One of the reasons Australia is among the fortunate countries is that it has never known fear. From a national security perspective, it has always been one of the safest countries in the world.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As global power shifts so does risk and danger, and the Western Pacific is likely to become one of the world’s more contested places. If Australia is to manage its security in this more dangerous and disruptive world it will need to rethink its defence posture. However, instead of advocating a return to defence of Australia or a doubling down on dependence, I propose a different option. To protect its sovereignty Australia needs to become an armed echidna, strong enough to dissuade an aggressor but weak enough to not be a threat. To be secure in the future, to manage fear, Australia will have to commit to a future of Armed Sovereignty.
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About the Speaker
Dr Albert Palazzo is the Director of War Studies in the Australian Army Research Centre. His PhD is from Ohio State University and his thesis led to the book, Seeking Victory on The Western Front: The British Army and Chemical Warfare in World War I. He has published widely on Australian military history and the character of contemporary war including, The Australian Army: A History of its Organisation, Battle of Crete and Forging Australian Land Power: A Primer. His next publication will define a new military philosophy for the arm. His current research is on war and climate change and crossing the ‘2,000 kilometre-killing zone’.