Part 7/8:
The Australian Public’s Changing Perception
Perhaps most striking was the shift in Australian public opinion. Recent polling indicated that only 22% of Australians support closer alignment or "cuddling up" to the U.S., a sharp decline from previous levels between 60-70%. Conroy attributed this decline to Trump's aggressive tactics and perceived disrespect toward Australian interests.
He emphasized that Australians have made it clear they prefer a balanced approach—maintaining strong relations with both China, their largest trading partner, and the U.S., their military ally. This middle-ground strategy is now favored over overt support for Trump’s more confrontational methods.