Has the Quad made soft power fashionable again?
Last week’s Quad leaders’ summit saw the United States put soft power back at the centre of regional diplomacy. Former ambassador John McCarthy argues Australia needs to take note.
Insight topics
John McCarthy AO
Former Australian Diplomat
11 articles found : Show all articles
Europe's Back
Amid concerns over China’s rise, European countries are turning their gaze to Asia. Former diplomat John McCarthy says regional players like Japan and Australia must work with the Europeans to ensure the new Biden Administration gives more policy weight to the region, and especially Southeast Asia.
Trump, the Capitol and the Erosion of Reputation
The riot on Capitol Hill might serve as vindication of Joe Biden’s claims that Donald Trump was ‘unfit’ for the office of President. But as John McCarthy writes, the damage to America at home and abroad will outlast the ‘national nightmare’ of the Trump era.
To Compete with China, Biden Needs a Smart Southeast Asia Strategy
The election of Joe Biden promises a return to a more orthodox American foreign policy. But former ambassador John McCarthy argues Biden needs to break with the past in one key respect – a more vigorous and smarter engagement with Southeast Asia.
The Dangers of Excessive Foreign Policy Zeal
Australia should learn from 19th century statecraft, says former ambassador John McCarthy, and practice some artful diplomacy in the coming months that balances our interests in securing a strong US, a stable region, and if possible a cooperatively engaged China.