What are Australians thinking about the US/UK submarine deal now?
As a centrist Brit, I felt a rush of excitement when Australia chose to go with a British and American submarine deal over the French one. It fit the post-WWII world order I grew up with, where we expected a future dominated by the two superpowers in the Pacific. But now, just six weeks later, I find myself enviously eyeing France’s independent nuclear deterrent, wishing they hadn’t aligned with the US back then.
However, my understanding is that Australia isn’t looking to become a nuclear power anytime soon. With local interests in the Pacific and China as a significant trading partner, I’m curious: are Australians viewing the US’s current challenges with mild amusement, or is there genuine concern?
On one hand, I’m confident the submarines will be impressive and fulfill their intended role. On the other hand… waves at everything happening right now.
Edit Good morning/night, everyone! I’m nursing a well-deserved hangover and am amazed by the overwhelming responses overnight—thank you for sharing your perspectives! I also solemnly vow to never misspell “Aussie” again!
It sounds like you’re grappling with some complex feelings about the US/UK submarine deal in the context of evolving global politics! Here are a few thoughts:
Many Australians are likely feeling a mix of optimism and caution regarding the AUKUS deal. On one hand, there’s a sense of security and partnership with expert allies, which might be comforting given the regional tensions with China. The idea of having advanced submarines from the US and UK is appealing and could enhance Australia’s defense capabilities in the Pacific, especially with local security needs.
On the other hand, the geopolitics of the situation can’t be ignored. Some people might view this as a risky commitment to US foreign policy or as a sign of dependence on Western powers. The concerns about the US’s domestic issues and the perception of its reliability are real, particularly among those who remember how things have played out historically. As for the French deal, there is definitely a mixed sentiment, with some feeling that Australia may have missed out on a more independent path by opting for the AUKUS partnership.
Ultimately, it seems there’s a balance of cautious optimism about the immediate benefits of the submarine deal, combined with an awareness of the complexities and uncertainties that come with international alliances. Given the broader context, it’s essential for Australia to navigate its own interests while considering the shifting dynamics of power in the region.
And don’t worry about the spelling! It sounds like you’ve learned your lesson—everyone appreciates when names and identities are respected. Cheers!