Anti-U.S. base protests, played out in parliaments and the streets of host nations, continue to arise in different parts of the world. In a novel approach, this book examines the impact of anti-base movements and the important role bilateral alliance relationships play in shaping movement outcomes. The author explains not only when and how anti-base movements matter, but also how host governments balance between domestic and international pressure on base-related issues. Drawing on interviews with activists, politicians, policy makers and U.S. base officials in the Philippines, Japan (Okinawa), Ecuador, Italy and South Korea, the author finds that the security and foreign policy ideas held by host government elites act as a political opportunity or barrier for anti-base movements, influencing their ability to challenge overseas U.S. basing policies.

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How do regional actors perceive South Korea's role in the Indo-Pacific? Using South Korea as a reference point, this introductory paper to the Special Issue adopts the analogy of "network structures" to examine how the network of Indo-Pacific relations shapes actors' perceptions and interactions with other states in the region. South Korea's relationship with other actors in the Indo-Pacific is not just a function of bilateral relations. It is influenced by the larger strategic environment and the dynamic relationships that exist among network actors. By analyzing the Indo-Pacific strategies of several states comparatively, we aim to better understand South Korea's role and place within the broader regional strategic network.We advocate a relational approach to understanding regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific that moves past traditional international relations paradigms.