I’m a fan of AUKUS.
Nuclear-powered submarines seem to me to be a great way to keep Australia safe well into the future.
Greater interaction with our British and American allies seems like a common-sense move in a world of increasing tension but also globalised interconnectedness.
And the technology-sharing in Pillar II of the AUKUS agreement seems to be the best way to make use of Australia’s great skills in terms of resources and brains, while making up for our lack of capital, industry, and population.
But AUKUS remains controversial.
Advantageous
A lot comes from the usual anti-American, anti-British, anti-nuclear, anti-military types.
Recent “revelations” relating to waste disposal and the option for the other parties to terminate the agreement have given more fuel to these criticisms. Although, to be honest, these “revelations” seem completely unsurprising and should be expected.
More serious criticisms relate to whether the AUKUS plan is the best plan to secure Australia at the right price and questions about Australia’s competency to build.
I found Professor Ross Babbage’s recent report for the Lowy Institute instructive on each of the common criticisms.
Professor Babbage is one of Australia’s most senior thinkers on defence matters, and remains one of our most provocative ones.
He’s controversial in defence circles for talking more about how Australia can fight wars and the force structure it needs to do so. And he’s the key mind behind the idea that Australia is uninvadable, with the greatest risk being attacks on our supply lines and infrastructure.
In his report, Professor Babbage systematically goes through the advantages of AUKUS and how suitable it is for Australia. He highlights that the process is not only underway, but it’s well and truly on track and that we’re already seeing the advantages of greater integration with the US and the UK. The report is worth reading in full for those who want a deeper understanding of the situation.
Dicey
The reality is that the global situation is more fraught than ever.
Ukraine has gone on the offensive, mounting incursions into Russia itself. Russia is still regrouping from the attacks, and we’re yet to see if this will lead to further escalation. Nonetheless, it seems like another chapter in what is likely to be a long, devastating conflict.
The world is waiting for Iran‘s response to the assassination of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. Their last response to an assassination of one of their clients was to fire hundreds of missiles at Israel. At that time, the damage done was minimal, with some deeming it to be a failure. However, the worry of others was that Iran was using the attack to map missile defences so they can do more damage the next time around.
We do not know what the future holds. No one does. But it makes sense to prepare.
Preparation requires formation and information. It requires networks and creative leaders who can explore and adapt to the changing circumstances.
The Movement has been forming and informing the communities and leaders of Australia for decades. We specialise in creating the environments in which leaders can emerge and thrive. The Thomas More Centre, News Weekly, the Democratic Clubs and YPAT all work together to provide people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to bring about the Common Good.
AUKUS is a big step for Australia. It means Australia is stepping into a position of global leadership it has not held before.
As Australia steps up, so must Australians.
With your help, we can keep forming and informing Australia’s leaders.
And together we can make our region and our world a better, more secure place.
