Establishing a Rational New Zealand/United States Defense Relationship

Abstract

Abstract : Since the New Zealand government introduced nuclear-free legislation in 1987, New Zealand has effectively been expelled from the ANZUS Treaty which linked Australia, New Zealand and the United States in a defense alliance. Although diplomatic and political relationships have essentially returned to normal, cooperation in the defense arena remains curtailed. With the end of the Cold War and the associated U.S. declaration that U.S. Navy surface ships no longer cary nuclear weapons, part of the defense fissure has been eliminated, leaving only the nuclear power issue remaining in contention. The U.S. policy of 'cooperative engagement' has seen the U.S. military exercising with former foes Russia and India. In light of this, and the pursuit of common international goals by New Zealand and the United States, there appears to be good reason for increasing defense cooperation between the two countries, without necessarily restoring links under the ANZUS Treaty.