Implementation of Smart Diplomacy as a Military Diplomacy Strategy to Manage the Us-China Rivalry in Order to Support National Interests

Abstract

The strategic rivalry between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region has created a complex geopolitical challenge for Indonesia as a regional middle power. In this context, Smart Diplomacy emerges as a strategic approach that integrates elements of hard power and soft power through military diplomacy to promote regional stability and strengthen Indonesia’s strategic posture. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method using SWOT, NVIVO, and PESTEL analyses to evaluate the implementation of Smart Diplomacy by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). The findings indicate that this approach is effective in building trust, enhancing defence cooperation, and maintaining balanced relations with both great powers while avoiding entanglement in geopolitical polarization. The study also finds that the effectiveness of Smart Diplomacy is closely tied to cross-sectoral integration between the TNI, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside synchronized defence and foreign policy strategies. Active TNI engagement in multilateral forums, joint exercises, and humanitarian missions reflects a constructive and influential form of defence diplomacy. Moreover, responsiveness to technological developments and the information environment plays a key role in enhancing strategic adaptability. This research contributes to the academic discourse in international relations and security studies while also offering actionable recommendations for policymakers. These include the formulation of a responsive military diplomacy doctrine, capacity building for defence personnel, and the establishment of strategic networks with regional and global actors. Taken together, this study concludes that Smart Diplomacy constitutes an effective and adaptive strategy for addressing the dynamics of major power rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region.