U.S.–Australia Security Alliance and Defense Policy

Introduction

When Australia elected a new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, in November 2007, many observers were concerned that this might signal the end of Australia's deep commitment to its security alliance with the United States — the cornerstone of John Howard's time in office. Rudd had made several promises during his election campaign that explained why such concerns arose. For one, he had pledged to reduce the number of Australian troops posted in Iraq, and he had also been at odds with the United States over the Kyoto Protocol. As one analyst noted, "Kevin Rudd's election victory over Howard has thus understandably intensified speculation over the future of Australia-U.S. ties at a critical time in the history of both countries" (Tow).

Despite these concerns, Australia has consistently demonstrated its intention to continue its security and strategic alliance with the United States.

The ANZUS Treaty and Its Historical Foundations

The main cornerstone of U.S.–Australia security relations is the Australia-New Zealand-United States (ANZUS) Treaty, signed in 1951. Australia has been a strong military partner of the United States in major international conflicts and in the more recent war on terrorism. The treaty was reinvigorated after former Prime Minister John Howard invoked it to offer support to the United States in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

"Under the former Liberal government of John Howard, Australia invoked the ANZUS treaty to offer assistance to the United States after the attacks of September 11, 2001, in which 22 Australians died. Australia was one of the first countries to commit troops to U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Australia has been a close ally because it understands that in the war on terrorism and on broader security matters, it is not the United States alone that has suffered. Australia has lost many innocent citizens in attacks around the world. In October 2002, a terrorist attack on Western tourists in Bali, Indonesia, killed more than 200 people, including 88 Australians and seven Americans. A second terrorist bombing in Bali in October 2005 killed 23, including four Australians. The Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, was also bombed by members of Jemaah Islamiya in September 2004.

Australia views the United States as a "key source of stability in the Asia-Pacific region" and has reaffirmed its deep commitment to the U.S. security alliance. Even after reviewing its defense policy, Australia has maintained that, despite differences on certain issues, it regards the United States as an indispensable partner in defense and security matters — and that Prime Minister Rudd had no intention of damaging Australia-U.S. relations.

ANZUS plays a crucial role in maintaining strong U.S.–Australia ties. It is widely believed that the United States agreed to join ANZUS only after Australia adopted a more conciliatory approach toward the Japanese peace treaty. That gesture alone, however, was insufficient to secure American trust. Australia also participated eagerly in the Korean War as part of its effort to win American confidence. Later, both Australia and New Zealand aligned with the United States on Middle Eastern political matters, which further strengthened their relationship and made ANZUS a reality.

Australia's Defense Policy and White Papers

Australia has never denied that it views its relationship with the United States as a key component of its security and defense policy. A 1997 White Paper stated:

"Beyond its significance to the defense of Australia, the alliance strengthens United States strategic engagement in the region: an engagement which has underwritten the regional stability on which the East Asian economic miracle has been built… In short, the United States will remain an indispensable participant in the security and economic affairs of the Asia-Pacific over the next fifteen years."

The 2003 White Paper similarly affirmed: "Australia has a vital interest in supporting long-term U.S. strategic engagement in East Asia, because of its fundamental contribution to regional stability and prosperity."

These policy documents reflect a sustained, bipartisan commitment to the alliance that transcends individual administrations. The formal articulation of U.S. engagement as essential to Australia's security interests across two separate White Papers underscores how deeply embedded this alliance is in Australian strategic thinking.

Conclusion

It is difficult for Australia to choose its alliances and maintain cordial relations with both Asian countries and the United States. While it shares historical and cultural links with its Anglo-Saxon allies, it is situated in a region that brings it geographically and economically closer to Asia than to any other part of the world. This is a unique situation that Australia must address carefully in order to establish and sustain harmony with its neighbors while preserving the security partnership with the United States that has been central to its defense policy for decades.