This paper sets out three challenges to the creation of a future for Indo-Pacific states and peoples consistent with the visions of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) expressed by Japan, India, the US and Australia, and now by the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Economic co-operation is the main pillar of India-China relations. According to the liberal school of thought, industrialised countries prefer economic development and foreign trade as a means of achieving prominence and prosperity.

This evaluation finds that Australia has provided strong and sustained leadership on ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG), and has been a leading program donor. Overall, the approaches used have aligned with best practice and made a significant contribution to EVAWG in the Indo-Pacific.

Climate change is a major risk to sustainable development and is threatening global efforts to eradicate poverty. This strategy document underpins the Australian government's climate investments and assists the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to meet Australia’s climate finance commitments.

This paper argues that Australia is heading towards a normalization of its approach to the world, realigning its capabilities with its strategic priorities on two different scales. While for much of the 20th and 21st century, Australia aimed at being a “global middle power”, Australia is now clearly willing to turn into a “regional power”.