For Australia to maintain diplomatic balance as a middle power under Ungerer’s (2007) definition as a regional stabiliser and multilateral advocate, soft-power leadership and investments in international development are essential.

Geopolitical literacy means more than knowing international headlines; it is the ability to connect geography, history, and political dynamics to understand why events happen and how they might evolve. It requires critical thinking to identify patterns, assess multiple perspectives, recognize bias, and interpret data and narratives objectively.

Middle powers are countries that, while not great powers, have significant influence in international relations through diplomacy, regional concentration, and more flexible partnerships. Other than traditional powers that focus more on ideological alliances or military strength, middle powers concentrate on solutions over status and act as bridge-builders detached from values.