Seato & Anzus

Outline the significance of the treaties, Australia was involved in during the cold war period and discuss their implications for Australian foreign affairs and diplomatic relations.

The Cold War was between America and the Soviet Union. Even though it was a war they never fought each other. Many countries were involved in this war including Australia. There are different reasons why Australia became involved in the war, one reason was because of the treaties Australia had with the United States.

A treaty is a formally concluded and authorized agreement between countries. Treaties are there to ensure a country has the aids and support of its allies that are part of the treaty. Australia was involved with two treaties during the period of the Cold War. The two treaties were the SEATO and ANZUS. SEATO stands for, Southeast Asia, Treaty Organization. ANZUS stands for, The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty.

The Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation provided for the defence action to be taken in the event of an attack on the United States, Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines or Pakistan. South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were also guaranteed protection under the treaties security agreement. SEATO is an international collective defence to block communist gains in Asia.

The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty is a security treaty between the Australians, New Zealanders and the United States. This treaty was here in case of the act of war to any one of these countries the others would support them. This treaty was publicly declared so that any potential enemy or threat would know that any of these countries did not stand-alone.