‘Influence of Sea Power on History’ is considered one of the ten books which have altered the course of history. The eminent US naval historian, Alfred Thayer Mahan has asserted in the book that maritime transportation is the most economical means of transportation. ‘As far as the 5th century BC, the Athenians were wealthier than…
Stephen P. Cohen describes geo-strategic significance of Pakistan as “While history has been unkind to Pakistan, its geography has been its greatest benefit.”(1) 1. The month of April has witnessed the historic signing of China-Pak Economic Corridor and other MOUs between friendly nations of Pakistan and China. The long awaited signing ceremony also fortified the…
Carl Von Clausewitz (1780-1831) is one of the thinkers of the 19th century who analysed war and its various characteristics based on his experience and the literature of the time. His book On War (published posthumously in Prussia as Vom Kriege in 1832), is considered most important single work on theory of warfare and strategy…
North West Shelf / Pilbara are a rapidly progressing economic region. Australia’s largest oil and gas reserves are located along Pilbara coast. The mineral and petroleum exports from the region have increased from Aus. $ 4.1 billion to Aus$ 84 billion between 1999 – 2012, amounting to 5.5% of Australia’s total GDP which amounts to…
IntroductionThe Australian Defence Policy has seen many phases. The major challenge has been to strike the balance between the need to defend the continent or the defence of wider strategic interests. Being part of British Empire, the defence policy was to contribute to imperial defence till end of World War II (WW II). However during…
Introduction“God is the One Who has created Heaven and Earth, and sends down water from the sky. He brings forth produce by means of it as sustenance for you. He has subjected ships to you so they may sail at sea by His command”. Al-Quran Surah Ibrahim Verse 32 Oceans have provided mankind with resources…
Defence from external aggression and internal threat is the prime responsibility of any government in a state. Soon after becoming a federation of all colonies in 1901, the Australian Defence Forces were created after merger of all colonial forces.1 The structure of the forces has seen many changes based on national and international influences and…
IntroductionSafety and security is one of the major needs of human beings after their Physiological needs.2 Accordingly man has tried different forms of setups to ensure the safety and security of oneself and his clans/ tribes. Ever since the concept of nation states has matured, one of the prime responsibilities of the state is to…
Australia is located at the confluence of three oceans and the ‘greatest cluster of strategically significant maritime straits in the world’, the Straits of Malacca.2 Australian strategic environment is transforming due to United States rebalance to Pacific and regional military modernization. In the same context, ‘Indo-Pacific strategic arc’ has been introduced in Defence White Paper…
IntroductionThe sea has always remained an arena for contest of power between the nations. Since it provides economical means of transportation, 90% of the world trade is through sea.2 Historically naval warfare has been used to gain control of the sea for its use to own advantage and deny enemy the effective use of sea….
