Andrew Fowler, an investigative journalist and author of the award-winning book "Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty," dives into the AUKUS partnership's strategic implications. He reveals the hidden motivations behind Australia going nuclear and discusses the significant political fallout. Fowler sheds light on the one-sided submarine deal and the growing calls for transparency from Australians. The podcast also explores the complexities of nuclear technology negotiations and the essential role of defense interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.
AUKUS signifies a pivotal strategic alliance focused on enhancing Australian defense capabilities with nuclear submarines amidst significant financial and technological commitments.
The secrecy enveloping the AUKUS negotiations has sparked concerns about Australia's sovereignty and has highlighted the urgent need for greater public debate on national security.
Deep dives
Overview of AUKUS Agreement
AUKUS represents a significant strategic partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, primarily focused on enhancing defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership includes plans for Australia to procure at least eight nuclear-powered submarines, marking a substantial shift in the nation's defense strategy and escalating costs potentially reaching $368 billion. Such an undertaking is described as one of the most technically demanding projects globally, requiring advanced technology and a long-term commitment that could extend for decades. The announcement of AUKUS surprised many, as details were kept secret by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leading to widespread debate and scrutiny surrounding its origins and implications.
Concerns About Secrecy and Sovereignty
The decision-making process behind AUKUS has raised significant concerns regarding transparency and the implications for Australia's sovereignty. Critics argue that the secrecy surrounding the negotiations, particularly in relation to the previous submarine deal with France, has left the public and some political factions in the dark about the actual needs and threats faced. As Australia integrates more closely with the U.S. military systems, there are fears that operational control could diminish, potentially compromising the nation's autonomy in strategic defense situations. This has sparked discussions about the necessity of a thorough public and political debate on AUKUS, highlighting the importance of due process in national security decisions.
Financial Implications and Public Debate
The financial ramifications of the AUKUS deal are profound, with estimates suggesting an eye-watering cost that could detract from other critical areas of public spending. Concerns have been raised about whether the substantial financial commitment, which includes billions already spent on U.S. and UK technological agreements, represents a wise investment for Australian taxpayers. Critics within the political landscape advocate for re-evaluating the AUKUS initiative, arguing that the funding could be better allocated to address domestic priorities rather than committing to an uncertain and costly defense partnership. The lack of extensive public consultation regarding such a significant expenditure has led to calls for accountability and reassessment of the strategic path forward for Australia.
In a special mini-series, Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald get the answers to all your burning questions about AUKUS.
In this first episode, we investigate how AUKUS came about - who spoke to who, what the true motivation was for going nuclear and whether the total secrecy around the deal was justified.
GUESTS:
Andrew Fowler - investigative journalist and author of Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty (MUP), which won the 2024 Walkley Book Award.
Scott Morrison - 30th Prime Minister of Australia, now Non-Executive Vice Chairman of the US-headquartered advisory and consulting firm American Global Strategies LLC and member of several advisory boards, including the DYNE Strategic Advisory Board.
