Australia's first foreign policy blueprint in 14 years calls for greater ambition in "shaping the character of our region" by keeping the United States involved, reaching out to like-minded democracies and stopping major powers such as China and Russia pushing others around.

The Foreign Policy White Paper paints in frank terms an uncertain future, warning that "political alienation and economic nationalism in many countries are on the rise", powerful countries are "ignoring or undermining international law" and China's growing clout means the neighbourhood is "changing in ways without precedent".

Its prescription is that Australia needs to do more to shape its neighbourhood. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Fairfax Media ahead of Thursday's release of the White Paper that this will include expanding the agreement with Washington under which Australia hosts rotations of US Marines and cutting-edge military hardware such as stealth fighters.

"At a time when there's a debate in the United States about the cost of its global leadership, we have to be prepared to support US global leadership in practical ways that serve our interests," she said.