“These are anxious times. Not since early 1942 have Australians felt so in need of allies, yet been so unsure of their major ally … Canberra is eagerly, even desperately, looking for new protectors.” HUGH WHITE

The tenth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the alliances, blocs and rivalries emerging across the Asia-Pacific as nations adjust to the changing balance of power.

Friends, Allies and Enemies considers Australia’s diplomatic options as loyalties shift in an increasingly turbulent region.

• Hugh White argues that Australia’s plan for countering Chinese ambitions – building new alliances in Asia – is destined to fail.


• Rory Medcalf considers the potential of multilateral forums such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.


• Karen Middleton examines how foreign aid and diplomacy can strengthen ties with our neighbours.


• Patrick Lawrence calls on Australia to bid farewell to US influence in the Asia-Pacific and embrace an Asian-led regional order.


• Allan Behm proposes a bold new Pacific aid donors’ conference led by Australia.


• Primrose Riordan details the rapacious effects of China’s new security law in Hong Kong.


• Timothy J. Lynch examines the challenges ahead for the United States.


• Renée Fry-McKibbin surveys capitalism’s failure in the midst of COVID-19.


• Sophie Chao reports on the West Papuan struggle for independence.


• PLUS Correspondence on AFA9: Spy vs Spy from John Hewson, Jenny McAllister, Lesley Seebeck and more.