Security and defence

Special forces remaining 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
Special forces remaining in Afghanistan

Question

Major combat operations are scheduled to end in Afghanistan in 2014. After this, would you personally be in favour or against Australian special forces staying on in Afghanistan to work alongside US special forces in more limited counter-terrorism operations?

This question was asked in 2012.

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