Security and defence

Australia's involvement in Afghanistan

Concern about non-traditional security threats appears to have eclipsed that of traditional security threats for Australians in 2020. COVID-19 and ‘drought and water shortages’ are seen as the top threats to Australia’s vital interests in the next ten years. Traditional threats such as international terrorism and Iran's nuclear program have moved from the forefront of the Australian public's mind, whereas concern about 'a severe downturn in the global economy' has risen by 20 points, with 71% saying that it poses a critical threat. Following the bushfire crisis over the Australian summer, six in ten Australians see 'environmental disasters such as bushfires and floods' (67%) and climate change (59%) as critical threats. Australians are feeling extremely anxious in 2020, with only 50% of the country saying they feel safe, a sizeable 28-point drop from 2018.

Security and defence
Australia's involvement in Afghanistan

Question

I am now going to read you a few different arguments that have been made as to why Australia should remain militarily involved in Afghanistan. For each one please tell me whether you personally agree or disagree it is a reason why Australia should remain militarily involved in Afghanistan.

This question was asked in 2011.

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If Australia and its allies withdrew from Afghanistan Afghan women might have their rights seriously violated by an extremist government

Australia participated in the invasion of Afghanistan, so we have an obligation to stay on until the job is done

Australia is a US ally and we should stay in Afghanistan as long as the United States does, so the US will continue to regard us as a reliable ally

If Australia's military withdraws from Afghanistan there is a higher risk that terrorists will be able to mount an attack against Australian civilians in Australia or elsewhere around the world

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