Australia-US Alliance and Strategic Geometry in the Indo-Pacific Region: An Evaluation

Authors

  • Ashok Sharma Adjunct Faculty, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, and Deputy Chair, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Auckland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12724/ajss.43.3

Keywords:

US-Australia relations, Indo-Pacific region, strategic relations, Defence White Papers, FONOPS

Abstract

The 21st Century is witnessing a significant change in the strategic landscape. The US hegemonic power that provided the stability for almost seven decades is in relative decline. Over the past decade, amidst the receding hegemonic status of the US, nation states, and especially the rising powers, are reformulating their foreign policy to reposition themselves in the strategic transformation by enhancing their defence capabilities, asserting militarily and forming countervailing alliances. Countries such as China, Russia, France and Germany, have challenged U.S. unilateralism in the United Nations and other forums such as NATO, whenever their interests have not converged with the United States. This receding trend of hegemonic influence is visible in the Kosovo crisis, Iraq war, and recently in the Ukrainian and Syrian crisis.

Author Biography

Ashok Sharma, Adjunct Faculty, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, and Deputy Chair, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Auckland

Adjunct Faculty, The University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, and Deputy Chair, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Auckland, New Zealand.

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Published

2017-10-01