In 2017, the first Donald Trump administration revived the Quad partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the United States after years of inactivity. Now, as the second Trump administration begins to take shape, the Quad continues to enjoy bipartisan support in all four countries and it seems the grouping is here to stay.
The partnership has become a key pillar of diplomatic architecture in our region. But despite this goodwill and strong foundation, the Quad has sometimes struggled to articulate a clear mission, and its future agenda will need to deliver meaningful impact in the Indo-Pacific.
The United States Studies Centre hosted a public panel event following a day of closed-door discussions at the Quad Leadership Track-1.5 Dialogue. Panelists answered key questions facing the Quad on topics such as critical technology, climate and the energy transition, and maritime security, and discussed the future of the Quad partnership itself as a new US presidential administration prepares to take office.
The event featured leading experts on the Quad, including USSC CEO
Dr Michael Green, USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow
Dr Lavina Lee, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Nonresident Scholar, South Asia Program
Darshana Baruah and Aoyama-Gakuin University Lecturer
Dr Takuya Matsuda in conversation with
Matthew Knott, Foreign Affairs and National Security Correspondent for
The Sydney Morning Herald and
The Age discussing the Quad's challenges, possible solutions, opportunities for collaboration and the Quad's future agenda.