New York: During his first term in office, the Coalition accused Anthony Albanese of being overly focused on international travel. This criticism overlooked the demanding nature of international diplomacy and the fact that Albanese’s travel schedule was comparable to his predecessors. Notably absent from his itinerary was the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which he skipped during his first three years as prime minister, prioritizing regional summits like the Pacific Islands Forum and the Association of South-East Asian Nations instead.
After securing a decisive re-election victory in May, Albanese made his debut at the UN headquarters in midtown Manhattan. This trip had two distinct, seemingly contradictory goals: to enhance Australia’s involvement at the UN and to secure a meeting with Donald Trump, the US president. Both objectives were successfully met.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Albanese embarked on his trip amidst speculation about a potential meeting with Trump. Their first planned meeting in June was canceled by Trump to address the Israel-Iran conflict. Despite media focus on when the leaders would finally meet, Albanese remained unfazed, stating, “We’ll meet when we meet.” Behind the scenes, Australian diplomats worked diligently to arrange the meeting, understanding the importance of strengthening US-Australia relations.
Michael Fullilove, executive director of the Lowy Institute, expressed concern over the delay in the leaders’ meeting, noting,
“Donald Trump was elected president 10 months ago, and he and Mr Albanese have never met each other. This is unprecedented.”
This set the tone for the trip, which operated in two parallel realms: the reality of Albanese’s UN engagements and the anticipation of a meeting with Trump.
Australia’s Global Ambitions
Throughout the trip, Albanese exuded confidence, even as he tackled significant global issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, climate change, and children’s access to social media. His agenda was ambitious, with rare moments of leisure, like a walk in Central Park and a visit to an Australian pub in Manhattan.
Lavina Lee, director of the foreign policy and defense program at the United States Studies Centre, questioned the notion of Australia as a “middle power.” She argued,
“We should view ourselves as more than a middle power. What we do matters.”
Albanese echoed this sentiment, promoting Australia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030, a move to elevate the nation’s influence in global geopolitics.
Contrasting Policies with the US
Albanese’s approach at the UN highlighted philosophical differences with Trump’s administration. On the first full day of his trip, Australia’s recognition of Palestine took effect, aligning with moves by France, Canada, and the UK. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced plans to collaborate with Indonesia on revising Palestinian educational materials. Albanese also expressed willingness for Australia to participate in peacekeeping efforts in Gaza.
In contrast, Trump criticized the recognition of Palestine, labeling it a “vanity project” and accusing world leaders of rewarding Hamas. On climate change, Trump dismissed the scientific consensus, calling it a “con job,” whereas Albanese advocated for renewable energy and announced a new emissions reduction target.
Progressive Leadership Amidst Challenges
Despite differences, the White House announced a scheduled meeting between Trump and Albanese on October 20. This revelation dispelled speculation about their meeting. Albanese later met Trump at a cocktail event, sharing a selfie on social media.
Albanese’s trip also included a significant event promoting Australia’s ban on social media accounts for children under 16. Emma Mason, a mother from Bathurst, delivered a moving speech about her daughter’s suicide due to cyberbullying, receiving a standing ovation. European and Pacific nations are likely to follow Australia’s lead, showcasing its influence as a middle power.
As Albanese concluded his trip, pouring beers at Old Mates, he appeared content. He had successfully navigated the complexities of international diplomacy, maintaining his progressive principles while securing a meeting with Trump. The challenges of the White House meeting could wait for another day.
