Australia is often caught between two contradictory impulses. The first is its desire to be viewed as a creative middle power – to advance positive ideas into the global system and use its diplomatic nous and the power of example to institutionalize these ideas. 

But the second is the country’s lack of confidence. Australia often struggles to see itself as a capable, independent country. 

In December, the Australian government put into force a new policy driven by the desire to be a creative middle power, but also, at a fundamental level, seeking to address the country’s lack of confidence. 

Australia’s social media restrictions for children under the age of 16 might not seem like it has such grand ambitions. But as world-leading laws they demonstrate Australia’s desire to be at the forefront of addressing the pitfalls of one of the most consequential shifts in how people organize themselves and understand the world, as well as tackling the unchecked power that large technology companies have amassed. 

Following Australia’s lead, Malaysia, New Zealand, and

© The Diplomat