This course is concerned with the geographical context underlying contemporary strategic issues in the Australian neighbourhood. It begins by addressing the implications of such matters as the pattern of landforms, oceans and islands within Australia's strategic sphere and the dynamics and diversity of terrain form and land cover. The course then takes in a range of contemporary geographical issues including urbanisation, poverty and rural development in SE Asia, resource development and management, the current and potential impact of regional environmental issues, and migration. The course will include discussion of broad issues and specific case studies at a range of geographical scales and through a diversity of geographical approaches.