Power, prestige and shifting estimates of what makes for a credible minimum deterrent help explain a growing arsenal – but more lies behind the move, too.
It’s true there are many actors and issues unfolding in the region, but Australia, the United States and China play a central role in driving aid and strategic competition.
There are significant risks for Australia around both the Virginia-class submarine and the proposed AUKUS SSN. A change of plan is needed to the so-called 'optimal pathway'.
The government must oversee foreign civil society stakeholders responsibly, backed by evidence, upholding truly what it means to be the world’s largest democracy.