Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Is the ANZAC relationship dissolving into irrelevance?

By Graham Cooke - posted Tuesday, 23 May 2006


All this has been achieved while both countries pursued their domestic concerns unhindered by the other and framed widely diverging foreign policies.

Is there still a fear lingering in the Kiwi folk memory that Australia covets its smaller neighbour as the seventh or maybe (if the North and South islands were separated) the seventh and eighth states? While the issue is occasionally raised, mostly by politicians and others seeking an easy headline, it has been off the serious agenda for decades. That does not mean to say a European Union-style community, with common borders and perhaps even a single currency, could not be sensibly pursued to everyone’s advantage.

We are dealing with mature democracies and populations quite capable of vetoing any developments they find unpalatable. Economic integration makes a great deal of sense and need not interfere with the social and cultural evolution of either country. Our relationship is without precedent in the international community, based on geography, shared traditions and common values, and has the strength and flexibility to adapt to changed circumstances.

Advertisement

There should be no hindrance to the development of divergent foreign policies or cultural attitudes - it may even be healthy to be viewed as two vigorous separate identities by the world at large. The tragedy would lie in this becoming an obstacle to the progress of economic integration that is of proven value to the peoples on both sides of the Tasman.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

13 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Graham Cooke has been a journalist for more than four decades, having lived in England, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, for a lengthy period covering the diplomatic round for The Canberra Times.


He has travelled to and reported on events in more than 20 countries, including an extended stay in the Middle East. Based in Canberra, where he obtains casual employment as a speech writer in the Australian Public Service, he continues to find occasional assignments overseas, supporting the coverage of international news organisations.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Graham Cooke

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Graham Cooke
Article Tools
Comment 13 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy