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.

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.