Defence and Security
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Where Australian fools rushed in: the Afghan war was always unwinnable
America’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, where it had aimed to bolster international security, will create a new breeding ground for terrorism. Continue reading »
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Dutton leads us down a dangerous pre-World War I path
Peter Dutton’s support for the US over China risks putting wind beneath the wings of Washington’s hawks. We have been here many times before. Continue reading »
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Submarine sideshow: Does Australia even need a military?
There are many potential benefits to Australia not having any submarines — it should even consider it needs a military at all. Continue reading »
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Real reasons for submarine bid fiasco must come to the surface
The nuclear sleight-of-hand, the budgeted billions and the diplomatic debacle warrant deep examination — it’s time to bring it all out in to the open. Continue reading »
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Dangerous liaisons: Pine Gap (and the Alice) as nuclear target, then and now. Part 4
Amazingly, it is only four decades since it was believed that a nuclear strike on Pine Gap would do little damage to Alice Springs. No longer. Continue reading »
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In too deep: the risks behind Australia’s nuclear submarine deal
The controversial AUKUS deal has potentially dangerous implications for a global non-proliferation regime already facing an array of challenges. Continue reading »
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Dangerous liaisons: Pine Gap is key to America’s nuclear war apparatus. Part 3
The most egregious example of our assistance to US missions could be terminated without threatening genuine US strategic interests, or the alliance. Continue reading »
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Dangerous liaisons: Australia’s involvement in nuclear war. Part 2
While never spelled out by our government, the nuclear deterrence pact means that Australia would ask the US to commit genocide in its defence. Continue reading »
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Paul Keating on Australia’s national interest, Taiwan, and the absurdity of war
Australia is still trying to find its place in Asia, Paul Keating says, which explains why we’re so preoccupied with Taiwan and China. Continue reading »
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Dangerous liaisons: America’s huge, little-known military footprint in Australia. Part 1
More than ever, Australia is a suitable piece of real estate for the US espionage and war-gaming. A detailed analysis by Richard Tanter. Continue reading »
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Reflections for Remembrance Day: the right to question is incontestable
The first Anzacs challenged the reasons for war, so the federal education minister’s insistence that Anzac Day cannot be ‘contested’ at school is political pantomime. Continue reading »
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Australian War Memorial expansion is a disgrace beyond words
Words matter, and the way the Australian War Memorial’s spruikers talk about its expansion and displays speaks volumes. Continue reading »
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America’s never-ending war on the world
Driven by its military-industrial complex the United States depends on continual war. As the War on Terrorism peters out a new enemy is invented — China. Continue reading »
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The ‘independent’ think tank that writes its own history!
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s claims of fearless independence ring hollow as foreign governments and corporate entities shower it with money. Continue reading »
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The moral morass behind Australia’s arms exports to Africa
The Defence Department and Australian arms manufacturers appear to have no qualms about selling weapons to countries where conflict and human rights abuses are prevalent. Continue reading »
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How US military culture worked its way into Australian defence policy
By participating in the US-led wars in the Middle East and Afghanistan, Australia has deepened its integration into US military strategy and operations. Continue reading »
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The alliance at the heart of Australia Part 4
Australia’s dependence on the United States is rooted in its anxieties about being a small, settler-colonial states. Continue reading »
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The reasons Australia’s US alliance has persisted Part 3
Australia’s relationship with the United States has unusual longevity, adapting through successive wars and terror threats. Continue reading »
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It’s in Australia’s national interest to look beyond military risks in foreign policy Part 2
Australian foreign policy has been preoccupied with the US and military risks, but needs to consider climate disruption and other risks to Australians’ well-being. Continue reading »
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AUKUS: the latest capitulation on defence by our born-to-rule elites
Conservative Coalition leaders have a history of committing Australia to overseas military adventures – and the ‘patriotic’ media have never questioned the propaganda. Continue reading »
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Beyond repair: Alliance distortions of Australian national interest in foreign policy and defence. Part 1
Australian foreign and defence policy must be based on an understanding of national interest that reflects the real interests of all Australians. Continue reading »
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AUKUS, another wrong turn for our foreign policy.
The notion of treating Washington and Beijing in the same manner while pursuing our sovereign interests has been cast to the wind. Continue reading »
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A flawed argument for Australian nuclear deterrence
Hugh White’s book on Australian defence amounts to an advocacy of nuclear weapons. Some aspects of his arguments are reckless and reveal a sense of denial. Continue reading »
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Will we ever get those nuclear submarines?
Chronic problems in US Navy shipyards and questions over the future viability of attack submarines in their current roles cast doubt on the Morrison government’s controversial defence decision. Continue reading »
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‘Permissible’ Chinese military spending, AUKUS, and the security dilemma
The view that AUKUS is a justified response to China’s actions ignores China’s achievements and future ambitions. It also ignores China’s legitimate security fears. Continue reading »
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Gunboat diplomacy: Joined at the hip to the war-addicted US
After 40 years of successful diplomacy with China, Australia has hitched itself to a permanently warlike, self-seeking United States. How on earth did it come to this? Continue reading »
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Nuclear submarine operations in South China Sea endanger coastal countries
The accident involving a US nuclear-powered submarine in the South China Sea brings into scrutiny the ramifications of such an accident. The release of nuclear radiation could damage the food supply of many nations. Continue reading »
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Nuclear submarines: We don’t know the costs and we don’t know the risks
The nuclear submarine deal with the US and the UK upends Australia’s carefully thought out forward planning in defence, without a clear explanation to the nation of the ramifications. Continue reading »
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Dive! Dive! Dive! AUKUS and the submerging of our national interests
The AUKUS and nuclear submarine decisions leave Australia exposed on a range of fronts and reinforce the need for war powers to be properly regulated by Parliament. Continue reading »
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Chinese overflights signal to US rather than threat to Taiwan
Despite the fuss made over China’s recent military exercise over Taiwan, it’s becoming clear that China’s message was actually directed at the United States in response to its recent military drills in the region. Continue reading »
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