The Quad is more than simply a traditional hard power security or diplomatic minilateral. The Quad is instead best understood as a shared strategic vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the (flexible) policy mechanism to accomplish it. Moreover, the Quad not only provides an alternative to China’s revisionist agenda for the region, but also encourages India’s participation in defending the rules-based order. This elevates the Quad in importance in the Indo-Pacific.

This policy report explores these issues and assesses the current state of the Quad in 2024. It concludes with a series of concrete policy recommendations to amplify the Quad’s effectiveness going forward.