STST3002 Study Guide - Final Guide: The American Interest, Paul Dibb, Anzus
Reading journal week 7 – u6071409
Di, Paul, Is the U“ Alliae of Deliig Iportae to Australia?, “eurity Challeges,
5:2, Winter 2009, pp. 31-40.
Thesis
• This academic journal is an in-depth analysis of the 2009 Defence White Paper.
o The White Paper outlines that the US will be the dominant power in the
orld out to 00 ad that the alliae ith e ital to Australias oerall
defence.
o The White Paper also emphasizes the significance of the alliance Australia
shares with the US.
• Paul Dibb argues that the US alliance is of declining importance to Australia, in spite
of what the 2009 Defence White Paper stresses.
• This is because both the continuation of the US as hegemon in the Asia-Pacific and
the subsequent security of Australia are uncertain.
• Dibb outlines three considerations for future policy options drawn from the white
paper which include:
o Self-reliance – as Australia develops the ADF to become more independent, it
may have to face leadership of its immediate neighbours who are becoming
increasingly unstable.
o Capability edge – a key defence planning requirement is for Australia to have
a technological advantage and will need to depend on the US for critical
technologies, so will need to maintain the trusted relationship.
o Major power conflict – Australia will face the prospect of a retaliatory attack
as a result of Australia making a substantial contribution to alliance military
operations.
Analysis / points I agree with
• I agree ith Dis oerall arguet – Australia cannot rely on the US as a security
guarantor for much longer as it is a declining power in the Asia-Pacific.
• Dibb compares the 2009 Defence white paper to previous ones, especially the 2000
defence white paper.
o He comments that the 2009 paper, while still emphasizing the vitality of the
US alliance, is less fulsome than previous papers with the words it uses to
describe the alliance.
o This shows that policy-makers are starting to accept that the US declining in
power in the Asia-Pacific region.
Critique / points I disagree with
• Overall, the academic journal is a good discussion of the 2009 Defence White Paper,
however, it would be favourable to see more discussion about the implications of
the decline of US power into the future, as well as some recommendations for future
white papers.
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