Island Nation That Relies Entirely On International Law Totally Cool About It Becoming Optional

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

The Government has reassured taxpayers that recent innovations in preventative strike doctrine are unlikely to have any meaningful implications for a maritime trading nation that has built its security and prosperity on the continued rigidity of international law.

Speaking after reaffirming Australia’s commitment to the rules-based order "in principle," Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong confirmed the government was relaxed about evolving interpretations of jus ad bellum, particularly those expanding the definition of an acceptable casus belli to include threats that may materialise at some point in the future.

"International law remains extremely important," said Senator Wong.

"It underpins how we trade, how we interact with the world. Australia has no international land borders, we are an island and because of that, our existence is almost totally underpinned by the rule of international law being upheld. No exceptions, unless, you know..."

While also noting that Australia continues to support high thresholds for the use of force in all theatres, especially those geographically proximate to key export routes and advanced semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

While acknowledging that a by-product of US hegemony and cultural imperialsm is that it needs to occasionally engage in what experts have described as "creative" readings of imminence, Canberra stressed confidence that such flexibility would remain regionally contained and not drift into the Indo-Pacific, where Australia happens to reside, unfortunately.

Analysts have observed that as an island nation of 20-odd million that are quite dependent on open sea lanes, predictable hegemonic behaviour and clear distinctions between de jure sovereignty and de facto political reality, Australia benefits disproportionately from a global order in which missiles are generally preceded by paperwork.

Nevertheless, ministers insisted there was no contradiction between backing strategic partners and preferring a world in which preventative logic remains sparingly applied.

“At this stage, we have no reason to believe that expansive interpretations of self-defence will migrate into nearby waters,” Senator Wong added.

"We hope anyway."

At time of publication, officials reiterated that while the rules-based order may be evolving, Australia remains confident it will continue to function exactly as required in areas immediately surrounding itself.

More to come.