Lowy Institute Poll 2019

Archive

Security and defence

One of Australia’s most important foreign policy goals is protecting national security. The Lowy Institute Poll has included questions on key security risks facing the nation, Australia’s military engagement in various conflicts across the globe, and its defence capabilities.

2017: Use of military force

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Now about Australian military forces. There has been some discussion about the circumstances that might justify using Australian military forces in other parts of the world. Please give your opinion about the following situations. Would you personally be in favour or against the use of Australian military forces:

  1. 80%
  2. 40%
  3. 0%
  4. 40%
  5. 80%
To restore law and order in a Pacific nation
19
77
To stop a government from committing genocide and killing large numbers of its own people
20
76
To fight against violent Islamic extremist groups in Iraq and Syria
35
61
If North Korea invaded South Korea
48
45
If China initiated a military conflict with one of its neighbours over disputed islands or territories
58
34
If Russia invaded one of its neighbours
62
31

2016: Military action against Islamic State in Iraq/Syria

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Iraq Are you personally in favour or against Australia participating in air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq, and providing training and support to Iraqi security forces?

Syria Are you personally in favour or against Australia conducting air strikes against Islamic State in Syria?

  1. 40%
  2. 0%
  3. 40%
  4. 80%
Iraq
2016
13
16
41
28
2015
12
10
36
33
Syria
2016
17
20
34
25

2016: Next generation submarines

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Companies in France, Germany and Japan are in a competitive tender to build Australia’s next generation of submarines. Which statement comes closest to your personal view?

70264

2015: Global risk priorities

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For each of the following potential threats, please select whether you see this as a high risk, a moderate risk or a low or no risk to Australia’s security in the next ten years:

  1. 0%
  2. 20%
  3. 40%
  4. 60%
  5. 80%
  6. 100%
The emergence of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
69
20
9
Terrorist attacks on Australians overseas
55
32
13
Home-grown terrorism in Australia
53
31
15
A cyber attack on Australian critical infrastructure
45
37
16
Maritime disputes between China and its neighbours in Asian territorial seas
26
46
25
A breakdown of law and order in Papua New Guinea
24
40
30
Potential epidemics such as the Ebola virus
22
37
39
Military conflict between the United States and China in Asia
20
37
40

2015: Military action in Iraq and the risk of terrorism

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Do you personally think Australia’s participation in military action in Iraq:

  • increases the risk of terrorism to Australia now, makes Australia safer from terrorism now, or makes no difference?

  • increases the risk of terrorism to Australia in the future, makes Australia safer from terrorism in the future, or makes no difference?

  1. 0%
  2. 20%
  3. 40%
  4. 60%
Increases the risk of terrorism to Australia
55
47
Makes no difference
32
29
Makes Australia safer from terrorism
9
20
Don’t know/no view
4
4

Security and defence