Italian-Australian relations: the untapped potential of two global partners

Abstract

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Italy and Australia share a long history of bilateral relations, the same worldview and network of global partners, and similar challenges in a variety of areas. To address them, they coordinate their international efforts with allies and partners within multilateral frameworks, at the partial detriment of direct bilateral cooperation. The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which falls on this year, warrants an appraisal of the areas and the ways in which bilateral ties can be strengthened. Specifically, five key areas display significant potential for greater cooperation: i) shared international goals; ii) trade; iii) defence; iv) scientific cooperation; and v) peopleto-people links. At the same time, three complementary developments could address both the untapped potential in terms of cooperation and the few but noticeable barriers hindering closer ties. These are: a) a new strategic partnership; b) the design of compatible Indo-Pacific strategies; and c) the joint membership of relevant minilaterals. Lastly, a number of planned initiatives could help to achieve these goals.