Chapter 7, Constructivism - Case Study: Australia in AUKUS: State identities, normative values and security partnership

Foreign policy-makers operate in a dynamic international environment, where different values, beliefs, norms and rules can shape their decision-making processes. A security partnership is not necessarily just a response to a particular security threat (realism) nor simply a result of rational assessments favouring transnational cooperation (liberalism). Most security arrangements are far more complicated foreign policy products, incorporating various security perceptions, national identities and normative values. This case study focuses on AUKUS, an Indo-Pacific security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, from an Australian perspective. This case encourages you to think beyond the conventional wisdom of realism and liberalism that mainly emphasises the material aspects of international relations – whether they be military strength or national wealth. In this case study, we invite you to imagine the 'power of ideas' in explaining security partnerships.