Shifting balance of power and the formation of AUKUS in the Indo-Pacific region

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe US network of military alliances and security partnerships in the region has allowed it to influence Indo-Pacific affairs. But, a rapid shift in the balance of power in favour of China has threatened the US interests and security commitments with its regional allies. Hence, the AUKUS is a continuance of the US strategy of pivoting to Asia conceived by the Obama administration and a part of broader US efforts to balance revisionist China in the Indo-Pacific. Through AUKUS, the US has an opportunity to enhance the capabilities of its ally, Australia, to balance aggressive China. Convergence of security and foreign policy objectives with the US has encouraged Britain and Australia to be the parties of AUKUS. AUKUS would boost Australia's capabilities for shaping its regional strategic and security environment and develop a durable strategic power balance in the region. As a natural ally of the US and Australia, Britain also opposes China's illegal territorial claims and activities in the South and East China Seas and has developed a policy of integrated and collective actions with allies to protect the common interests through the AUKUS partnership.KEYWORDS: Balance of PowerNuclear-Powered SubmarinesTrilateral Security PartnershipDefence CapabilitiesIndo-Pacific Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsSuneel KumarSuneel Kumar is a faculty member in the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu, Jammu, India. He teaches International Relations, International Law and International Security Concerns. Dr. Kumar has published various research articles in internationally reputed peer-reviewed journals including International Migration, Millennial Asia, South Asian Survey, India Quarterly, Jadavpur Journal of International Relations, Czech Journal of International Relations and Pakistan Horizon.