How is Australia's relationship with Britain and the US changing?

Answer 1

Australia's relationship with other "western nations" is undergoing a significant change at the moment. Even though the government appears to be strengthening its ties with the U.S. at the cost of its relationship with the U.K. this is not really the case. The influence that Britain has over Australia is almost negligable, Australian populace and government really pay no heed to English politics but many conservative people still feel traditional ties with England but this does not affect Australian policy. Australia's military links with the U.S. have come under increasing scrutiny from much of the populace of Australia and many Australian feel that we may follow U.S. policy just a little too easily, however many others argue that the relationship with the U.S. is our best defence policy as Australia is only a nation of 21 million it would be difficult to defend ourselves with out assistance. Perhaps the most significant factor over the last few years and which will continue to exert greater influence into the future is the changing nature of the Australian demographic. Australia now accepts many more immigrants from nations that have no cultural ties to England or the U.S. as their influence grows expect to see a far more multicultural and multinational approach from Australia, especially if our economic links with south east Asia continue to expand at the rate they are.

Answer 2

Australia has a good relationship with Britain and is a member of the British Commonwealth of nations. not to mention that the monarch of Britain is still the titular head of state in Australia.

Answer 3

During the beginning of WW2 Australia and Britain enjoyed a close alliance. However, when Singapore fell and the subsequent Battle for Australia began Australia decided to look for the USA for a closer relationship which eventually eclipsed the relationship with Britain. Today Britain means relatively nothing to Australia nor her defence policy.

Answer 4

The problem with being an ally of America is, you cannot guarantee any help from them, unless it benefits America. The fact that the U.K. jumps to US requests for help, especially to make conflicts more respectable, any promise from the yanks aren’t worth any paper written on.