Many books on Australian defence simply repeat old beliefs. This valuable new work does not, instead breaking new ground in proposing a new strategic approach, potentially revitalising Australian defence debates. Importantly, this is not just a work for Australians; it is also very useful for an international audience in suggesting a well-reasoned theoretical framework for both developing and evaluating new defence strategies – the latter a particular innovation. In matters of theory, the book is firmly set within the realist paradigm of the International Relations discipline that suggests that all states act the same whether authoritarian or democratic. As the book progresses, however, this perspective creates some practical strategic difficulties.