Australia debates American primacy in Asia

Abstract

The hallmark of Australia's defense politics has been its dependence on great and powerful friends. Indeed, despite regular debates about pursuing a more independent foreign and security policy, Australian strategy has historically been characterized by an expectation of protection along with a sense of trepidation that such protection may be withdrawn. Abandonment, rather than entrapment, has been the major obsession preoccupying Australia's foreign policy decision-makers.