Is NZ’s foreign policy ‘realism’ working? Why the next government faces a real choice
Winston Peters says New Zealand foreign policy should address “the world as it is, not how we wish it would be”. But how viable is that really?
As the world grapples with a turbulent transition in the 2026 general election, New Zealand faces a crucial choice for its foreign policy. Key events such as Russia's annexation of Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, China's expanding presence in the Pacific, the United States' war with Iran, and the accelerating impact of climate change have all contributed to the deterioration of international order.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters recently acknowledged that the country has faced its most challenging international conditions since World War II, with trade protectionism and an uncooperative United Nations being major concerns. The National-led coalition has adopted a strategy of "quiet diplomacy" and realism, focusing on accepting the world as it is rather than how it could be, which they believe has protected the nation's national interests.
However, sceptics argue that this selective realism may not be the most effective approach. While the three veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, Russia, and China – have contributed to the decline in international rules, smaller powers largely adhere to these rules. The New Zealand government has largely acknowledged some of the symptoms of global instability but has been inconsistent in holding all major powers accountable for their actions.
The US, under President Donald Trump, has shifted away from an alliance with liberal democracies like New Zealand, pursuing a global order based on a US-led group of great powers. This has resulted in the New Zealand government downplaying the disregard for international law by the Trump administration, even as it has deepened military ties with the US.
Instead of continuing this "softly softly" foreign policy, the next government should consider realigning its approach to strengthen cooperation with other small and middle powers that depend on a functioning international rules-based order.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
