The leaders of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India met in Tokyo on Tuesday for a “Quad” meeting. What is the name of the organization, where did it originate, and why do diplomats constantly come up with odd names for various partnerships?
What is the Quad?
The Quad, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, began as informal cooperation following the terrible 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The four countries banded together to give humanitarian and disaster relief to the region. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formally established it in 2007. But it sat inert for nearly a decade, owing to Australian concerns that joining the organization might annoy China.
In 2017, the organization revived again in response to shifting regional perceptions regarding China’s expanding influence. Both the Trump and Biden administrations saw the Quad as critical to a pivot toward a greater focus on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as a counterweight to China’s forceful efforts. The Quad leaders met digitally in March after their first formal summit in 2021.
Is it an Asian Nato?
China has claimed that the group is attempting to build an “Asian NATO,” despite the fact that there is no mutual-defense commitment in place, unlike the European alliance. Members of the Quad believe the group’s goal is to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and military connections between the four countries. And, while they don’t always say it, those alliances are going to be a deterrent to Chinese aggression. In a March 2021 declaration laying out the “Spirit of the Quad,” the leaders said, “We bring diverse perspectives and are united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion.”
Who are the new faces?
The meeting on Tuesday will be the first in-person encounter for both Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australia’s new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who assumed office in October. He was sworn in two days after Australia’s parliamentary election and one day before the summit.
What about India?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in attendance as his government comes under increased international scrutiny for its crackdown on minorities and authoritarian inclinations. Furthermore, while the other Quad members were unified in their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly through sanctions, India increased its purchases of Russian energy after the attack. Furthermore, the invasion has resulted in food shortages, resulting in price increases. India has prohibited wheat exports due to a heatwave, potentially making this global crisis even more difficult to manage.
Who else is a part?
South Korea has indicated an interest in joining the Quad. But US officials have stated that the group’s membership will not be altered. South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam have all attended “Quad-plus” discussions. It might pave the way for future development or partnership in the region.
Why the unusual name, Quad?
Diplomats are powerless to stop themselves. They can’t stop assigning shorthand names like the Quad or perplexing acronyms like AUKUS once they start up different pairs or alliances (the new Australia- U.K.-U.S. alliance.) Another term that gained traction last week while President Joe Biden was in Asia was IPEF. It stands for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a new trade treaty proposed by the United States.
