FSS Seminar Series: “Australia, China and the United States: Navigating Troubled Waters” by Prof. Mark BEESON, UM Distinguished Visiting Scholar, on 30/04/2024 (Tue); 11:00-12:30; E21B-G016

Date:

30/04/2024 (TUE)

Time:

11:00-12:30

Venue:

E21B-G016

Topic:

Australia, China and the United States: Navigating troubled waters

Presenter:

Prof. Mark BEESON, Adjunct Professor, University of Technology Sydney and Griffith University

Mark Beeson is an adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Griffith University. He was previously professor of international politics at the University of Western Australia. Before joining UWA, he taught at Murdoch, Griffith, Queensland, York (UK) and Birmingham, where he was also head of department. His latest book is Environmental Anarchy? International Security in the 21st Century, Bristol University Press, 2021.

Language:

English

Abstract:

Australia’s two most important bilateral relationships are with China and the United States. Unfortunately, the relationship between China and the US is not as productive or friendly as it could be at the moment. Negotiating a course between these two great powers is consequently an increasingly difficult exercise for Australian policymakers. Part of the difficulty can be explained by Australia’s longstanding alliance with the US, which has historically dominated strategic policy in particular. Despite relations with China having significantly improved, tensions remain in the bilateral relationship and much will depend on how American strategic policy evolves, especially if Donald Trump becomes president again. This talk provides an overview of these challenges and the issues that may help or hinder closer ties between Australia and China in particular.