Decades ago, the idea that American political leaders might care about what Australia does, or doesn’t do, with its foreign policy decisions was laughable. In fact, former American secretary of state Henry Kissinger once made a joke about it. At our expense.

But that was then. Just last week, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was feted at the White House. But it wasn’t just his treatment at an elaborate state dinner, or during informal talks, that has signified a major change in the geopolitical state of play.Rather it was the substance of the leaders’ discussions - and a tossed-off, and pointed, aside by Joe Biden in front of the world’s media - that signal a stronger-than-ever alliance between the two countries.

Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on why Australia is now key to America’s fight to “win the 21st century”.