With recent discussions in class about alliances and NATO and BRICS being on the forefront of the news, I found the Quad Alliance referenced in the Washington Post article particularly interesting. This is my first time hearing of the Quad Alliance of the United States, Japan, India and Australia, but from the article it seems that could be common as it is not a highly active alliance.
The purpose of this Quad Alliance to “maintain a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific.’” Marlow (Author of the article) also states that it’s priority is to counter China’s rise. This alliance was created in 2007 following a tsunami in the Indian Ocean, which led to military exercises involving all countries. The alliance has been in and out since then, but has recently become more active due to President Trump’s stance against China, the origin of the coronavirus and the aggressive behavior of China against Taiwan and that region. With the Indian Ocean and South China Sea so crucial to global trade, this alliance has potential to make a difference in the near future.
It is clear that the Quad Alliance is a response to China, but should China be worried? Clearly China has its sight on Taiwan and view any interference as a threat. I do not believe China should view this alliance as an immediate threat due to lack of activity, BRICS and self preservation. As stated above, besides the military exercises back in 2007, the alliance has not posed any direct threats to China. India and China have been apart of the recently growing alliance of BRICS. This combines with India being adjacent to China will most likely limit any threats the Quad would propose against China. Lastly, both India and Japan are in close proximity to China. Any steps the Quad takes to prevent the rise of China could effect them worse than Australia and the United States. Marlow state’s that this could be a potential NATO in Asia, but as of now it appears that BRICS has the most current and powerful alliance in Asia.
One reply on “Week 4: Justin”
Justin,
The Quad has actually been around for quite a while, but as you indicated it became much more active (and relevant) during the Trump years. It is not an alliance like NATO–there is no agreement to make the four countries’ militaries inter-operable or an “Article 5” mutual defense commitment. But the Quad is increasingly focused on containing China’s expansionism, whether towards Taiwan, in Southeast Asia, or against India. While it is not similar to NATO now, it is conceivable that further Chinese provocation could threaten the four countries enough that they move to expand their alliance. There are also other defense initiatives happening in the region that will work together with the Quad. We will discuss these in class. –Professor Wallerstein