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Australia sits in the South Pacific as a far East bastion of the West. As a strategic actor in this region, and since gaining independence, its relationship with the United States as a military ally and arms provider has placed it in a powerful position in the region. In the era of competition in the South China Sea and gradually increasing tensions over Taiwan, Australia has emerged as a powerful player with significant stakes in the game. Recently, Australia’s military and economic relationship with the United States has taken considerable steps, with implications from Canberra to Beijing to Washington and beyond. How has Australia’s international presence evolved since the Second World War? How does it prioritize its own interests against those of the United States? Who are its key partners? In what ways does Australia factor into the geopolitical dynamics of the South China Sea? Does Australia stand a chance to shoulder a considerable amount of burden from the U.S. in this theater?
Today we're joined by Dr. Michael Green, Professor and Chief Executive Officer at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney and Former Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Senior Director for Asia.
