Abstract
Among the long list of states with which NATO intensified its relations after September 2001, Australia appears to be a ‘natural partner’ for the Alliance (Myrli, 2008). As a Western liberal democracy rooted in the Westminster tradition, it is culturally and politically close to both European and North American countries. Throughout its history, it has been closely allied to the UK and, since World War II, to the US. Through the ANZUS Treaty, the US and Australia have exchanged pledges of mutual assistance. Australia also has a significant number of troops deployed to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, most of which are operating in Oruzgan province in Regional Command South. With 1550 personnel, Australia was the largest non-NATO troop contributor to ISAF in 2010, ranking 10th out of 43 troop-contributing nations overall
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | NATO: The power of partnerships |
| Editors | H. Edstrom, J.H Matlary, M. Petersson |
| Place of Publication | New York, USA |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan Ltd |
| Pages | 40-59 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780230273771 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |