Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines perceptions that Australia's involvement with the Iraq war has increased the risk of an attack. The writer argues that further examination reveals the decision was purposeful in advancing that national interest as it has increased the security of Australia by securing access to US defense systems and support and reinforcing Western Hegemony and ideology. The writer maintains that Australia's continuing trend of forming foreign policy in consideration of U.S. interests is proficient as long as Australia balances its negotiations with Asia and continues to advocate itself as a considerate middle power.

From the Paper:

"However Howard maintains that the theft of Iraq's oil resources was not and never has been a justification for the presence of its military forces in Iraq. Nevertheless it has become apparent that Australia's participation in the War in Iraq is based on complex rationality, dictated by the US and can be understood as primarily to provide legitimacy to the US in the case of a very illegitimate war, for the sake of strengthening the military alliance.
"Australia's participation in the 2003 War in Iraq was also influenced by the desire to secure a FTA with the US, yet arguably Australia has gained little from the FTA, and ultimately is it merely another political act to strengthen the ANZUS alliance, and secure the US's 'friendship'. Military considerations were central to the forging of closer economic ties to the US (Head, 2003). In today current in environment of economic interdependency it was perceived that economic ties would great power in strengthening of the overall relationship with the United States. "It is appropriate that the defence core of the relationship be broadened by adding an economic core (DFAT, 2001:5)". Supporters rightly point to the positive impacts such agreements can have on entrenching international law and encouraging peaceful economic interdependency."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker, G., 'Sexing It Up: Iraq, Intelligence and Australia', UNSW Press, Sydney, 2003.
• Baker, G., 'Australia's other war in Iraq', The Age, 3 July, 2006.
• Beeson, M., 'Australia's relationship with the United States: The case for greater independence', Australian Journal of Political Science, Vol. 38, No, 3, P. 387-405. Routledge. 2003.
• Brenchley, F., 'The Howard Defence Doctrine', The Bulletin, 28 September, 1999.
• Brooks, S.G. and W.C. Wohlforth, 'American Primacy in Perspective', Foreign Affairs, Vol. 81, No. 4, P. 20-33, 2001.

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