ABSTRACT
Introduction Since the Bali terrorist bombings in October 2002, Australia has been initiating various strategic initiatives to strengthen its web of bilateral defense relations in Southeast Asia. Canberra has signed an antiterrorism agreement with Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This is part of Australia’s overarching strategy of expanding its bilateral relations in Southeast Asia to advance its national interests, which are perceived to be threatened by traditional and nontraditional security issues in Asia, particularly the specter of international terrorism.1 Among countries in the region, the Philippines has the potential to forge a defense partnership with Australia in Southeast Asia due in large part to geographic proximity and cultural familiarity. Yet, the deeper basis for broadening their defense ties lies in their shared regional security perspectives.
