Australia’s Role in the Security System of the Indian and Pacific Oceans Region in the first half of the 2020s

Abstract

This article examines Australia’s role in the security system of the Indo-Pacific region in the first half of the 2020s. Special attention is paid to her commitment to a rules-based order. The article examines the challenges and threats that pose a risk to Australia’s national security. The country’s participation in various multilateral agreements is considered, as well as their impact on the formation of the architecture of regional security in the Islamic Republic of Iran is assessed. Special attention is paid to Australia’s main allies and its relations with China. The purpose of the study is to identify Australia’s role in the regional security system, to establish Australia’s claims to one of the leading roles in shaping the security construct of the Indo-Pacific region. The article also analyzes key regulatory legal acts defining the country’s foreign policy: White Paper on Foreign Policy 2017, National Defense: Defense Strategic Review 2023, National Defense: Defense Strategic Review 2024. The study relies on the methodology of political realism to analyze the concept of a «middle power» and its impact on Australia’s foreign policy. In addition to the realistic paradigm, elements of a liberal approach were applied to assess the role of multilateral agreements and institutions in shaping regional security, as well as social constructivism to understand how Australia actively participates in constructing ideas about security and order in the Asia-Pacific region through normative diplomacy and allied relations. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, the author comes to the conclusion that Australia plays a significant but not decisive role in maintaining security in the IT. It is emphasized that Australia’s foreign policy largely depends on the actions and strategic decisions of major powers such as the United States and China. It is noted that Australia often cannot make independent decisions without taking into account the opinions and interests of its key allies, primarily the United States. It is concluded that Australia is generally satisfied with the status of a «middle power», which allows it to focus on the policies of stronger players, in particular, adhering to the course set by the United States.