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The ANZUS Treaty Revisited
Author: Joseph M. Siracusa
Volume 1, Number 1 (November 2005), pp. 89-104.
Abstract
Conceived in close connection with the conclusion of a ‘soft’ Japanese peace treaty, the ANZUS Treaty was negotiated only after much tough bargaining. The main source of contention was paradoxically the bipartisan determination of Australian leaders on both sides of the floor to establish a binding security relationship between their country and the United States and the equally firm resolve of American policymakers not to embark on anything of the kind. Put simply, Canberra wanted strategic assurances that the United States would come to her aid in the next time of troubles; Washington wanted cooperation, an opportunity to take advantage of the island continent’s unique geographical position in the Western Pacific, as well as the overall political positioning Southeast Asia. Neither got exactly what it wanted. Nonetheless, for more than fifty years, the ANZUS Alliance has been at the heart of Australia’s foreign and defence policy. And whatever the next crisis - China, North Korea or Iran - America will doubtless become more, not less important to Canberra in the years ahead.
About the Author
Joseph M. Siracusa is a specialist in diplomacy and security issues in the School of International and Community Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne. A native of Chicago and long-time resident of Australia, he studied at the University of Denver and the University of Vienna and received his PhD from the University of Colorado (Boulder). He has worked at Merrill Lynch, in Boston, the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, and for three years served as visiting fellow in the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance, Griffith University, where he researched the ethical and strategic responses to the risks of terrorism. His most recent books include Depression to Cold War (Praeger, 2002); and Presidential Profiles: The Kennedy Years (Facts on File, 2004). Dr Siracusa is currently completing a book, with David G. Coleman (University of Virginia) on the international history of nuclear doctrine (Praeger). joseph.siracusa@rmit.edu.au.
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