Topics
AUKUS
Announced in September 2021, the Australia-UK-United States security agreement has two pillars. Pillar I will see Australia acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Pillar II will drive trilateral cooperation on advanced technologies for national security including AI, hypersonic, quantum, undersea and cyber.
Allies and partners
Evolving partnerships like the Quad, AUKUS, and the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue with Japan add further depth to the US-Australia alliance. Ensuring that these minilateral relationships keep pace with developments in their constituent bilateral partnerships is essential for Australian strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
China
As the risks of a Taiwan invasion increase, China-relations continue to be front-of-mind for foreign policy decisions across the region. From de-risking supply chains to understanding the underperforming growth in the Chinese economy, the US and regional relationships with China are increasing in complexity and importance.
Climate change
Climate change is playing an increasing role in US politics and foreign policy. In 2023 President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese agreed to extend the Australia-US alliance to include a "third pillar" on climate change and technology.
Defence
After two decades of cooperation in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific has once again become the centre of gravity for Australia-US defence cooperation. Canberra and Washington are pursuing a cooperative regional strategy with renewed purpose, driven by the concept of “integrated deterrence” discussed in the 2022 US National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. However, lingering regulatory and political hurdles to deeper integration must be addressed if the Alliance is to be fully modernised for a new strategic era in Asia.
Foreign policy
The relationship between the United States and any other country has implications across the globe. Foreign policy spans diplomacy including Australian and regional US diplomatic engagement, climate and clean energy cooperation, regional institutions, aid and development.
Technology
Emerging technology is changing all aspect of society and the United States is leading the way. From the impacts of AI on the workplace to disinformation campaigns, not just understanding the latest developments, but assessing ethical and practical ramifications is key.
The Quad
The Australia, India, Japan and United States Quadrilateral security partnership was revitalised as tensions grew in the Indo-Pacific. Spanning everything from maritime domain awareness to climate change, these four countries are strengthening ties as they seek to take a whole-of-region approach to addressing challenges in the region.
Trade and economics
From the US Inflation Reduction Act to economic coercion by China, rapidly evolving economic threats and opportunities are playing an increasingly important role in US engagement on the global stage.
US politics
From US presidential elections to Supreme Court rulings, the eyes of the world are fixated on US democracy, the great experiment.
Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised alarms around the world and countries around the Indo-Pacific quickly saw the regional ramifications. The United States led on both sanctions and sending military aid to Ukraine, but now the subject is becoming fiercely political as countries consider the United States’ staying power.