Aligning values and interests: Japanese and Australian democracy support in the Pacific and Southeast Asia

Lavina Lee, Chikako Kodama, John Lee, Yuki Miyoda, Hiroaki Shiga

Research output: Book/ReportOther reportpeer-review

Abstract

As resident powers, Australia and Japan have to work together to complement, but not necessarily always mirror US approaches to democracy support. This report explores whether and how both countries can work more effectively — separately and together — to more directly support democracy as part of their FOIP strategies. The following report:

-Investigates the similarities and differences between Australia and Japan in their approach to democracy support activities in their foreign policies;
-Identifies why those differences in approach occur;
-Explores how each country currently supports democratic principles and practices through their aid programs in Southeast Asia and the Pacific; and
-Explains how liberal democratic norms and practices are being contested in each region by authoritarian states.

It makes the case for why Japan and Australia should place greater emphasis on democracy support in their foreign policies to achieve both the objectives of their respective FOIP strategies, as well as their aid objectives of reducing poverty and creating conditions for sustainable development, with recommendations on how they might do so.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherUnited States Studies Centre
Commissioning bodyThe Japan Foundation
Number of pages92
Publication statusPublished - 13 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Japanese Foreign Policy
  • Australian foreign policy
  • Free and Open Indo-Pacific
  • Democracy Support
  • Chinese Influence
  • Democracy and Southeast Asia
  • Democracy and the Pacific

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