Navigating Troubled Waters: Opportunities and Challenges for Australia in the Indo-Pacific Century

Australia is a significant yet contested actor in the Indo-Pacific region, whose new Labor government is presented with substantial opportunities but also significant challenges. These include deteriorating relations with China, strategic if polarising alignment with the United States and its regional allies, and undervalued ties with ASEAN, South Pacific and select European countries. If strengthened, such untapped relationship potential could boost Australia's declining soft power capabilities and improve both its image and outreach in the Indo-Pacific, without requiring any strategic distancing from Washington.