Ministerial Summary Australia’s alliance with the United States, expressed in the Australia-New Zealand-US (ANZUS) Treaty signed in 1951, does not specify a particular threat or circumstance under which Australia would be required to send forces to support the US in combat. Two important elements would shape the decision to contribute militarily to US-led operations: 1/ [...]

The joint declaration on security signed by Japan and Australia in March has led many to wonder about the possibilities that it might develop into a formal security arrangement. This would entail a mutual obligation to come to the other’s aid in the event of an attack on either party. However, a formal security alliance [...]

The Australian government has recently embarked on a new program to reshape drastically the Australian Defence Forces. This program is heavily oriented to strengthen Australia’s strategic position in the immediate neighbourhood. It will ensure that the ADF is well equipped to respond to the types of operations that Australia is likely to face for the [...]