AUKUS and Its Impact on Australia - Southeast Asia Security Cooperation in the U.S. Strategy (2015-2022)

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of the AUKUS alliance on security cooperation between Australia and Southeast Asian countries within the framework of U.S. strategy from 2015 to 2022. Drawing on alliance politics theory and realism in international relations, the study situates AUKUS within the process of U.S. strategic adjustment in the Indo-Pacific amid intensifying strategic competition. The article argues that AUKUS not only signifies an upgrade in Australia’s strategic role but also contributes to reshaping the scope and depth of Australia - Southeast Asia security cooperation toward greater militarization and closer alignment with the U.S.-led security architecture. However, AUKUS also poses challenges for ASEAN, particularly with regard to strategic balancing, regional neutrality, and long-term security stability in Southeast Asia.