FROM WARFARE TO WEALTH — The path to peace requires investment in conflict prevention

Our new series, WAR FOR THE RICH, is a progressive critique of the Federal Government’s defense and foreign policy conduct. Provides in-depth analysis of Australia’s $368 billion AUKUS commitment and the wider militarization of our economy.

It is planned to be held ahead of the ALP national conference (23-25 July), which will shape the Government’s policy platform and strategic direction for at least the next two years, in the hope that, alongside increasing pressure from wider society, these arguments against militarization may be convincing enough to make their mark.

This article is the sixth installment of the From War to Riches: Redirecting Australia’s Future series. you can readother parts of this series HERE. The next episode will be released soon.

Chapter 6: The path to peace requires investment in conflict prevention

Australia cannot build lasting security through militarization alone. True peace requires sustained investment in diplomacy, development and conflict prevention, writes former diplomat Russell Rollason AM.

THIS REGION knows very well the cost of conflict and the value of peace. As great power competition intensifies, the conflict prevention project becomes ever more critical as the risk of escalation and miscalculation increases.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong he said as much Kuala Lumpur In July 2025:

“Above all, our aim is to prevent conflict, preserve peace and remain representative of all countries in our region.”

In his speech addressing himself UN General Assembly in 2025The Prime Minister reinforced the issue:

“The more we can do to strengthen the architecture of peace and prosperity, the more we remind nations of all they have to lose.”

The Albanian Government frequently expresses its commitment to conflict prevention, but the ideals are not translated into strategies or programs. The foreign affairs portfolio budget showed little progress towards these goals and did not even mention conflict prevention. The department itself has cut funding for Australian diplomacy says ‘The front line of our nation is diplomacy’.

Defense currently holds about 82% of the total $76.18 billion in the international relations budget. Australia plans to spend about 63 cents of every $100 in the Federal Budget on aid and ten times that on defence. Australia’s aid generosity continues 0.17% of Gross National IncomeIt was among the lowest in the OECD, and aid has been seen so far: The weakest growth in the last 27 yearsAccording to the Development Intelligence Laboratory.

But there was more money AUKUS. Another $400 million was added to the deal over the next three years. Like Rex Patrick reported, Australian Submarine AgencyOver the next four years, the company’s total resources reached $2.35 billion; This is a 37% increase over last year’s budget.

To date, Australia has contributed $2.76 billion to the US and $863 million to the UK to strengthen its submarine building industrial bases. Australia now spends more money creating jobs in American and British shipyards than it does in its own shipyards.

When we commit $368 billion to submarines that will never arrive, we actively choose not to fund the foundations of human security.

Cost of militarization

Global military spending rises for the 11th consecutive year to reach US$2.887 trillion (AU$4.1 trillion) in 2025; This means 2.5% of world GDP. SPIRI. of Australia National Defense Strategy We anticipate that our annual military budget will nearly double in the next decade. This massive diversion of public wealth represents a profound opportunity cost.

Institute of Economics and Peace estimates the global economic impact of violence at roughly 10.5% of global GDP; This is a powerful reminder of the enormous human potential that is wasted when nations prioritize militarization over cooperation.

When we spend $368 billion on submarines that may never be achieved or may only serve to tie us to U.S. strategic goals, we are actively choosing not to fund the foundations of human security: public health, climate resilience, education, and the well-being of our citizens.

Reframing security

True security cannot be achieved by stockpiling weapons or acting as a superpower’s forward operating base. Report of the UN Secretary General, The Security We Needargues that ‘True and lasting security comes not only from the protection of States but also from creating the conditions for the flourishing of individuals and communities.’.

Three issues underscore the urgency of reframing our approach. First, climate change: Australia joined Pacific nations to sign the agreement in 2018. Boe Declarationdeclaring climate change ‘The greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of Pacific peoples’.

Australia’s own National Climate Risk Assessment It recognizes that the combination of migration crises, resource shortages and more frequent natural disasters can lead to conflicts or disruptions in social cohesion. Climate change poses a far more immediate and definitive threat to Australians than the possibility of a traditional military invasion.

Second, artificial intelligence: Global investment in artificial intelligence is estimated to exceed US$2 trillion (AU$2.8 trillion) by 2026. Data centers will likely double electricity demand and further exacerbate climate pressures.

AUKUS Column 2 It focuses on artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, and hypersonic technologies, but has yet to develop meaningful ethical values and guardrails for these technologies. as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned early 2026, “The weaponization of technology and knowledge threatens the foundations of stability.”

Third, militarization of society: the military-industrial complex is actively recruiting the next generation. LockheedMartinThe world’s largest arms company is the main partner of the world’s largest arms company. National Youth Science ForumIt was introduced through schools across Australia.

as Dr Sue Wareham OAM (Medical Association for the Prevention of War) to have notedPrograms that encourage students to participate in military-related activities COKE Fields are increasing, peace research centers are being established in our universities marginalized and defunded. Young Australians risk being drawn into the exciting world of technology and space, only to find themselves designing weapons of war.

Australia needs to reaffirm its commitment to preventing nuclear conflicts and immediately ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Building regional trust

Our current strategic posture also undermines our ability to build trust in the Indo-Pacific. When Australia treats the Pacific and Indian Oceans primarily as strategic geography for great power competition, we alienate the island nations that call these regions home. The expansion of US military facilities in northern Australia signals to our neighbors that we are preparing for war rather than working for peace.

The 2021 AUKUS announcement has caused serious concerns in the region. Indonesia and Malaysia have officially expressed their concerns that nuclear propulsion technology will accelerate the arms race. Prime Minister of Malaysia İsmail Sabri Yaakob He emphasized his country’s commitment to Southeast Asia as a Region of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality. Chinese warned What AUKUS will do “Undermining regional peace and stability, aggravating arms races, and undermining international nuclear non-proliferation efforts.”

The claim that nuclear submarines will protect our trade routes strains credulity. Australia cannot realistically patrol thousands of kilometers of sea lanes with possibly two operational submarines in the 2040s. China is our largest trading partner and has the same interest as Australia in keeping these routes open.

We are much more likely to achieve our goal through diplomacy and cooperation. Australia needs to confirm its commitment to nuclear conflict prevention and ratify the agreement. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons immediately.

As former Federal Minister of Labor Melissa Parke to have in question:

‘A different path is possible and necessary for Australia; A path that prioritizes investments in peace and diplomacy rather than weapons and war.’

peace alternative

The saying “If you want peace, prepare for war” is nonsense. The most powerful country in the world, with by far the largest army, is not at peace. The United States has been at war almost every year since 9/11. The truth is that if we want peace we must work to prevent conflict.

Australia has a proud history of peacebuilding over the last three decades. Cambodia, East Timor, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands stand out as commitments where Australia plays an important role in restoring peace. Australia has supported nearly 100 UN peacekeeping missions – but in recent years this commitment has diminished, leaving only 62 Australian Defense Forces (ADF) personnel currently serving in three roles.

The ALP National Conference offers a critical opportunity to move away from the destructive logic of AUKUS and embrace a security model built on human needs and regional trust.

In comparison, Australia currently has 85 ADF personnel in the United Arab Emirates with surveillance aircraft as part of war-related operations against Iran.

Revitalizing Australia’s engagement in peace is long overdue. It must start with a comprehensive peace and security strategy that integrates defence, climate, human and economic security. Conflict prevention and peacebuilding lack a clear focus in government and parliament. It is now time to appoint a minister responsible for peace and international development; This is a signal to the Indo-Pacific, the international community and the Australian people about where our real priorities lie.

ALP National Conference It offers a critical opportunity to move away from the destructive logic of AUKUS and embrace a security model based on human needs and regional trust. The gain from peace is not a utopian dream; It is a practical and necessary investment in a safer, more resilient and more prosperous future for Australia and our region.

If we want peace, we need to prevent conflict.

Russell Rollason AM is Secretary (honorary) of the Australian Peace and Security Forum.

This article, FROM WAR TO RICH, is the sixth in a multi-part series examining the true costs of our current defense trajectory and exploring the alternatives suggested by Make Peace a Priority (MPAP) offer.

Read other parts of this series: