ABSTRACT
In this chapter, James Batley analyses the depth of Australia’s security cooperation and argues that it is comfortable working in areas of both traditional and non-traditional security. He argues that Australia is attempting to be both a leader within, and partner to, the region, which generates tension between its ambitions of ‘shaping the region’ versus its claims to ‘share interests’ with the region. Batley notes that Australia has by far the most involvement in security cooperation of all metropolitan security partners acting in the Pacific region, and is comfortable working in areas of both traditional and non-traditional security. He argues that Australia enjoys the capacity to act both bilaterally and regionally, and considers how recent Australian initiatives relate to Pacific Island Forum security structures. Adding to that complexity, Batley notes that Australia’s activities in the region are also influenced by its alliance and other relationships. He concludes that the complexity of security cooperation mechanisms in the Pacific Islands may in fact suit Australia’s interests and ways of operating.
