Australia's global and regional context

Question: Outline current issues related to Australia’s regional and global context.

Current issues which relate to Australia’s regional and global context are its relationship with the UN (United Nations) and global allies, the appropriate size, equipment and role of defence forces, economic cost of military preparedness, the numerous illicit activities that take place along Australia’s coasts including the smuggling of drugs and illegal immigrants and the aid Australia offers to its neighbours.

The Australian government follows security policies to prevent or defeat the use of force against Australia and its interests. These policies centre, firstly, on the cultivation of alliances, links and friendships which promote an international environment where the use of force is discouraged. Secondly, the development of and, where necessary, the use of defence forces.

Australia’s major defence links are in the Asia-Pacific region, but it also has strong links...