Examining Small and Middle States’ Behaviour Vis-à-vis Rival Great Powers Through a Case Study of Australia

One of the most significant questions in international relations today is whether world heading towards a new Cold War. It important to examine this issue from viewpoint small and middle states, whose behaviour vis-à-vis great powers during War basically consisted siding with one or other. Are we seeing same today, are states employing different strategies due circumstances? This paper seeks answer question through case study Australia, power, security guaranteed by US but main trading partner China. While Australia clearly belonged US-led Western bloc, its situation current power struggle between China more complicated. The examines Australia’s relationship both superpowers concludes that it follows hedging strategy, whereby maximises rewards sides while also preparing fallback position circumstances change. strategy necessitated global economic interdependence has resulted globalisation. finds two rival Many other similar way, fundamental difference their compared leads conclusion there will be no return separate blocks.