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

Talisman sabre military exercises, war and the environment

By Sue Wareham - posted Friday, 10 July 2009


There is currently no major military threat to Australia. The recent Defence White Paper confirmed this.  The paper briefly recognised the threats that loom largest - climate change and resource security - and then proceeded to recommend an array of fuel-guzzling resource-depleting war machines that will intensify these threats.

Armed conflict and environmental security are of course global issues, and Australia cannot solve them alone. We could however be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, by focussing our attention, energy and funds on the real threats we face, rather than the quest for military supremacy.

A fraction of the $308 billion that was announced in the budget for a decade of military spending, and the $48 million or more that will be spent on Talisman Sabre, could achieve major security benefits if channelled into renewable energies, environmental remediation and building regional goodwill.

Advertisement

Talisman Sabre might strengthen our relationship with the world's most powerful military force, but whether that makes us more secure is a different matter.  Security in the 21st century will depend significantly on the extent to which we humans can cooperate, rather than compete, to salvage a liveable world.

  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.

17 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

Dr Sue Wareham is a Canberra GP who joined the Medical Association for Prevention of War out of a "horror at the destructive capacity of a single nuclear weapon". She has many interests and fields of expertise, including the contribution of peace to global sustainability. Sue believes that her work with MAPW is fundamental to her commitment to the protection of human life and the improvement of human well-being. She is Vice-President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia); and on the Australian Management Committee of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Sue Wareham

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

Photo of Sue Wareham
Article Tools
Comment 17 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy