As we reflect on two decades of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, it is clear that this coalition has significantly influenced the trajectory of the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad’s journey from a nascent security dialogue to a significant player in regional diplomacy underscores its growing importance in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Since its resurgence in 2017, the Quad has emerged as a pivotal force in regional diplomacy, shaping strategies to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. However, the evolution has not been without challenges, and the current geopolitical landscape demands a renewed focus and strategic clarity.
Origins and Evolution
The Quad began as a humanitarian response to the 2004 Japan Tsunami, focusing on disaster relief. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later proposed expanding it to enhance maritime security amid rising Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Although it remained inactive for years, the Quad was revitalised in 2017 with regular ministerial meetings. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden upgraded it to a head-of-state summit, underscoring its growing geopolitical significance. Since then, Quad leaders have met annually to address issues from maritime security to emerging technologies.
The Quad’s Strategic Significance
One of the most significant aspects of the Quad’s evolution has been its role in enhancing regional integration. In an era where geopolitical tensions and economic interdependencies are increasingly interwoven, the Quad has positioned itself as a complementary force to existing regional institutions. By not seeking to replace but rather to augment and support regional frameworks, the Quad has carved out a unique space for itself as a catalyst for cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The revival of the Quad marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Following years of economic engagement with China, during which the U.S. played a role in bolstering its rise, American policymakers came to see their leading trade partner as their primary strategic rival, determined to alter the global order. As President Biden highlighted in his 2022 National Security Strategy, China is “the sole contender with both the ambition to transform the international system and the growing economic, diplomatic, military, and technological capabilities to achieve that goal.”
Challenges and Shifting Priorities
The Indo-Pacific region is characterised by its complexity and diversity, posing a myriad of challenges that require a multifaceted approach. The Quad has demonstrated its capacity to address these challenges through its comprehensive agenda, which encompasses both traditional and non-traditional security issues.
One of the Quad’s key contributions has been its focus on promoting a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific. This includes initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security, improving undersea cable connectivity, and supporting efforts to decarbonise shipping value chains. These measures are crucial not only for maintaining regional stability but also for fostering sustainable economic growth and protecting the environment.
Despite the advancements, the Quad now faces substantial obstacles. It has been over a year since the last meeting of Quad leaders, and with the U.S. preoccupied with its upcoming presidential election, another summit is unlikely before 2025. A significant factor contributing to this lapse is the shift in American priorities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the West’s hybrid warfare response has hindered U.S. efforts to prioritise the Indo-Pacific in its strategic plans. This is reflected in the latest U.S. foreign-assistance package, which allocates $60.8 billion to Ukraine but only $8.1 billion to Indo-Pacific security, including Taiwan.
The Quad’s Flexibility and Adaptability
One of the Quad’s key strengths has been its flexibility and adaptability. Unlike more rigid international organisations, the Quad’s informal yet coordinated approach allows it to quickly adjust its agenda and respond to emerging challenges. This includes the formalisation of its framework through the appointment of senior officials and the establishment of working groups. This adaptability has enabled the Quad to effectively address complex regional issues through a comprehensive agenda encompassing both traditional and non-traditional security issues.
The Quad’s flexibility also extends to its organisational structure. Unlike other international groupings, the Quad has resisted calls for a permanent secretariat, opting instead for a more decentralised and agile framework. This approach allows the Quad to maintain its responsiveness and adaptability, ensuring that it can continue to play a dynamic role in the Indo-Pacific region.
The recent passage of the Quad bill by the US House of Representatives underscores the growing commitment to this coalition, instructing the Biden administration to establish a Quad Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation among member countries.
Enhancing Regional Integration and Delivering Public Goods
One of the Quad’s most significant achievements has been its ability to deliver public goods and foster regional partnerships. From humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to public health initiatives and infrastructure development, the Quad has demonstrated its commitment to providing tangible benefits to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad has played a crucial role in enhancing regional integration by augmenting and supporting existing regional frameworks like ASEAN, which can be seen in the Joint Statement of the QUAD leaders in 2022 “We continue to support ASEAN partners to advance the practical implementation of ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific”. By not seeking to replace but rather to complement regional institutions, the Quad has carved out a unique space for itself as a catalyst for cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad’s security-focused initiatives, including the Malabar naval exercises and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, establish and enhance interoperability between capable naval forces and align operating procedures for maritime contingencies. These initiatives are focused on developing a regional framework to address local security challenges, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and protecting the environment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Quad
As the Quad looks to the future, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The Indo-Pacific region is poised to become increasingly important on the global stage, and the Quad has a crucial role to play in shaping its trajectory. By continuing to promote a free, open, and inclusive region, the Quad can help to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a space where all countries can exercise their agency and pursue their interests without fear of coercion or domination.
The next phase of the Quad’s journey will require a careful balancing of ambition and pragmatism. As the grouping expands its scope and deepens its engagement, it must remain mindful of the diverse perspectives and expectations of its member countries and their populations. Quad’s leaders must work diligently to establish and commit to a clear strategic direction, rather than allowing the coalition to lose coherence and effectiveness. Without this focused mission, the Quad risks becoming a mere facade—an alliance that fails to impress or deter China.
In conclusion, the past two decades have seen the Quad emerge as a significant player in the Indo-Pacific, shaping the region’s future through its commitment to diplomacy and cooperation. As the Quad moves forward, it has the potential to be a transformative force, promoting a vision of the Indo-Pacific that is inclusive, secure, and prosperous. The Quad’s journey is far from over, and its continued evolution will be crucial in addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
[Prime Minister’s Office, Japan, via Wikimedia Commons]
Anjali Shekhawat and Dhruv Bansal are research associate with CUTS International, a global public policy research and advocacy group with centres inter alia in New Delhi and Washington DC. Views expressed in the article are that of writers and does not reflect views of the publisher.
