Australia’s Great Power Catalyst?

This presentation explores the concept of middle power hybridisation, where middle powers adapt their statecraft to enhance their influence and compete with rivals. It contrasts this with great power statecraft, highlighting the ability of great powers like China to shape and resist changes in the global political economy. The presentation examines emerging geostrategic paradigms in the Indo-Pacific, including the US-led BUILD, China's Belt and Road Initiative, and India's Hindu-Pacific concept. It also discusses the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the grouping of Indo-Pacific democracies.

Policy examples include infrastructure projects, mining investments, and diplomatic initiatives, such as Australia's $2 billion fund for Pacific nations. The presentation addresses perceptions and interests in Australia, focusing on economic ties with China, strategic community views, and historical perspectives on regional control. It concludes with a discussion on Australia's potential as a great power, advocating for a realist independent foreign policy, strategic economic diversification, and increased military capability to maintain regional influence and security.