This week in Australian foreign affairs: Morrison off to DC; statements on 9/11; Payne and Dutton visit Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and India; and more.

The absence of overt conflict in Antarctica does not mean cooperation is thriving. Missing the elements of coercion and mistaking cooperation for a static concept in the Antarctic means stakeholders are at risk of strategic complacency.

Leaders of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have announced a new trilateral security pact. Their brief, though momentous, statements were notable more for what they did not say.

Over the last decade there has been considerable debate about whether the ANZUS Treaty requires Australia to maintain its reliance on US extended nuclear deterrence. This debate is complex, and there are pathways for resolving the legal tensions to which it gives rise.

Following a terrorist attack, governments often feel pressured to bring in more robust counter-terrorism measures. However, there’s little evidence to suggest New Zealand’s new counter-terrorism bill will work, and a real risk that it will cause more harm than good.

Indonesia’s presidential election is over two years away, but the candidates and political parties are gearing up. Most of the candidates are civilians, but some are aspiring retired military candidates. 

For Russia and China, the pandemic provided an opportunity to showcase their scientific prowess and build geopolitical influence in developing countries. Vaccine sales abroad also promised a financial bonanza for Chinese and Russian pharmaceutical companies.

A supposed “100 years of mateship” has seen the US and Australia fight every major war together since 1918. However, the ANZUS Treaty has only been formally invoked once – in the days after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

David Brophy's new book, China Panic, offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the deterioration of Australia’s relations with China. By challenging many old shibboleths, he offers much food for thought for salvaging this critical relationship. 

Also discussed in this episode: US alliance at 70 and ministerial meetings.