Unlikely allies? Australia, Indonesia and the strategic cultures of middle powers

Abstract

Australia and Indonesia are two very different countries with little in common other than geography. Their distinctive histories, cultures and identities have meant that the bilateral relationship has often been difficult and characterized by frequent misunderstandings and uncertainty. As close neighbors, however, they have had little option other than to try to make the best of their historical circumstances. This paper analyses the different strategic cultures, policies and perspectives that have emerged in both countries. We argue that despite their differences, the current international order offers an opportunity for "middle powers" to play a more prominent role-if they can recognize their mutual interests and potential as members of a region of growing international importance.

A Traumatic Relationship: The United States and Indonesia–Russian Relationship

“…Some authors have looked at Indonesian military strategic culture, notably its army and navy, as the reference point in understanding Indonesian strategic culture itself (Anwar, 1996; Arif & Kurniawan, 2017; Sulaiman, 2019). Others also look at how the history of discourse of nationalism and Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy have impacts on Indonesian foreign policy (Beeson et al, 2021; Dharmaputra et al, 2019; Sulaiman, 2016). Essentially, discourse regarding Indonesia’s policy towards Russia’s invasion on Ukraine should be seen from the context of Indonesian strategic culture, where there are several important elements in play, notably the independent and active foreign policy and how its history shaped its perception.…”

Approaches to Indonesia's Foreign Policy: Area Studies, FPA Theory, and Global IR

“…The middle power diplomacy of Indonesia and other regional states creates a security environment in which a rules-based order is its central infrastructure, and cooperative diplomacy is its most favored approach (Abbondanza, 2022;Emmers & Teo, 2015;Ping, 2017). However, the middle power concept is confined to the extent that domestic politics, historical legacy, and strategic culture can interrupt the state's stable external relations (Beeson, Bloomfield, & Wicaksana, 2021). Indonesia's democratization provides an interesting arena in which foreign policy can be studied differently from Sukarno's and Suharto's regimes.…”

Anticipating The Return of Foreign Terrorist Fighters: Indonesia-Australia’s Initiative on Sub-Regional Meetings on Counterterrorism

“…Although Indonesia-Australia has frequently dealt with crises that disrupt their mutual relationship, it is not always the case that their bilateral relationship has been in a state of feud and enmity. They are essential to middle powers in the Asia Pacific, a volatile region characterized by geopolitical competition and the destabilizing impacts of great powers' influences (Beeson et al, 2020). Potentials for interstate conflicts, civil wars, threats of violent extremism and terrorism, transnational crime, and anxiety over China's dominance in the region become the backdrops for the two neighbors' willingness to build trust and pursue common interests.…”

“…Likewise, Australia is dealing with a foreign policy dilemma. Today, Australia maintains its alliance with the US as "the great and powerful friend" to ensure its security interest (Beeson et al, 2020). At the same time, Australia has high economic dependence on China as it is its largest trading partner.…”