Australia should become a ’model of global power’ in Asia-Pacific

At a time of worldwide disruption, Australia should be a ‘model of global power’ in the Asia-Pacific.

At a time of economic and political disruption, Australia should become a “model of global power” in the Asia-Pacific, using its geopolitical identity to become “an agent of peaceful change”, suggests former diplomat Bruce Grant.

In a new memoir, the former high commissioner to India and a journalist and academic says “time and place” gift Australia the chance to launch a new “mission of 21st-century statecraft” to ­reduce tensions and promote stability and prosperity in the region.

“Not just to plug ourselves into the current Asian ascendancy for obvious material benefits, althoug­h we should do that, but to take the next step and use the oppor­tunity of our region to estab­lish a new model of global power,” he writes. “Our geopolit­ic­al identity, long considered to be our nemesis, has become an asset.

“We are sited in a region that is increasingly powerful but not cultur­ally defined. This also suits Australia. Once the odd man out, now the odd man in, we are uniquely placed to be an agent of peaceful change.”

Mr Grant, 91, suggests Australia can play an “honest broker” role in global affairs as it is no longer a “fox terrier” for the British­ or “cheerleader” for the US, but he urges Australia to deepen global engagement while maintaining the ANZUS alliance.

Subtle Moments: Scenes on a Life’s Journey (Monash University Publishing) chronicles Mr Grant’s career as a journalist, academic, diplomat and adviser to foreign minister Gareth Evans.