Evaluating the Effectiveness of Conventional Maritime Deterrence: Historical Lessons for Australia’s Future Strategic Policy

For over 40 years, the cornerstone of Australia’s Defence White Papers has been the ability to deny, and thus deter, an adversary. Vast resources have been spent on this strategy yet it remains unclear if, when, and how conventional maritime deterrence works. This project will produce a report that examines its effectiveness by conducting an historical examination of the Soviet Union’s denial strategy vis-à-vis the United States in the western Pacific from 1950 to 1989. It will identify when and how Soviet denial capabilities shaped American naval activities. This report will produce valuable insights and will advance and refine future Australian strategic policies.