AFA11 The March of Autocracy

“China is an emergent empire of a kind never seen before . . . It’s not a gunpowder or dreadnought battleship or B-52 bomber empire. It’s an information empire, propelled by commercial interests.” JOHN KEANE



The eleventh issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the rise of authoritarian and illiberal leaders, whose growing assertiveness is reshaping the Western-led world order. The March of Autocracy explores the challenge for Australia as it enters a new era, in which China’s sway increases and democracies compete with their rivals for global influence.


John Keane probes Western misconceptions about China to show why its emerging empire might be more resilient than believed.
Natasha Kassam & Darren Lim explore how Xi’s China model is reshaping the global order.
Sam Roggeveen considers Washington’s stance on China and whether Biden can seek to restore US primacy.
Linda Jaivin discusses how Australia might use its strengths as a middle power to combat China’s influence.
Huong Le Thu suggests how Australia can improve its South-East Asian ties.
Kate Geraghty lays bare the horrific impact that war can have on women.
Melissa Conley Tyler reveals the crippling impact of Australia’s underfunding of diplomacy.


PLUS Correspondence on AFA10: Friends, Allies and Enemies from Charles Edel, Rikki Kersten and more.