Australian security planning in a changing strategic environment

Abstract

During the decade from 1967 Australia's strategic environment altered fundamentally. This thesis explores the nature of the most important changes and examines their implications for Australia's current and future security policies. The two most significant alterations - the changed nature of the strategic relationship with the United States and the revolutionary advances in conventional military technology - are discussed in Part I. In Part II, the major implications of the changes in the strategic environment for Australian security policy are detailed.This is followed in Part III by an examination of the bureaucratic constraints on adapting Australian security policy to more closely satisfy the requirements of the new situation. In Part IV, a range of concepts is discussed which. might assist in over­ coming many of the difficulties of coherently planning security policy development in a highly uncertain strategic environment.Finally, in Part V, attention is focused upon the broadened range of strategy and manpower options which are deserving of consideration as Australia seeks solutions appropriate to its new requirements. The overall conclusion, stated baldly, is that many concepts which are part of the Australian security structure have been outmoded by recent changes in the nature of the strategic environment. A through process of reassessment is required if Australia is to be appropriately prepared to meet the security challenges which may arise in the 1980's and 90's.