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Friday, Jan 09, 2026
Outside the box.
Opinion: Australia Must Reaffirm International Norms as U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts Under Trump
An Australian commentary urges Canberra to champion rules-based diplomacy in response to perceived erosion of global norms during Donald Trump’s presidency
Some foreign policy analysts in Australia argue that recent actions by the United States under President Donald Trump represent a departure from established norms of international behaviour, with implications for global stability and alliances.
In a newly published opinion piece, a senior Australian expert described what he sees as the dismantling of the longstanding “rules-based international order” and called on Canberra to reassert its tradition of constructive internationalism.
He frames the situation in stark terms, asserting that recent U.S. conduct, including military operations and statements on matters of sovereignty and alliance commitments, signals a shift away from the legal foundations that have underpinned peace and cooperation since the Second World War.
The commentator highlights a specific event — a U.S. military action involving Venezuela’s leadership — as emblematic of this broader trend, arguing that such unilateral tactics undermine global norms and could embolden other major powers to act similarly.
He warns that this realignment in U.S. foreign policy might weaken confidence among allies, diminish the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, and invite assertive behaviour from rivals.
Drawing on Australia’s historical contribution to international rule-making, from the founding of the United Nations Charter to leadership in peacekeeping and regional trade coalitions, the piece urges Australian policymakers to lead in reaffirming the centrality of international law and cooperative frameworks.
The author contends that Australia’s capacity — economically, diplomatically and institutionally — positions it to play a constructive role in countering what he views as erosion of global norms.
He frames this not as antagonistic to Australia’s alliance with the United States, but as mutually reinforcing, arguing that a strong, rules-based order ultimately serves the interests of both nations.
By advocating for renewed engagement with multilateral institutions and a proactive diplomatic posture, the commentary seeks to influence how Canberra navigates the evolving global order and contributes to international stability in an era of shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.
In a newly published opinion piece, a senior Australian expert described what he sees as the dismantling of the longstanding “rules-based international order” and called on Canberra to reassert its tradition of constructive internationalism.
He frames the situation in stark terms, asserting that recent U.S. conduct, including military operations and statements on matters of sovereignty and alliance commitments, signals a shift away from the legal foundations that have underpinned peace and cooperation since the Second World War.
The commentator highlights a specific event — a U.S. military action involving Venezuela’s leadership — as emblematic of this broader trend, arguing that such unilateral tactics undermine global norms and could embolden other major powers to act similarly.
He warns that this realignment in U.S. foreign policy might weaken confidence among allies, diminish the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, and invite assertive behaviour from rivals.
Drawing on Australia’s historical contribution to international rule-making, from the founding of the United Nations Charter to leadership in peacekeeping and regional trade coalitions, the piece urges Australian policymakers to lead in reaffirming the centrality of international law and cooperative frameworks.
The author contends that Australia’s capacity — economically, diplomatically and institutionally — positions it to play a constructive role in countering what he views as erosion of global norms.
He frames this not as antagonistic to Australia’s alliance with the United States, but as mutually reinforcing, arguing that a strong, rules-based order ultimately serves the interests of both nations.
By advocating for renewed engagement with multilateral institutions and a proactive diplomatic posture, the commentary seeks to influence how Canberra navigates the evolving global order and contributes to international stability in an era of shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities.
