In a recent commentary, eminent U.S. political scientist John Mearsheimer argued that the United States must shift its defense focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific in order to effectively address its number one competitor, China. However, Mearsheimer noted that America may face challenges in making this transition due to its involvement in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Mearsheimer, who follows the “realist” school of international relations, believes that major powers should act solely in their own self-interests. His remarks were made during his visit to Brisbane, Australia as a guest of the Centre for Independent Studies.
Unfortunately, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese missed the opportunity to hear Mearsheimer’s perspective as he was already en route to Washington to advocate for the AUKUS alliance at the time.