RAN Reading List
Contemporary Regional Maritime Affairs
Globalization and Maritime Power
edited by Sam J. Tangredi published by National Defence University Press, Washington, DC, 2002
Globalization and Maritime Power focuses on the direct impact of globalisation on naval forces and the maritime aspects of commerce and international relations. It seeks to translate what we have learned about the phenomenon of globalisation into the language of strategy and defence policy.
Transcending the Cultural Gaps in 21st Century Analysis and Planning: the Real Revolution in Military Affairs (Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence No. 155)
by Edwin Lowe published by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU, Canberra, 2004
In the closing years of the 20th century, two competing strategic paradigms emerged from the United States and the People's Republic of China. The 'Asymmetric Warfare' (US) and 'Unrestricted Warfare' (PRC) paradigms were both hailed as the new doctrine of warfare required to meet the challenges of the 21st century. In the 21st century, the real 'Revolution in Military Affairs' will be the ability to transcend one's own cultural paradigms and to view the adversary through his own cultural norms and assumptions.
Oceans Governance and Maritime Strategy
edited by David Wilson and Dick Sherwood published by Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2000
Australia's interests in the management of the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans arise not only from the role these oceans play in our national security but also from their vast potential for resource and economic development. Leading authorities on ocean governance examine the diverse and sometimes conflicting interests in the oceans. Analysing scientific, economic, legal and security issues, they point to the need for appropriate infrastructures for management and use, surveillance, enforcement and control of the oceans.
Australia's Maritime Bridge into Asia
edited by Sam Bateman and Dick Sherwood published by Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1995
The Asia-Pacific region is heavily dependent on the sea, for energy, food and transport. Australia's involvement within the region will necessarily have a predominant maritime component covering both the resources we provide and the means by which we convey them. Naval forces have a uniquely broad interest in all maritime matters because they are responsible for protecting a nation's interests at sea. This is an excellent introduction to the range, importance and potential of Australia's maritime interests.
Maritime Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region: Current Situation and Prospects (Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence No. 132)
edited by Sam Bateman
published by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU, Canberra, 1999
This monograph includes the discussion papers presented at the Fifth Meeting of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) Maritime Cooperation Working Group. The papers in this monograph explore the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes of maritime cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The CSCAP Maritime Cooperation Working Group deals with issues, which are of growing concern to regional countries. They are of interest to those participating in maritime operations within the region and have immense potential value as a basis for preventative diplomacy and confidence building measures.
Understanding Australia's Neighbours: An Introduction to East and Southeast Asia
by Nick Knight
published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004
Australia is aware that the East and South East Asian region is of immense economic, strategic and cultural significance. It has also been important in defining Australia's identity, and is the origin of many of Australia's immigrants. Therefore, we need to have an understanding of our region, and be able to think about such issues in an informed way. This book facilitates this process by providing comparisons between Asian and Australian societies. Written in a very informative and easy to read manner, Understanding Australia's Neighbours encourages the reader to think about Australia's neighbours across a wide range of social, economic and historical contexts.
China's Rise in Asia:Promises and Perils
by Robert G. Sutter
published by Rowman and Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland, 2005
In this first sustained, single-authored assessment of China's expanding influence in Asia in the post-Cold War period, respected analyst Robert Sutter draws on his extensive experience to explore the current debate on China's military and economic rise and its meaning for US interests. Examining in detail China's current and historical relations with the key countries of Asia, he finds a range of motivations underlying China's recent initiatives. Some see future Chinese policy to be cooperative with the US, others to be competitive and confrontational. Sutter's study shows that US influence continues to dominateAsia and playsa criticalrole in determining China'scooperative or confrontational approach. He argues that the Bush Administration's policies of firmness and cooperation have encouraged China to stay on a generally constructive track in the region.
Modernizing China's Military
by David Shambaugh published by University of California Press, Berkeley, California, 2003
The definitive study of a contentious foreign policy subject, critical to Australia's future security. The conclusions of Shambaugh's sophisticated assessment, which represents the consensus among government and civilian defence and intelligence analysts, are a much needed corrective to the methodologically crude arguments of works that hype the 'China threat.' Although the Chinese modernisation programme does not aim to challenge US hegemony in the Pacific, the growth of Chinese influence in the region will probably reduce US dominance and possibly lead to greater cooperation amongst regional military coalitions. These processes will have a major influence on the future of Australia's defence needs.
Chinese Grand Strategy and Maritime Power
by Thomas M. Kane published by Frank Cass, London, 2002
This book argues that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is pursuing a long-term strategy to extend its national power by sea. The PRC acts most boldly in the geographical areas where its influence is greatest, its plans, like its interests, are global. Although the PRC's economic requirements and internal political disputes complicate its government's attempts at long-term military planning, other states have overcome similar problems, and Kane suggests that Beijing's leaders are beginning to do so as well. The book goes on to examine China's current naval forces and maritime doctrine in detail. Although China's navy is not nearly as capable as some alarmists have indicated, the author suggests that the Chinese military are thinking seriously about how to use it to best advantage, and to expand its potential over time. Of course the pursuit of these Mahanian strategies need not represent the actual Chinese grand strategy or maritime doctrine.
The Great Wall at Sea: China's Navy Enters the Twenty-First Century
by Bernard D. Cole published by Naval Institute Press, Maryland, 2001
With the largest population and the fastest growing economy, China is building a large modern navy to assure its status as Asia's predominant power. This major new study, provides timely authoritative information about China's developing navy and its quest for power on the high seas. The author (a Professor at the National War College and retired Captain in the US Navy) sets the scene by proving a detailed introduction on China's two-thousand year old maritime tradition. He then examines China's extensive territorial claims at sea and follows up with a path-breaking description of the nation's increasing dependence on energy sources mined from the ocean floor. Furthermore, there is also a more detailed examination of China's navy in detail, its organisation as well as its submarines, ships, and aircraft that make up its sea going force. He also discusses the personnel who man the growing fleet and Beijing's efforts to shape them into professionally reliable officers and sailors. He completes his study by discussing China's future plans for its navy, including doctrine and operations.
India's Maritime Security
by Rahul Roy-Chaudhury
published by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi, 2000
Chaudhury provides a recent summary of the economic, political and military influences that have influenced the development of Indian naval power. Although raising views not necessarily held by the Indian Armed Forces, this book does present a local perspective on the rise of Indian sea power and its potential uses.
The Maritime Dimensions of Independent East Timor
(Wollongong Papers on Maritime Policy No 8)
edited by Donald R. Rothwell and Martin Tsamenyi
published by University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2000
Australia has long had important maritime interests in the Timor Sea which have expanded as a result of developments in the law of the sea and Australia's strategic engagement with Indonesia. This book consists of papers presented during a seminar on their legal and policy implications of an independent East Timor, with particular emphasis on Australia's role in the Timor Sea.
The Manipulation of Custom: From Uprising to Intervention in the Solomon Islands
by Jon Fraenkel
published by Pandanus Books, ANU, Canberra, 2004
This book documents the crisis that had gripped the Solomon Islands since the Isatabu rising on Guadalcanal in 1998. The events as they unfolded are critically reviewed, as is the involvement of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Protecting Australia's Maritime Borders: The MV Tampa and Beyond (Wollongong Papers on Maritime Policy No 13)
edited by Martin Tsamenyi and Chris Rahman
published by University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2002
The protection of Australia's maritime borders and sovereign interests at sea has become a leading national security issue. This book advances the debate on maritime border protection by presenting a range of papers written by experts in their fields. A number of authors discuss the current and future role of the Australian Defence Force in protecting our borders.
