What impact might Canberra and Washington's close relationship have on Australia's future?

Résumé du document

The world has witnessed rampant changes at a faster pace ever since the end of the Cold War. The beginning of the 21st century illustrates and highlights this idea of quick changes. Thus, changes in terms of increased terrorism, the new American foreign policy and the rise of China are few examples which illustrate the turbulence and agitation of international relations. Further, the ties between nations are increasing in complex environments and changes are occurring more rapidly than in the past. Consequently, it is difficult to predict the future and make assumptions as guarantees are non-existent. This is mainly due to the uncertain economic cycle (upswing or downswing movements). The context of rapid changes within the international scene constitutes a challenge for Australia. The challenge begins with the role that Australia as a middle power is expected to play, and how would this role be played to the best of its ability?
This essay aims to discuss the relation between Australia and the United States and the extreme closeness that characterizes it. The first important point to be noted is that the United States is a great power and Australia on the other hand is a potential middle power.

Extraits

[...] Therefore, Australia has to be more independent vis-à-vis the United States, to be able to act like a middle power, protecting its own interests in the region. Obviously, the perfect situation for Australia would be a well-balanced status between a close relationship with the United States and some growing economic ties with China. But what if the United States and China become politically and strategically increasingly divergent? How could Australia manage its foreign and strategic policy between its western ally and the new promising power of Asia? [...]

[...] This event shows that Australian foreign policy and decisions are strongly influenced by the United States. And that even though the decision first concerns Australia and its ties in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia still needs prior authorizations from the United States before to act. But as explained at the beginning of this essay, Australia and the United States have divergent objectives and it is time for Australia to assume it. For all these reasons, the American influence seems excessive on Australian foreign decision. [...]

[...] Thus, a great power is able to influence the international scene, and its ideas and opinions are most of the time strongly taken into consideration by the rest of the world. Likewise, other countries consult most of the time the great power before a diplomatic or military action. A great power is strongly characterized by its means to intervene with its military force in almost all the places of the globe. Finally, the great power is able to distinguish itself by its soft and cultural power. [...]

[...] Thus, with its large land and its small population, Australia needs a security ally able to provide military force. So, the military and security field is the main argument for the United States being considerably important to Australia. In comparison, the United States appreciates that Australia offers its strong cooperative support to fight terrorism, its free trade, and a regional support in Asia (Tow 2005). Indeed, Australia is able to show devotion and combat aside the United States in order to fight international terrorism. [...]

[...] The context has evolved and considerably changed as the threats of 1951 have disappeared, but the treaty remains intact without any updates. And it is also surprising that the treaty relative to the security issues between the United States and Australia contains only 800 words, which seems a little bit too succinct (Woolcott 2005) The ANZUS system seems to wedge Australia with obligations she would rather prefer to avoid in the case it would lead to an Australian intervention over a conflict between the United States and China. The existence of this treaty today is an issue for Australia. [...]