Defending Australia

A brilliant and important book about Australia’s future Can Australia defend itself in the Asian century? How seriously ought we take the risk of war? Do we want to remain a middle power? What kind of strategy, and what Australian Defence Force, do we need? In this groundbreaking book, Hugh White considers these questions and more. With exceptional clarity and frankness, he makes the case for a reconceived defence of Australia. Along the way he offers intriguing insights into history, technology and the Australian way of war. Hugh White is the country’s most provocative, revelatory and yet realistic commentator on Australia’s strategic and defence orientation. In an age of power politics and armed rivalry in Asia, it is time for fresh thinking. In this controversial and persuasive contribution, White sets new terms for one of the most crucial conversations Australia needs to have. ‘This book, by one of Australia’s leading defence policy thinkers, will be a very important contribution to our national discussion in coming years. Hugh White tackles many challenging issues and opens up the new debate that we need to have as Australia plots its course through a changing international environment.’—Robert O’Neill, former Chichele Professor of the history of war, University of Oxford ‘Hugh White is among our most knowledgeable and practised strategists. While I am strongly supportive of the US alliance, How to Defend Australia is a serious work from a serious patriot that requires close reading. It deserves a wide audience.’—Kim Beazley

Australia is in the process of updating and strengthening its defence capabilities against a potential major aggressor. The latest government white paper has outlined a massive increase in military spending and confirmed the direction of Australia's defence policy and strategy. This book examines the operational priorities and capabilities of the Australian army, navy and airforce as well as exploring the nation's planned strategic direction. Topics also include Australia's defence history, current war operations and peacekeeping contributions around the globe, the inclusion of more women in the Australian Defence Force, and the plight of returned veterans. A key focus of the book is the nation's increased defence budget and upgrading of capabilities such as new submarines, frigates and fighter aircraft, at a time when Australia must adapt to a complex strategic and diplomatic environment which is dominated by long-term major ally the United States and the emerging military might of China in the Asia-Pacific region. When should Australians take up arms, and what are the costs and consequences of war? Are Australia's strategic defence policies, capabilities and alliances enough to protect us from attack?

This new Defence White Paper explains how the Government plans to strengthen the foundations of Australia's defence. It sets out the Government's plans for Defence for the next few years, and how it will achieve those plans. Most importantly, it provides an indication of the level of resources that the Government is planning to invest in Defence over coming years and what the Government, on behalf of the Australian people, expects in return from Defence. Ultimately, armed forces exist to provide Governments with the option to use force. Maintaining a credible defence capability is a crucial contributor to our security, as it can serve to deter potential adversaries from using force against us or our allies, partners and neighbours.

"The fortieth anniversary of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre's founding provided the opportunity to assemble many of Australia's leading analysts and commentators to review some of the more significant issues that should define Australian defence policy. ... The papers collected in this volume are not informed by a common view of where Australia should focus its defence policy, but all address themes that should figure prominently in this difficult but essential task"--Provided by publisher.

“Whether we like it or not, the challenge of defending Australia will become much harder in the twenty-first century. We are no longer a strategic backwater.” MICHAEL WESLEY The fourth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines the challenge of defending Australia at a time of regional uncertainty and rapidly developing military technology. It explores whether the nation’s weaponry, intelligence agencies and handling of alliances and diplomacy are up to the task of securing against new vulnerabilities in a fast-changing Asia . Michael Wesley examines the state of Australia’s security as Asia’s power balance shifts. Patrick Walters probes the overhaul of Australia’s expanding intelligence agencies. John Birmingham analyses Australia’s weapons capabilities as the military expands its reach. Stephan Frühling explores Australia’s options for developing nuclear weapons to protect its maritime approaches. Jane Perlez discusses the West’s misjudgement of Xi Jinping, China’s leader for life. Matthew Thompson examines Rodrigo Duterte’s murderous rule in the Philippines. Tess Newton Cain reports on mining in the Pacific region. PLUS Correspondence from Philips Vermonte, John McCarthy, Andrew MacIntyre and more.

The role of Aboriginal servicemen and women has only recently been brought to the forefront of conversation about Australia’s war history. This important book makes a key contribution to recording the role played by Indigenous Australians in our recent military history. Written by two respected historians and based on a substantial number of interviews with Indigenous war veterans who have hitherto been without a voice, it combines the best of social and military history in one book. This will be the first book to focus on this previously neglected part of Australian social history.