Abstract
The concept of middle powers traditionally suggests that these states seek multilateral solutions, embrace compromise in international disputes, and strive to be good international citizens. However, this paper critiques this behavioural approach as incomplete, especially considering the evolving international community, the rise of China, and the resulting structural changes in the political economy. The paper argues that the changing Indo-Pacific strategic environment serves as a catalyst for Australia to develop great power capacities. This shift is necessary for Australia to maintain its unique domestic political economy while engaging in international relations.
Currently, as a middle power, Australia lacks the independent capacity to sustain its domestic political economy. Its foreign policy is inherently influenced and interdependent. To maintain its democratic values, human rights, rules-based order, and strategic manoeuvrability, Australia must adopt a realist independent foreign policy. This includes forming regional strategic alliances and asserting its sovereignty. Economically, Australia should diversify its trade and strategically use its resources, such as leveraging its coal exports and transitioning to a nuclear-electric economy. This approach would support a mercantilist economy, enhance its strategic arms export capabilities, and accommodate high population growth.
Militarily, Australia needs to rapidly expand its capabilities, including developing nuclear deterrents and strategically using limited resources in the Southwest Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. The transition to great power behaviour involves moving beyond traditional middle power theories and embracing structural power elements that align with global narratives. Key areas for debate within Australia’s democratic system include:
1.Australian Sovereignty – Emphasizing a global reawakening of national sovereignty.
2.Organisation of Coal Exporting Countries – Navigating energy transitions.
3.Strategic Southwest Pacific and Indo-Pacific – Promoting market democracy development.
In summary, the changing Indo-Pacific strategic environment presents an opportunity for Australia to politically motivate and enable itself to develop great power capacities, ensuring the preservation of its unique domestic political economy through strategic international relations.
Currently, as a middle power, Australia lacks the independent capacity to sustain its domestic political economy. Its foreign policy is inherently influenced and interdependent. To maintain its democratic values, human rights, rules-based order, and strategic manoeuvrability, Australia must adopt a realist independent foreign policy. This includes forming regional strategic alliances and asserting its sovereignty. Economically, Australia should diversify its trade and strategically use its resources, such as leveraging its coal exports and transitioning to a nuclear-electric economy. This approach would support a mercantilist economy, enhance its strategic arms export capabilities, and accommodate high population growth.
Militarily, Australia needs to rapidly expand its capabilities, including developing nuclear deterrents and strategically using limited resources in the Southwest Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. The transition to great power behaviour involves moving beyond traditional middle power theories and embracing structural power elements that align with global narratives. Key areas for debate within Australia’s democratic system include:
1.Australian Sovereignty – Emphasizing a global reawakening of national sovereignty.
2.Organisation of Coal Exporting Countries – Navigating energy transitions.
3.Strategic Southwest Pacific and Indo-Pacific – Promoting market democracy development.
In summary, the changing Indo-Pacific strategic environment presents an opportunity for Australia to politically motivate and enable itself to develop great power capacities, ensuring the preservation of its unique domestic political economy through strategic international relations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 4 Oct 2019 |
| Event | Between Scylla and Charybdis: Is there a middle path for Middle Powers in the Indo-Pacific region? - Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 3 Oct 2019 → 5 Oct 2019 |
Conference
| Conference | Between Scylla and Charybdis: Is there a middle path for Middle Powers in the Indo-Pacific region? |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Gold Coast |
| Period | 3/10/19 → 5/10/19 |
| Other | The Conference will focus on the Middle Powers of the Indo-Pacific (countries often identified as Middle Powers comprise Australia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) and the major trading powers of the Americas – and analyse their responses to the duelling pressures of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, and Washington’s emerging Indo-Pacific Strategy. |