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Australian foreign policy has sometimes been undermined by accusations of undue outside influence, mainly because of reliance on powerful friends for protection. As a small nation with limited military capacity and no nuclear capability, it seems wise for Australia to err on the side of caution by developing friendships with powerful countries.

In the period leading up to the Second World War, traditional links with Britain played a dominant role in shaping relations abroad. Now many would argue that its close links with the United States, and willingness to support them in their ventures, indicates further dependency on powerful friends. Certainly, common Western values suggest it is sensible for both nations to maintain a strong national security relationship.

The diversity of relationships Australia maintains in the Asia-Pacific region is an asset for the US. Countries such as Japan have been vocal supporters of Australian economic and political interests. Furthermore, Australia's budding relationship with India is in line with US policy to nurture India as a counterbalance to China.

For Australia, America's position as sole remaining superpower after the demise of the Soviet Union is an added benefit to the relationship. It is also a factor that alters the dynamics of the relationship. With both the military might and weakness of the US on display in Iraq, Australia's token contribution to the war effort seems sufficient to placate the demands of the alliance. We can see how the dynamics have changed by the removal of the Soviet Union as a threat because such a token effort may not have been as acceptable during the height of the Cold War.

After entering World War II separately, the US and Australia came out together as allies and friends. In 1951 the ANZUS treaty brought together the common threads between the two nations. ANZUS which no longer includes New Zealand is a significant component of national security as it allows for sharing of intelligence, joint military exercises and purchasing of military hardware. The Free Trade Agreement has further strengthened the relationship.

Challenges to the relationship come mainly from Asian quarters. Can Australia balance its Asian relationships with the views of its Western friends? In particular, the volatile issue of Taiwan has the potential to cause division. The US, as a vocal supporter of democracy, supports Taiwan maintaining its sovereignty.

But Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has suggested that Australia would not necessarily join the US in an offensive against China should Taiwan be attacked, as the ANZUS treaty does not cover attacks on third-parties. Prime Minister Howard has rebuked Downer over this. Here, Australia may be able to act as an intermediary between China and the US in the interests of reaching an amicable solution. In this way, many commentators have suggested that China's rise does not have to come at the expense of Australia's relationship with the US.

One thing is certain however. At the beginning of the 21st century the two countries will find their bond strengthened by the coordinated effort to combat terrorism.

Learn more about this author, Sukrit Sabhlok.
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