Conclusion

Three general themes were advanced in this book’s introduction as key factors for explaining the significance of Australia-Japan bilateral relations to overall regional and international security. First, the Australia-Japan security relationship is proving to be adaptable to rapid and historical structural changes now under way in the Asia-Pacific. Second, closer and more systematic Australia-Japan defence relations fit with the emerging strategic doctrine of their mutual senior ally, the United States. Third, these relations supersede traditional postwar alliance politics by being less threat-centric and more nimble instruments of strategic reassurance. This latter characteristic reflects intensifying Australia-Japan security ties as the epitome of how ‘spoke to spoke’ relations can develop as part of an updated and more flexible system of alliances and coalitions in partnership with the United States, rather than remaining merely subservient to the strategic interests of that superpower. It also broadens their applicability to encompass global as well as regional security issues.