Open Letter: Australia's Independent Foreign Policy Needed

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it is with a sense of profound responsibility and deep concern for Australia’s future that we, a collective of former Australian diplomats, address you today. Our years of service have been dedicated to representing and advancing Australia’s interests on the global stage, witnessing firsthand the complexities and nuances of international relations. We are writing to you to express our growing unease about the current trajectory of Australia’s foreign policy, particularly in its increasing alignment with the United States, and to advocate for a more independent and balanced approach that truly serves Australia’s national interests.

In this open letter, we aim to articulate our perspectives on several critical issues shaping Australia’s foreign policy landscape. We believe it is essential to foster a national conversation about the direction our country is heading and to ensure that Australia’s voice remains distinct and respected in the international arena. Our primary concern is that an overreliance on a single strategic partner, even one as close as the United States, can limit Australia’s ability to act in its own best interests and potentially draw us into conflicts that do not directly threaten our security. Therefore, we urge your government to consider a recalibration of Australia’s foreign policy, one that prioritizes diplomatic solutions, regional engagement, and a commitment to international law.

This letter is not intended as a critique of past decisions but rather as a constructive contribution to the ongoing dialogue about Australia’s place in the world. The challenges we face today—from climate change and global pandemics to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties—require innovative thinking and a willingness to adapt. Australia has a proud history of independent thought and action, and we believe it is time to reaffirm that tradition. As former diplomats, we have a unique perspective to offer, drawn from our experiences in negotiations, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. We hope that our insights will be valuable as your government navigates the complex terrain of global affairs.

The cornerstone of Australia’s foreign policy for decades has been its alliance with the United States. This relationship has provided Australia with significant security benefits, including access to advanced military technology and intelligence sharing. However, we believe that the current level of dependence on the US, particularly in strategic decision-making, risks compromising Australia’s sovereignty and limiting its capacity to act independently. The US alliance should remain a vital part of Australia’s security framework, but it should not be the sole determinant of our foreign policy.

The increasing alignment with US foreign policy objectives, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, raises concerns about Australia’s ability to pursue its own interests. The US approach to China, for example, has become increasingly confrontational, characterized by trade wars, diplomatic clashes, and military posturing. While we recognize the challenges posed by China’s rise, we believe that a purely confrontational approach is not in Australia’s best interests. Australia needs to be able to engage with China constructively, both economically and diplomatically, while also standing firm on issues of principle such as human rights and international law. An overreliance on the US perspective can hinder Australia’s ability to navigate this complex relationship effectively.

Moreover, the potential for the US to become embroiled in conflicts that do not directly threaten Australia’s security is a real concern. Australia should have the autonomy to decide when and where to commit its resources and personnel, based on its own assessment of its national interests. Blindly following the US into conflicts that are not of our making risks stretching our resources, undermining our reputation as an independent actor, and potentially endangering Australian lives. A more balanced approach would involve strengthening our diplomatic capabilities, investing in regional partnerships, and pursuing peaceful solutions to disputes.

To truly serve Australia’s national interests, we must adopt a more independent foreign policy. This does not mean abandoning our alliances, but it does mean being more assertive in defining our own priorities and pursuing them with confidence. An independent foreign policy is one that is guided by Australia’s values, interests, and strategic outlook, rather than being dictated by the agenda of any other nation. It requires a commitment to diplomacy, regional engagement, and a rules-based international order.

Diplomacy should be at the forefront of Australia’s foreign policy toolkit. Investing in our diplomatic capabilities, including language training and cultural understanding, will enable us to engage more effectively with countries around the world. We need to be able to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, even with nations whose values differ from our own. Diplomacy is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and a crucial tool for preventing conflicts and promoting cooperation.

Regional engagement is another key pillar of an independent foreign policy. Australia is part of the Indo-Pacific region, and our future is inextricably linked to the prosperity and stability of our neighbors. We should be actively working to strengthen our relationships with countries in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and beyond. This includes economic cooperation, security partnerships, and cultural exchanges. By playing a constructive role in the region, Australia can help to shape the regional order in a way that promotes peace and prosperity for all.

In advocating for a more independent foreign policy, we emphasize the critical importance of prioritizing diplomatic solutions and regional engagement. These two elements are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary approaches that can enhance Australia’s influence and security in the world. Diplomacy offers a pathway to resolving disputes peacefully and building trust among nations, while regional engagement fosters cooperation and stability in our immediate neighborhood.

Diplomatic solutions should always be the first resort in addressing international challenges. Australia has a long history of contributing to peaceful conflict resolution, and we should continue to play this role actively. This requires investing in our diplomatic corps, supporting multilateral institutions, and engaging in constructive dialogue with all parties involved in a dispute. Whether it is mediating between conflicting states, negotiating trade agreements, or advocating for human rights, diplomacy is an essential tool for advancing Australia’s interests and values.

Regional engagement is vital for Australia’s security and prosperity. The Indo-Pacific region is undergoing rapid economic and strategic changes, and Australia needs to be actively involved in shaping the regional order. This means working closely with our neighbors to address shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and maritime security. It also means promoting economic integration, fostering cultural exchanges, and building strong people-to-people links. By investing in our relationships with countries in the region, Australia can enhance its influence and contribute to a more stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The AUKUS security pact, which involves Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has raised significant concerns among us regarding its implications for Australia’s foreign policy and regional relations. While we understand the rationale behind strengthening defense capabilities, we believe that the AUKUS agreement, particularly the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, could have unintended consequences that undermine Australia’s long-term interests.

One of our primary concerns is the potential for AUKUS to exacerbate tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The pact is widely seen as a response to China’s growing military power, and it could be interpreted as an attempt to contain China’s rise. This could lead to an arms race in the region and increase the risk of conflict. Australia needs to carefully consider the impact of AUKUS on its relationship with China and other countries in the region, and we must ensure that the pact does not undermine our efforts to promote peace and stability.

Another concern is the cost and complexity of acquiring and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines. This is a massive undertaking that will require significant resources and expertise. There are questions about whether Australia has the necessary infrastructure and skills to support these submarines, and there are also concerns about the potential for cost overruns and delays. The investment in AUKUS should not come at the expense of other important defense priorities, such as cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. We need to have a comprehensive and transparent assessment of the costs and benefits of AUKUS before committing to this path.

A fundamental principle of Australia’s foreign policy should be the upholding of international law. International law provides the framework for peaceful relations between states, and it is essential for maintaining a stable and just world order. Australia has a strong interest in promoting respect for international law, and we should be actively working to strengthen the international legal system. This includes supporting international courts and tribunals, adhering to treaty obligations, and advocating for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The erosion of international law is a serious threat to global security. When states disregard international law, it creates uncertainty and instability, and it increases the risk of conflict. Australia should be a strong voice for the rule of law, and we should be willing to challenge those who violate international norms. This includes speaking out against human rights abuses, condemning acts of aggression, and working to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Australia should also be a leader in promoting the development of international law. The world is facing new challenges, such as climate change and cyber warfare, that require new legal frameworks. Australia should be actively involved in the negotiation of international agreements to address these challenges, and we should be working to ensure that international law remains relevant and effective in the 21st century.

In conclusion, we urge your government to consider a recalibration of Australia’s foreign policy. The world is changing rapidly, and Australia needs to adapt to these changes while staying true to its values and interests. We believe that a more independent and balanced foreign policy, one that prioritizes diplomatic solutions, regional engagement, and a commitment to international law, is essential for Australia’s future.

We understand that this is a complex undertaking, and there are no easy answers. However, we believe that a national conversation about the direction of Australia’s foreign policy is necessary. We hope that this open letter will contribute to that conversation, and we stand ready to offer our expertise and insights as your government navigates the challenges ahead. Australia has a proud history of independent thought and action, and we believe that it is time to reaffirm that tradition. By pursuing a more independent foreign policy, Australia can play a more constructive role in the world and secure its future prosperity and security.

Thank you for considering our views. We wish you and your government well in your efforts to serve the Australian people and advance Australia’s interests on the global stage.