Plan B for President Z

It seems unthinkable, but the re-election of Donald Trump to the American presidency remains a real possibility, with calamitous implications not only for the United States and western Liberal democracy but Australia’s defence plans.

Australia’s vanishing surface fleet

Australia’s navy is a fraction of its former size, and the focus on nuclear powered hunter killer submarines means there is little money left to expand the number of surface combatants.

Nuclear subs will secure our seas

Australia’s intention to add nuclear powered submarines to its Navy underlines its determination and ability to work with its allies to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

Advice for the Ambassador

Australia’s former Ambassador to the United States Kim Beazley offers some sage advice to his successor, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Learning from the past to defend our future

The independent leads of Australia’s defence strategic review, Stephen Smith and Angus Houston, have a tough task on their hands, but should learn the lessons of the past to shape Australia’s defence in the future.

The US Alliance – Our dependence grows as our options narrow

Australia’s dependence on the United States in the post–Cold War era has grown as the strategic options in our region have narrowed. Our national strategy of ‘defence self-reliance within our alliances’ is now being tilted by major shifts in power relativities and US engagement