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Question 3A, To what extend has the membership of ANZUS and other regional defence agreements enhanced Australia’s and/ or New Zealand’s security since 1945?

The main purpose of any regional security agreements for Australia, or any other country is the concern for her own security. Since 1945 Australia has been involved in a few defence agreements for few different reasons but mainly to enhance the security of Australia . Most of the agreement have been done since 1945, the World War II and the real threat of Japanese invasion was in many ways an eye opener for the Australian government. In many ways it showed the Australian government where Australia stood at the world stage and her alliance in the west hence there were many defence agreements were made for the safety of Australia. However there are other factors which resulted in agreements with neighbouring countries such as the threat of communism and its strategic interest in the area and Australia’s close proximity to countries such as Indonesia. This essay will discuss some of the most significant agreements that have been since 1945 between Australia and other countries. Some of the agreements that will be discussed are ANZUS the triangle agreement between Australia, New Zealand and United States of America, SEATO and US agreements about communications centres and bases that were established on Australia soil. Furthermore, this paper will examine the reasons for each agreements and how Australia has benefited from the agreements and to what extend has enhanced Australian security.

World War II was a major turning point in Australian international diplomacy and politics. One of the most important factor that shook the Australian people was the Japanese threat. The fact that Japanese invasion became a real threat during the War, changed the way the country viewed itself. Before 1945 Australia's main friend on the international level was Britain. After many years of...

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