Morrison’s first instinct was to position Australia as a reliable elder sibling of what he likes to call our “Pacific family”. Speaking of Pacific island states collectively, Morrison is quoted as saying – with China obviously in mind – “We support the sovereignty of these countries and we oppose anybody’s efforts to undermine sovereignty”. Yet in dealings between large powerful states and small weak ones, when are the latter ever truly sovereign?

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As Kelly reads it, Morrison’s strategic view is that our best form of defence lies in erecting new multi-partner bulwarks against an over-assertive China. Hence, his seminal role in constructing the Quad (with the US, Japan and India) and AUKUS (with the US and UK). But, given India’s pro-Russian stance on the invasion of Ukraine, and President Biden’s public regrets about the damage AUKUS’ creation wrought to valued ally France, it remains to be seen how durable these building materials will prove.

Part-funded by Australian government grants, the Lowy Institute boasts of being “home to many different views but the advocate of none”. Still, this 14th Lowy Institute Paper has been issued in the shadow of what looms as a khaki election campaign. Through the imprimatur of print, it may feed the perception that the institute regards the “Morrison Doctrine” as the only good option for these times.

In early March, at the Lowy Institute, Morrison denounced a “new arc of autocracy” bracketing Russia and China. Two days later, Anthony Albanese, speaking in the same forum, reaffirmed Labor’s support for the US alliance while also beating the drum for greater self-reliance.

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Paul Kelly has performed a public service by focusing on Morrison’s mission – and his motives. But this contribution to the debate on national security choices ahead of the federal election leaves the reading and voting public about one book short of the minimum necessary.

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