Summary: Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, are alarmed at the AUKUS deal, raising tensions in the region. The AUKUS deal is a trilateral pact between the UK, US, and Australia. The pact includes future plans of cooperation on military technology between the three countries. A major point of contention is that the US and UK have agreed to help Australia get nuclear-powered submarines. The Australian foreign minister, Marise Payne, has decided to partake in a 4-country trip to reassure Southeast Asian countries that their intentions are only to assess their defense capability needs and not to partake in conflict.
Analysis: I think this is a good move on Australia’s part. The AUKUS deal is questionable, especially for smaller pacific and Southeast Asian nations that may see the nuclear submarine plan to be a threat to nuclear proliferation. The building of nuclear weapons will always be controversial, no matter how clear a country plans to make their intentions. I believe it is wise to reassure other countries of the deal’s intentions, and to remain transparent. It contrasts a lot with China, and their secretive military operations, which has left a bad taste in the mouth of other Asian countries for years. Nuclear conflict is the last thing this region wants as countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are not necessarily known for their military developments. Hopefully, Payne can provide some clarity and transparency in the wake of constant fear of nuclear non-proliferation.
How does this relate to International Relations: This situation can say a lot about short term elements of power that we often discuss in IR. Military forces and industrial capability are highly relevant to a countries power and significance. When we discuss Australia, the UK, and the US, and their relationship with less “powerful” countries in Southeast Asia, it is crucial to assess each countries military capabilities. Smaller, less powerful countries are of course going to be intimidated by the AUKUS deal, which essentially plans to make some of the biggest world powers even more powerful.