The latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines Australia’s momentous decision to form a security pact with the United States and the United Kingdom that includes an ambitious, expensive and risky plan to acquire nuclear-power submarines – a move that will have far-reaching military and strategic consequences.

Dead in the water looks at whether the AUKUS deal will enhance or undermine Australia’s security as tensions between China and the US rise, at the impact on Australia’s ties with its regional neighbours, and at whether the submarines plan is likely to ever be achieved.

Essays include: 

• Hugh White examines whether Australia needs nuclear-powered submarines and whether the AUKUS plan will deliver them.
• Susannah Patton looks at the lessons for Australia from the region’s responses to AUKUS.
• Elizabeth Buchanan explores how Australia could use its valuable geography to enhance ties with AUKUS allies and other partners.
• Andrew Davies weighs the benefits of nuclear-powered submarines against the costs of acquiring and maintaining them.
• Hervé Lemahieu proposes that Australia pursue a common travel area and an integrated digital market with the Pacific.
• Jack Corbett considers Solomon Islands’ economic options in an era of great power rivalry

The latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs examines Australia’s struggle to retain influence among its Pacific island neighbours as foreign powers play a greater role and as small nations brace for the impacts of climate change. 

Australian Foreign Affairs is published three times a year and seeks to explore – and encourage – debate on Australia’s place in the world and global outlook.