Very simply, we have to shake out cobwebs and think for ourselves. While it sounds simple, it is actually hard when trying to separate from a dominant ally and the “illusory truth effect” which envelopes us daily. In recent years there have been hundreds of contributions here from writers urging that we withdraw from the Continue reading »
Defence and Security
Inexorably, the war on Syria is coming to a close. Arab governments that supported the war in 2011 are sending delegations to Damascus, while Syria is sending delegates to Arab capitals, with Bashar al Assad recently visiting Abu Dhabi and Oman. Saudi Arabia and Iran have taken the first steps towards reestablishing diplomatic relations, hastening Continue reading »
The criticisms of the AUKUS arrangements announced by the government are entirely warranted, as is the outrage that has accompanied them, but, strangely, they miss a point which should have preceded them. And that has to do with the political complexion of the United States itself; in brief, it faces the world as a troubled Continue reading »
Recently, Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles said “Our alliance with the United States is completely central to our national security and to our worldview”. This raises three questions: 1. Does our relationship with the US enhance Australia’s sovereignty? 2. Does Australia share US values? 3. Does Australia face a “China threat”? The Australian government gives Continue reading »
Since 1901, the often-self-appointed gatekeepers of Australia’s defence and diplomacy have had the greatest difficulty with the idea of accountability. So much so, they always seem to operate as if it is an absurdity for their own actions and decisions to be exposed to the light. When their dishonesty and opportunism etc. is occasionally exposed, Continue reading »
Dear Labor MPs, I write to convey my deep disappointment in the Labor Government, of which you are part, specifically in relation to the AuKUS submarine deal but more generally in relation to military strategy and foreign policy. The United States’ China containment strategy is designed to shore up US economic hegemony but being sold Continue reading »
Former Australian leader Paul Keating still has fire in his belly, while US President Joe Biden appears to be losing his mind – and when it comes to Aukus and a nuclear submarine deal to counter China, they’re on opposite sides. Most press conferences are about as fun as going to the dentist. But watching Continue reading »
The majority of Australians prefer a policy of neutrality and oppose joining US wars under the ANZUS alliance, polling shows. A majority of Australians want Australia to adopt a policy of neutrality when it comes to considering a US war against China, according to the latest polling by the Lowy Institute think tank. The poll, conducted in Continue reading »
The acquisition of nuclear-propelled submarines has been enthusiastically embraced by Albanese, Dutton, most of their benches, and their collective military-industrial backing chorus. In considering where the submarines will be based, questions about radiation leaks and accidents have been shunted to a back burner. The historical record on safety of such vessels should compel our government Continue reading »
How do we end up with an ALP government stupid enough to sign up for the ludicrous AUKUS proposal and the accompanying bogus, China threat scare? Clearly part of the answer has to be the inability to understand Asia. And this is confirmed when we look at the background of most of the people pushing Continue reading »