Originally Posted by
Rodri
I think you over-rate the importance of Australia in any global decision-making process. We are a former English colony and are still ruled by the Queen of England and we have only ever been a bit-player in any global processes. Our strong alliances with the USA and Great Britain are the strongest influences on our external decision-making process.
Historically, the real powers are European and include Germany, Russia, England and the Netherlands. The Swiss are the bankers of Europe and so they have a seat at the table, as do a few other wealthy, traditional European nations.
The shift in economic fortune and the shift in power are linked and China is going to be the new kid on the block. The USA went to Afghanistan, which is historically a place where empires go to die. We could talk about why that area of Central Asia is so important and so difficult to control if you like but let's just say that it is geo-politically the most important place on the surface of the planet. There are hidden powers that work to keep any one nation from controlling that region and keeping it in a state of conflict.
Sorry about the bad economic news but I sort of told everyone it was going to happen some time ago.