As Australia becomes closer economically and socially with the Asiatic region, ties with western countries are coming under scrutiny questioned. This growing concern has been perceived both within Australia and its’ neighbouring Asiatic countries. With questions as to where Australia’s true allegiance is invested. Historically Australia has always looked to larger countries for logistical and defence support; while looking to establish itself regionally as a dominant cultural and political leader. When it comes to looking for suitable allegiances, Australia has been seen to consistently look to align itself with larger yet distant countries. Those that can offer support while also ensuring autonomy. The United States (US) is seen to work well
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As Alexander Davis expresses it, “Australia as a vast ‘empty’ island continent, situated geographically within touching distance of
‘overpopulated’ Asia”. The vastness, relative distance from other primarily European or white nations as well as the felt vulnerability to larger or more populated countries creates in the Australian psyche a need to be protected without being cajoled (Davis, 2013). Coupled with this is the social consequence of the Australian White Only policy which sought to exclude Asians immigration the country. A factor that for many within the Asiatic regions is remembered and referred to when discussions of treaties are being negotiated …show more content…
The treaty itself had been challenged on both sides of the document. In the US the debate became evident between State Department and Pentagon. This conflict of implementation of the treaty began as soon as the ANZUS agreement took effect in April 1952 (Henry W. Brands, 1987). In the end it was summed up by Dean Acheson of the State Department (as cited by Henry Brands) that it was important that the “confidence and mutually cooperative relations', was something that the United States could not afford to jeopardize” (Henry W. Brands, 1987, p. 253). So, with the continuing relationship Australia has with the US, the country will continue to be respected as a significantly influence: Enough of one to allow Australia the considered political leverage within Asia as to take a leading
As Alexander Davis expresses it, “Australia as a vast ‘empty’ island continent, situated geographically within touching distance of
‘overpopulated’ Asia”. The vastness, relative distance from other primarily European or white nations as well as the felt vulnerability to larger or more populated countries creates in the Australian psyche a need to be protected without being cajoled (Davis, 2013). Coupled with this is the social consequence of the Australian White Only policy which sought to exclude Asians immigration the country. A factor that for many within the Asiatic regions is remembered and referred to when discussions of treaties are being negotiated …show more content…
The treaty itself had been challenged on both sides of the document. In the US the debate became evident between State Department and Pentagon. This conflict of implementation of the treaty began as soon as the ANZUS agreement took effect in April 1952 (Henry W. Brands, 1987). In the end it was summed up by Dean Acheson of the State Department (as cited by Henry Brands) that it was important that the “confidence and mutually cooperative relations', was something that the United States could not afford to jeopardize” (Henry W. Brands, 1987, p. 253). So, with the continuing relationship Australia has with the US, the country will continue to be respected as a significantly influence: Enough of one to allow Australia the considered political leverage within Asia as to take a leading