The Grumpy Strategists Grumpy Strategists Episode 39: Elections, defence, cash, chainsaws and long bonnet syndrome.
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Apr 28, 2025 Dive into the contentious landscape of Australia's election campaign with a sharp focus on national defense and spending. Explore the public's waning trust in the US as a reliable ally and the implications of rising costs in military funding. Discover the complexities surrounding AUKUS and the long wait for nuclear submarines. Historical lessons reveal the significance of debt versus military strength. Additionally, consider how US monetary policies are reshaping global economics and what it means for Australia and beyond.
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Coalition's Defence Funding Boost
- Coalition's election policy promises a defence budget increase aiming for 2.5% GDP in 5 years, 3% in 10. - Additional $21 billion could fund new capabilities like drones and missile production, signaling urgency.
Australian Defence Spending and Alliance Trust
- Polls reveal only one-third of Australians favor increasing defence spending despite rising threats. - Meanwhile, trust in the US as a reliable ally has flipped from 61% to 66% distrust in less than a year.
Hedging Against US Unreliability
- The coalition acknowledges the need to hedge against an unreliable US by pushing Australian military self-reliance. - This includes an urgent focus on sovereign asymmetric capabilities and defense industry reform.