Alliances and ANZUS

Yet Another Acronym…

• ANZUS = Australia New Zealand United States

• But it doesn’t include NZ anymore. (Well they are suspended anyway)

Phases

• Phase 1 – Federation, ‘Blood Brothers’

• Phase 2 – ANZUS enacted after WWII.

• Phase 3 – Whitlam onwards, turn to Asia and ‘refocus’ the American alliance.

ANZUS

• The treaty was signed in 1951.• “The parties will consult together whenever in

the opinion of any of them the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened in the Pacific.”

• What does this infer?

ANZUS

• Civilian Australians see this treaty as being important.

• Recent attacks have brought some criticism to the alliance, that it has made us more of a target.

• See graph on page 241 of textbook.

ANZUS

• The Defence Department views ANZUS as the foundation stone of Australia’s relationship with Washington.

• We get stuff out of it. (joint training, access to military technology, intelligence, etc)

• The only time ANZUS has been invoked was under Howard, during 9/11.

• Rudd supported this decision.

Recently

• American training camps in Australia• FTA (free trade agreements) come from the

alliance.• Positive and Negatives of the FTA on page 242

of textbook.

Cartoon Analysis – pp 242-245

1. What issue / aspect of the alliance is the cartoon highlighting?

2. What message is the cartoon illustrating?3. Add the message from each cartoon to your

assessment of the alliance – it’s positive and negatives. (we will make a big list on the board)

Article

• Read ‘Why is Australia the US’ most faithful ally?’

ANZUS treaty today

• Gillard in the US

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqWO1bURJM4&playnext=1&list=PL38882E3678F73A3E

What challenges does Gillard face in the current political climate?

Strengths•Military ‘back up’•Fear of invasion keeps alliance propped up•Protection•Intimidation of our neighbours?•Strong speaking power in International Relations

Weaknesses•Domestic Pressure•Apathy•No threat of invasion or attack•Economic weakness in the US•Anti-American sentiment•Australian population means we need an ally•Lack of innovation / change of international status quo?

Opportunities•Build alliance with superpower•Free trade•In the ‘club’

Threats•GFC in the US•Silly politicians?•Threat to Australian troops / citizens overseas•Spreading Anti-American sentiment