A 2020 Vision for Five Eyes: New Structures for New Challenges

Abstract

In the latest NSC Policy Options Paper, William A. Stoltz explores a 2020 vision for Five Eyes.

Key points: Five Eyes has been a primarily operational grouping, but it is starting to broaden collaboration - particularly to address COVID-19 recovery. Five Eyes needs new planning structures if it is to undertake more concerted, strategic initiatives.

To address the greatest security challenges to the liberal international order, like-minded nations must collaborate on new frontiers - including geoeconomics, cyber and critical technologies, and strategic diplomacy. There is momentum for a broader coalition of democracies (like a "?D-10') to address these global challenges, but there are major barriers to the formation and success of such a group.

Policy recommendations: The Australian Government should leverage its Five Eyes partnerships and credibility as a constructive middle power to advocate for an expanded, more formally coordinated Five Eyes. A Five Eyes Leaders Summit should be established, informed by a Secretariat which would develop options for new joint activities and strategic planning. An expanded, more strategic Five Eyes should be used as the nucleus for a global coalition of democracies.