Multinational Combined Joint Force Offers Credible Collective Deterrence
The Indo-Pacific's networked deterrence architecture must evolve into an institutionalised, combined joint mechanism to harness the collective power of like-minded nations.
A coalition approach will fail to deter threats to sovereignty and the rules-based order without change. A multinational, joint combined framework would fill a gap in the region's security architecture, ensuring the military instrument can deliver political ends.
Australia must work collectively because 'enhanced defence capability alone is insufficient.'
Australian officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and the Ambassador in Washington, have been clear: Australia is pursuing collective deterrence, as clarified by former Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell at the 2023 ASPI conference.
Author's summary: Collective deterrence is crucial for regional security.