Why only now see the reality?
Peter Varghese has finally recognised that the US has become a selfish bully and that its capacity to champion “our great strategic project” against China is in doubt.
He says that while we should continue to enjoy the security from hanging out with the bully, it would be wise given US unpredictability “to recognise what we should have known all along” that we can’t leave our defence to others”. (Is this an apology for inability to advance this view when he was DFAT secretary?)
What brings Varghese to his realisation are Trump’s statements about expanding US territory and plans for Gaza, as though these utterances change things. For Varghese, what changes is that the US can no longer claim moral superiority to China, which seems a limited way to view things.
I strongly agree with his prescription for beefed up and independent defence capacity, but I find it odd that one previously so close to the exercise of power in this country should have this realisation only now, and as the result of a US president’s words.
As many others have eloquently documented in these pages, it is US behaviour that has rained death, misery, and destruction globally for decades.
Contributions to Pearls and Irritations
Your contribution will fund quality independent comment and analysis in Pearls and Irritations
Contribute
