Abstract: This brief discusses some of the problems that Australia faces in deciding which strategic approach it should take to help maintain the existing global order and its own security. The author explains that Canberra faces two options: 1) continue to invest in the experiment of multilateralism, laws and norms as a way to manage conflict and clashing interests; or 2) decide that its best interests, including for its security, lie in preserving American primacy. He contends that how Australia chooses between these options will do much to shape its actions as a ‘middle power’, and in the long term may even determine whether it remains one.