Quad Counters China in Indo-Pacific: Group's Evolution in Rule-Based Order

The Quad, a strategic alliance of the US, India, Japan, and Australia, counters China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. It promotes a rules-based order, maritime security, economic resilience, and democratic values, reflecting its growing geopolitical importance amid global power shifts and regional challenges.

- TDG NETWORK

In the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, has emerged as a pivotal multilateral forum.Comprising four major democracies—the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—the Quad has grown from an informal dialogue into a strategic platform addressing security, economic, technological, and environmental challenges.

Understanding the Quad's historical evolution and its contemporary significance is essential to grasp the future of regional and global order amid the shifting balance of power.

THE FORMATION

The roots of the Quad trace back to the early 2000s when the four countries, sharing democratic values and strategic interests, began exploring a cooperative framework to promote peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The initial impetus came from shared concerns about regional security challenges, particularly the rising influence of China and the need to uphold a rules-based international order.

The Quad first formally emerged in 2007, when foreign ministers from the United States, Japan, India, and Australia met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum. The dialogue was intended to foster cooperation on issues like maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. However, the grouping quickly attracted attention due to the geopolitical implications of its membership and agenda, especially given China's growing assertiveness.

Despite this promising start, the Quad experienced a period of dormancy after 2008 due to diplomatic sensitivities and diverging national priorities, especially among India and Australia, who were cautious not to antagonize China. For nearly a decade, the initiative remained largely inactive, even as regional dynamics evolved.

REVIVAL AND REINVENTION