Albanese’s Measured Approach Yields Diplomatic Gains Amid Shifting Global Landscape
WASHINGTON – prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s foreign policy is gaining traction as a pragmatic, steady approach navigates a complex geopolitical habitat, evidenced by recent shifts in international stances on Palestinian statehood and potential openings with both Washington and Beijing.
Australia has joined a growing coalition of Western nations – including France, the UK, and Canada – in withholding recognition of a Palestinian state, a position maintained for decades. This stance has coincided with a noticeable softening of resistance to Palestinian statehood in countries like Germany and italy, creating what observers describe as “tectonic movement” in international diplomacy.
According to analysis, this shift is a factor influencing former President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to broker a deal with Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages and an end to the ongoing conflict. trump, seeking a significant foreign policy victory after challenges in resolving the war in Ukraine, is reportedly prioritizing a resolution in Gaza.
Albanese’s strategy also focuses on maintaining relationships with both the United States and China. While critics suggest this approach attempts an impossible balance – fostering ties with Xi Jinping while seeking accommodation with Trump – the Prime Minister is focused on securing exemptions from potential Trump tariffs, mirroring successes achieved by the UK.
A key challenge remains convincing the US that Australia is meeting its defense funding commitments. despite these hurdles, both Albanese and Trump are likely to remain in power until 2028, creating a mutual incentive for collaboration.
As Fareed Zakaria noted in a 2018 Washington Post article, dismissing policies simply because they originate from a particular leader is unproductive. This principle,observers suggest,applies equally to critiques of both Albanese’s domestic and foreign policy.
Jacob Greber is political editor of ABC’s 7.30 program.