T.I.G.E.R Priorities: Optimising US and Australian Strategies Towards Southeast Asia

Authored by Dr Huong Le Thu

The US’ and Australia’s roles, strategies and contributions to the Indo-Pacific are distinct, but there are also an increasing number of areas in which they can join efforts to make a stronger impact. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of Washington and Canberra individually, and to coordinate where cooperation would be welcome. In Southeast Asia in particular, American and Australian strategies have recently been seen as too security- and defence-focused. While some appreciate that, others worry that such an approach contributes to rising tensions in the region. This paper looks at the areas in which Washington-Canberra cooperation and coordination in the region would be positive and unequivocally well–received.

Download Black Swan Strategy Paper, Issue 6, Aug 2022 [PDF 2.36 MB]