Two former Australian Labor foreign ministers are urging the Albanese government to urgently reconsider its alliance with the United States, citing concerns over recent actions taken by the Trump administration in Venezuela and regarding Greenland.
Former Ministers Raise Concerns Over US Actions
Bob Carr, foreign minister from 2012 to 2013, described the US under Donald Trump as a “fiercely unpredictable” ally, presenting a “colossal challenge” for Australia. Gareth Evans, who served as foreign minister between 1988 and 1996, expressed concern that the US demonstrates “zero respect” for international law or the interests of its allies.
The concerns stem from recent events including US airstrikes and a raid in Venezuela that led to the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, as well as Trump’s subsequent threats to take over Greenland, stating the US would act “whether they like it or not”.
Aukus Pact Under Scrutiny
Evans specifically called for a reconsideration of the Aukus pact, arguing it’s time to abandon the submarine project and build Australia’s defence capability in its own interests, rather than those of the US. He criticized the project as committing Australia to significant expenditure for a capability that may provoke conflict and lacks guaranteed support in return.
Carr suggested that the US alliance “might have run its course,” and indicated a shift away from US-led alliance structures. He noted the current US approach is “ruthlessly dedicated to American national interests, without any pretence of being committed to universal values or a global, rules-based order.”
Australia has not publicly criticized the Trump administration’s actions, with Albanese stating his government is “monitoring developments” and calling for adherence to international law and a “peaceful, democratic transition” of power in Venezuela.
Trump endorsed the Aukus agreement during a meeting with Albanese in Washington last October, though the pact is currently under review by the Pentagon following the recent US presidential transition. Australia has already pledged over $4.5 billion towards building US shipbuilding capacity.
The US government recently withdrew from 66 international organizations and treaties, including UN commissions on peacekeeping and international law.
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