By Arpita Sharma
Geopolitics is the struggle for space and power played out in a geopolitical setting
A Classic case can be seen right now in the emerging world of geopolitics & international politics where different groups and like-minded countries from across the world tied together from time to time to form symbol of power or dominance in the outer globe. But problem arises when these groups or blocks face serious situations from their surroundings and neighbouring countries resulting in the need for taking a firm decision for existence; a very similar situation as faced by major international organisations that are currently in operation today.
Australia and QUAD – A Tightrope
Australia is currently facing a crunch situation between QUAD and its growing relationship with China. QUAD which stands for ‘quadrilateral security dialogue’, is a group formed between India, USA, Japan and Australia to ensure free and fair Indo-Pacific trade and security realm. QUAD’s idea was first formulated by late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However at that time, insufficient efforts and attention was devoted to this concept.
However, as time passed and the global landscape evolved, the above-mentioned idea gradually began to materialise, starting in 2017. Ultimately, following an intense trade war between China and the United States of America, which heightened tensions between the two nations, and reaching a critical juncture post the coronavirus pandemic, all these factors culminated in the establishment of this group in 2019. The group has since convened yearly meetings among its members, facilitating discussions and the formulation of various policy-related decisions.
The main agenda of this group was to decrease the influence of China’s aggressive economic development policies leading to debt trap of various countries situated in the Indo-Pacific region. However, forthcoming events turned out to be challenging due to the recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to China which resulted in revival of bilateral relations between the countries.
Australia came to this decision after the recent remarks of the USA to fund both the Russia-Ukraine and Israel- Hamas conflicts which eventually raised concerns over power domination of the superpowers. Australia, traditionally considered the weakest link among the QUAD countries, now finds itself needing to navigate from both ends to address its geopolitical requirements. All eyes are on India for the QUAD 2024 summit, as it is set to host the event and is actively pursuing the participation of QUAD leaders as chief guests for the 2024 Republic Day parade.
Time will reveal how the QUAD and its member nations will address this imminent challenge, unveiling what the year 2024 holds for this international coalition.
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