Australia's security relationship with the United States has both great benefits and great risks.

<Tab/>There are many issues that must be assessed when critically analysing our relationship with America. People for this strong alliance argue that we hold similar ideals and that without America, we are leaving ourselves open to military and terrorist attacks. Those against this reliance suggest that by having these close ties with America we are alienating our neighbours in Asia, and that this close relationship with America makes us a …

…the likelihood of an attack on our country by lessening the animosity for Australia and Australians in less than friendly (but not quite hostile) countries. By assisting countries in a way that is not demeaning or degrading but also constructive and beneficial to a more stable nation we are also helping ourselves by decreasing the stigmatisation of Australia as 'America's deputy sheriff' and the disdain that comes along with it. <Tab/>