An Exercise in Management - Defence Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

This article presents an evaluation of the 2016 Defence White Paper and the role and orientation of Australia’s international defence engagement. It will argue that the White Paper offers some strong engagement and security-related ideas. In particular, the White Paper approach rightly places an emphasis on the significant tactical and operational—rather than strategic—advances from outreach in the Indo-Pacific region. One particular strength is in its attachment to the utility of humanitarian operations, disaster relief coordination and other aid elements. Training issues and related personnel requirements are also a specific focus. Overall, it is broadly attentive to well adjusted capacity options and harnessing the potential benefits of defence engagement although a number of challenges remain, including a range of co-ordination demands as well as how future constraints might be addressed.