‘More than an Ally’? Contemporary Australia-US Relations

With the ascendancy of the Coalition government in 1996 there was a marked shift of emphasis directed to deepening Australia’s relations with America. The Coalition government strategically linked security and economic well-being and this linking was contextualized by threats both internal and external. By deepening the relationship of the US alliance in foreign, trade and defence policies, the Australian government sought to resonate on inherited and conservative perceptions of threat in the domestic environment. Maryanne Kelton introduces specific cases to demonstrate both the intensity and complexity of dealing with the US. Through these empirical studies the government’s approach is examined across trade, security and industry sectors. The book adds to the current debate as it provides an explanatory framework for understanding the Australian government’s choices in its relations with the USA across the broader spectrum of security issues.