In 1974, Australia became the first dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and then the regional grouping’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in 2021. This paper explores the key lessons from this history relevant to European diplomats, policy-makers and analysts, with reflections on the creation of a strong, shared culture of ASEAN-Australia diplomatic engagement.
This chapter will delve into the rationale behind the many bilateral and multilateral, often overlapping frameworks among the member states of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as those suggested by supranational bodies. Given the very nature of the Indo-Pacific and its ever-changing definition, the focus is on how the narrative is understood, exploited, and at times manipulated by non-Asian actors in order to gain leverage on the individual states.
In recent years, the international liberal order has undergone significant changes. In this context of extreme fluidity and unpredictability, two opposing camps have emerged. The first is led by the current US administration and opts for a “positional grand strategy” focused on deterring China. The other camp, which includes the EU and other like-minded countries, has a different “philosophy of security”.
