Girt by Sea: Re-imagining Australia’s security (Rebecca Strating & Joanne Wallis, La Trobe)

In their thought-provoking book, Girt by Sea: Re-imagining Australia’s security, Rebecca Strating and Joanne Wallis challenge conventional notions of Australia’s security. This book invites readers to rethink the country’s approach to its defence, suggesting incorporation of a broader range of topics, including economic, environmental, political, and health crises. Using well-researched data, the authors analyse Australia’s security interests in different maritime regions, urging policymakers to prioritise security challenges closer to home rather than distant horizons. In several parts of the book, Strating and Wallis draw on historical context and advocate for recognising First Nations perspectives on security, demonstrating a deep respect for the country’s pre-European settlement history. A highlight of the book is its fresh take on Australia’s relationship with China, examining it from two perspectives: one where China is a potential threat to Australia’s peace and security, and the other where China’s authoritarianism and lack of strong military capabilities may lead to its collapse. Strating and Wallis also question Australia’s reliance on the United States as a security guarantor and Australia’s defence dependence in times of need. With a deep analysis of the complexities of Australia’s security landscape, Girt by Sea challenges assumptions, offers new perspectives and sparks crucial dialogue. Given the increasing political polarisation on social media, this is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding Australia’s politics and international relations in an interconnected and rapidly changing world.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Nadia Heisler is an emerging writer with a background in Journalism and Human Resources Management. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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