This text is a bold, revisionist history of Australia. It argues that Australia"s history and current crisis of identity can be understood in terms of a preoccupation with protection and security. The price for security has been a lack of independent spirit or any bold clear vision by Australian people of themselves and their future. The book explores this theme in the spheres of defence, economics and social welfare. It is a powerful controversial argument in the debate about Australia"s place in the world.