Australia had a part in East Timor’s march to tragedy and a key role in its salvation. Cruel ironies and strange mirror effects mark Australia’s performance in the lead-up to Indonesia’s invasion, in 1974–75, and …
Since the mid-1970s, Australia’s defence strategy has revolved around two key principles. But as our strategic environment changes, those two guiding lights are becoming increasingly incompatible. We can decide to keep one or the other, …
Australia invites itself to America’s wars—Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. A singular purpose runs through them all: the US alliance. Australia invites itself so it can pay its alliance dues. It’s the insurance model Prime …
Every country has its legends. They may be important to national self-esteem, but they’re not necessarily good history. Twenty years after the ballot in which the East Timorese decided their future, it’s time to reflect …
Many people believe that Australia would never need to defend itself unaided. Even if US support cannot be taken for granted in the future, they think that we needn’t ever stand alone, because we have …