The ANZUS Treaty Revisited

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.