'No longer fit for purpose': PM warns on foreign policy

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned that the post-World War II global order is no longer adequate to tackle today's challenges. Addressing the Atlantic Council in New York, Albanese argued that many of the institutions that were crucial after 1945 are insufficient for the contemporary era. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Albanese emphasized the importance of partnerships with alliances in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

He noted that the assumption of openness leading to security, prioritizing efficiency over resilience, and the observance of international rules based on the enduring influence of major democratic powers are no longer sufficient. Australia, facing strategic competition between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, should not solely view the region as a chessboard for superpowers but as a dynamic entity where countries are actively shaping their future.

Albanese stressed that the Pacific nations are not merely spectators but are actively participating in determining the region's destiny. He underscored the significance of respecting Pacific priorities, their unique culture, and sovereignty in forging partnerships. The prime minister highlighted ASEAN alliances in Southeast Asia as vital for regional stability.

Albanese pointed out that the evolving global order has necessitated a greater focus on resilience through critical minerals and energy measures, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Iran conflict. He reiterated that while rules connecting nations remain essential, they are equally crucial for Australia, the Indo-Pacific, and the global community.