About this blog

Stop Greed Financing the War Machine publishes critical analysis of Australian defence policy, military spending, AUKUS, the United States alliance and the growing influence of private weapons companies over public policy.

Australia is undertaking one of the largest military expansions in its history. Defence expenditure is rising sharply, major procurement decisions are being accelerated, and increasingly important elements of Australian military policy are being integrated with the strategic priorities of the United States. These decisions involve hundreds of billions of dollars, long-term commitments and profound consequences for Australian sovereignty, regional security and democratic accountability.

Yet much of the public discussion is shaped by government announcements, military institutions, strategic-policy organisations and corporations that benefit directly or indirectly from increased defence expenditure. Claims about deterrence, national security, sovereign capability and alliance obligations are often repeated without sufficient examination of their financial, industrial and political consequences.

This blog examines what lies beneath those claims.

Its principal areas of interest include:

• AUKUS and Australia’s proposed nuclear-powered submarines

• Australian defence expenditure and procurement

• the expansion of the United States military presence in Australia

• Australian sovereignty and strategic dependence

• public subsidies and contracts benefiting private weapons companies

• foreign ownership within Australia’s defence industry

• the political influence of the military-industrial sector

• the regional consequences of Australian military policy

• alternatives to militarisation and escalating strategic competition

The articles are written from a critical perspective, but they aim to be grounded in evidence. Wherever possible, they draw on government documents, parliamentary material, official reports, legislation, defence announcements, academic research and reputable journalism.

The purpose is not to suggest that Australia has no legitimate defence or security needs. It is to question whether those needs are being defined too narrowly, whether military spending is being subjected to adequate scrutiny, and whether decisions presented as strengthening Australian sovereignty may instead deepen dependence on foreign governments and multinational weapons manufacturers.

Particular attention is given to the distinction between Australia’s national interest and the commercial or strategic interests of its allies, defence contractors and political institutions.

New articles are generally published weekly.

Readers are encouraged to examine the evidence, question the assumptions behind Australian defence policy and consider who gains power, influence and profit from the continuing expansion of the war economy.

About the author

Peter Andersen writes independently about Australian defence policy, AUKUS, military expenditure, national sovereignty and the political economy of the weapons industry.

The views expressed are his own.