Prospects for the future bilateral relationship

The chapters of this compendium demonstrate that Australian–French cooperation across the defence and security spectrum has evolved rapidly in recent years; indeed, the number and variety of areas of collaboration are surprising. A common theme from all the authors is acknowledgement that Australia and France have recently found ways to translate the sense and history of like-mindedness into practical and meaningful activities, supported by a shared intent to interact in complex areas and with high-end capability. But there’s a note of caution. Running through all of the chapters is a warning that activity is no replacement for strategy: the relationship needs a considered and long-term plan of approach, supported by an array of mechanisms to assist information sharing and collaboration. To do otherwise would be to risk ignoring the very real limitations that have affected the relationship to date, including differences between the two countries’ national interests, defence and security cultures, legal systems and operational procedures.