ABSTRACT
One of the most enduring although less endearing characteristics of human history has been organized warfare between different sections of the human race. As a consequence, human societies throughout history have felt the need to protect themselves against the possibility of attack from the outside. In the case of New Zealand, the calculus of security was seen to indicate a defence pact with the United States after the Second World War. Formalizing the defensive pact between New Zealand and the USA in tripartite Australia, New Zealand, United States (ANZUS) had another important advantage. The ANZUS treaty may well have marked a milestone in 1951 in the evolution of New Zealand as an independent country free of the apron strings of mother England. ANZUS is more of a millstone around New Zealand's neck, denying it opportunities to engage in mature and independent behaviour.
