New Zealand, AUKUS, and Strategic Neutrality: The Case for Non-Alignment in an Era of Bloc Competition

This Insight Paper examines New Zealand’s potential participation in AUKUS Pillar II and questions whether deeper integration serves New Zealand’s national interest. It assesses the limited practical benefits available to New Zealand, the country’s economic exposure to China, its existing Five Eyes and defence relationships, and the implications for its independent foreign policy. The paper argues that strategic neutrality and practical non-alignment offer New Zealand greater flexibility while preserving both Western security partnerships and constructive relations with China.