Australia has always had strong imperial ambitions in the South Pacific. From propping up dictators, to turning countries into tropical prisons for refugees, Australian capitalism has always sought to dominate the region. Today it is confronted by an even more ambitious imperial rival in China. How will this impact Australia's own imperial plans for the region? What impact will AUKUS and its fleet of nuclear submarines have on this situation? This session will untangle the history and dynamics of Australian Imperialism throughout the 21st century.