Australia has power, why don’t we act like it?

In a world of uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Australia to stop dismissing ourselves as a ‘middle power’ and start exerting our influence on the global stage. 

On this episode, Allan Behm joins Paul Barclay to discuss Australia’s diplomatic strategy of ‘pre-emptive capitulation’, America’s international bullying and how Australia should use its unrecognised national power. 

This discussion was recorded on Monday, 24 February 2025, and things may have changed since the recording. 

Order What’s the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website. 

Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor in International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute 

Host: Paul Barclay, Walkley Award winning journalist and broadcaster // @PaulBarclay

Show notes:  

AUSFTA: A bad deal then. Even worse now., by Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (March 2025) 

With friends like these, After America (February 2025) 

Polling – President Trump, security and the US–Australian alliance, Polling brief (March 2025)  

Talk us through AUKUS, by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (February 2023) 

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions 

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [e-mail]. 

Support What's the Big Idea?: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.