ABSTRACT
At first glance, it seemed an impressive diplomatic coup. The foreign ministers of the world’s two richest countries, one Australia’s major ally, the other its biggest trade partner, travelled all the way to Sydney just to discuss regional and global strategic developments with Australia’s foreign minister. This is the stuff that the dreams of middle powers are made of: to be sought out to join the conclaves of the powerful, and help shape their policies on great issues. The smaller and more elevated the group, the greater the honour, and for Australia there could be no more select gathering than this.
