TY - JOUR
T1 - The fuzzy limits of self-reliance: US extended deterrence and Australian strategic policy
AU - Fruehling, Stephan
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - As a close US ally, Australia is often seen as a recipient of US extended deterrence. This article argues that in recent decades, Australian strategic policy engaged with US extended deterrence at three different levels: locally, Australia eschews US combat support and deterrence under the policy of self-reliance; regionally, it supports US extended deterrence in Asia; globally, it relies on the US alliance against nuclear threats to Australia. The article argues that in none of these policy areas does the Australian posture conform to a situation of extended deterrence proper. Moreover, when the 2009 White Paper combines all three policies in relation to major power threats against Australia, serious inconsistencies result in Australia's strategic posture-a situation the government should seek to avoid in the White Paper being drafted at the time of writing.
AB - As a close US ally, Australia is often seen as a recipient of US extended deterrence. This article argues that in recent decades, Australian strategic policy engaged with US extended deterrence at three different levels: locally, Australia eschews US combat support and deterrence under the policy of self-reliance; regionally, it supports US extended deterrence in Asia; globally, it relies on the US alliance against nuclear threats to Australia. The article argues that in none of these policy areas does the Australian posture conform to a situation of extended deterrence proper. Moreover, when the 2009 White Paper combines all three policies in relation to major power threats against Australia, serious inconsistencies result in Australia's strategic posture-a situation the government should seek to avoid in the White Paper being drafted at the time of writing.
U2 - 10.1080/10357718.2013.748273
DO - 10.1080/10357718.2013.748273
M3 - Article
SN - 1035-7718
VL - 67
SP - 18
EP - 34
JO - Australian Journal of International Affairs
JF - Australian Journal of International Affairs
IS - 1
ER -