Q. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strenght and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

Model Answer: 

AUKUS Partnership: Strength, Impact, and Regional Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

AUKUS, formed in September 2021, is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. While AUKUS is significant, it is unlikely to supersede existing partnerships but rather complement them.

AUKUS and Existing Partnerships:

• AUKUS coexists with other regional alliances like the Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia) and Five Eyes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
• It enhances, rather than replaces, these partnerships by focusing on specific technological and military cooperation.
• Example: Quad’s vaccine diplomacy, AUKUS’s submarine technology.

Strengths of AUKUS:

• Advanced technology sharing:
– Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
– Nuclear propulsion technology for submarines
• Combined military expertise of three powerful nations
• Strategic depth in the Indo-Pacific region

Impact in the Present Scenario:

• Geopolitical implications:
– Strengthens deterrence against Chinese aggression
– Alters regional power dynamics (e.g., South China Sea)
• Increased regional tensions:
– China’s strong opposition and countermeasures
– Concerns from some ASEAN nations
• Effects on allies:
– Strained relations with France (cancelled submarine deal)
– Closer alignment of other US allies in the region

Challenges:

• Potential escalation of regional arms race
• Balancing act for countries caught between US and China
• Long-term commitment and resource allocation issues

AUKUS has significantly impacted the Indo-Pacific security landscape, demonstrating its strength through:
1. Enhanced deterrence capabilities
2. Advanced technology cooperation
3. Unified stance against regional threats

However, its effectiveness will depend on:
• Successful implementation of planned initiatives
• Managing diplomatic fallout (e.g., with France)
• Balancing cooperation with other regional partnerships

Conclusion: AUKUS strengthens Indo-Pacific security architecture, complementing existing alliances while presenting new challenges in regional power dynamics.