Books - 1987

From the Foreword

by Richard Falk

oseph Camilleri, in this brilliantly reasoned and researched study, provides the reader with a balanced and nuanced discussion of the issues that underlie the ANZUS controversy. In the end, he articulates the case for an alternative foreign policy based on a far greater degree of self-reliance, regional and sub-regional attentiveness, and a gradual restructuring of Australian and New Zealand force structures to enable the adoption of non-provocative defence postures.

What is especially impressive about Camilleri's achievement is its sensitivity to the obstacles lying along the path he favours, and the seriousness with which he addresses those who might still adhere to the premises of the postwar world. He acknowledges the deep roots that ANZUS continues to have in the political cultures of both junior members, as well as the dangerous and costly repercussions that could result from challenging directly the American image of the alliance. I would underscore two elements of Camilleri's approach as especially not able: his realisation that a shift in security orientation depends on changing the domestic political climate in fundamental respects, a development that cannot happen quickly; and further, his realisation that a reorientation of foreign and security policy will work only if a sense of continuity with the past can be sustained during the long transition period. In this regard, Camilleri's advocacy of nuclear disengagement, neutrality, non-alignment, and increasing self-reliance is underpinned by a very informed and sophisticated assessment of security issues that accepts the overall agenda of the mainstream leadership. As a consequence, Camilleri expresses a kind of responsible radicalism that shuns dogmatism and ideological baggage of any discernible variety.

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First published 1987 by

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

107 Moray Street, South Melbourne 3205

Published in 1987 in the United States by

WESTVIEW PRESS

Frederick A. Praeger, Publisher

5500 Central Avenue

Boulder, Colorado 80301

ISBN 0-8133-0615-9