Power Shifts in the Region: Australia Now Outranks Russia

Australia has risen in the Lowy Institute’s annual Asia Power Index—but only because the influence of other states have fallen.

Undated image of what an SSN-AUKUS submarine might look like underwater, released on March 13, 2023. BAE

Australia has risen to rank among the five most influential powers in Asia—behind the United States, China, India and Japan.

Despite newly signed defence agreements with countries in the region, increased military engagement, and a commitment of $368 billion to AUKUS, the country’s move upward has only occurred because others are faltering.