Deputy sheriff, spear-carrier to the chief, loyal servant. Is there another way to approach Australia's alliance with the United States?

This book, which distils a lifetime's experience of international politics and diplomacy, looks at where our most important alliance has gone wrong. It is written to enhance the alliance, not to undermine it, but it sounds a warning: we are a "different kind of nation from the Americans, with something more to give the world than a pale version of the virtues that have made the United States great".

Bruce Grant analyses the divisive role of the alliance in Australian politics and the mismatch between deputy sheriffhood and regional co-operation. He argues for a more independent attitude towards our great and powerful friend and outlines another way forward, in which the national interest is best served by confident regional diplomacy and renewed support for the United Nations and the rule of law.

"An elegant and often brilliant argument for a world order, and Australia-US relationship, based on co-operative internationalism - not military power, selective moral fervour and demeaning deference." - Gareth Evans, President, International Crisis Group and Australian Foreign Minister, 1988-96

"A combination of American hubris and Australian loyalty has exposed a weakness in our alliance. The Americans under George W. Bush are too entranced with their exceptional virtues and global military reach to pay attention to the voice of a marginal player, and we under John Howard are too concerned with our need for American protection to raise our voice ..." - Bruce Grant