on foreign policy jargon

PLUS correspondence on AFA14: The Taiwan Choice