If the only tool you have is a hammer, then most things resemble a nail. This is the oft-quoted observation of the American psychologist Abraham Maslow regarding cognitive bias. Supposed bias is why some are sceptical of contemporary Australian strategic and defence policy.

The charge is that Australia is pursuing an overly militarised foreign policy based on alarmist assessments of the material threat China poses. This is leading to over-reliance on an American ally whose intentions and obligations owed to us are uncertain, and which comes at the expense of our ability to make independent sovereign decisions.