2016 DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

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CHAPTER TWO: STRATEGIC OUTLOOK
disaffected people in Western countries. This propaganda machine is
effective and inexpensive and has contributed to the radicalisation of
individuals and groups throughout the world, including in Australia.
SECTION ONE STRATEGY
2.32 Radical groups have the potential to pose a wider threat to the domestic
fabric of countries, potentially resulting in tensions between ethnic and
religious groups.
2.33 The lack of capacity in some countries to take action against terrorism
will continue to require intervention by countries willing to provide
military, intelligence, political, diplomatic, economic and humanitarian
support to deny terrorists safe haven. Australia’s participation in the
international coalitions fighting terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria
are examples of such interventions.
State fragility
2.34 The ability of terrorist organisations to organise, train, spread their
propaganda and mount operations is supported by state fragility, weak
borders and an increasing number of ungoverned spaces through parts
of North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Asia including
in Libya, Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. State fragility in North Africa and the
Sahel is also leading to the widespread distribution of weapons which
are used in conflicts in other parts of Africa.
2.35 The South Pacific region will face challenges from slow economic
growth, social and governance challenges, population growth and
climate change. Instability in our immediate region could have strategic
consequences for Australia should it lead to increasing influence by
actors from outside the region with interests inimical to ours. It is crucial
that Australia help support the development of national resilience in the
region to reduce the likelihood of instability. This assistance includes
defence cooperation, aid, policing and building regional organisations
as set out in Chapter Five. We will also continue to take a leading role in
providing humanitarian and security assistance where required.