US Big Defense and Australia's nuclear crossroads

Not so long ago, Australia was known for its booming economy and balanced foreign policy. Today its economy is stagnating, while US Big Defense casts a dark shadow over its foreign policy — as evidenced by nuclear escalation.

IN late October, Australia dropped its opposition to a landmark treaty banning nuclear weapons in a vote at the United Nations. The shift in its voting position to "abstain" after five years of "no" is significant.