Adapting to Strategic Uncertainty: The Development of Self-Reliance Within the ANZUS Alliance in Australian Defence Policy Between 1959 and 1989

Abstract

The thesis examines the origins and evolution of the concept of self-reliance as a fundamental principle of Australian defence policy between 1959 and 1989. Since Federation, there has been an ongoing debate as to whether Australian defence policy should be based on greater defence self-reliance for contingencies that may arise in Australia's immediate region or integration with allied coalitions for contingencies in more distant theatres. The thesis draws on archival records and interviews with key figures from the period to answer the following research question: what did self-reliance mean in Australian defence policy between 1959 and 1989? The thesis argues that self-reliance means that Australia must be able to conduct independent military operations in defence of its core strategic interests in its immediate region against credible threats and without recourse to the combat forces of allies. This broad definition of self-reliance has remained constant but is comprised of four variables which have inevitably evolved over time: Australia's core strategic interests, the geographic scope of Australian defence policy, and perceptions of traditional allies and credible threats. The inherent flexibility of self-reliance enabled successive governments to adapt to changes in Australia's strategic environment. The thesis concludes that as Australia appears to be going into an increasingly uncertain strategic environment, lessons from the development of self-reliance in the past may be particularly relevant for contemporary defence policymakers. Show more