Use of military force
There is declining support for Australia’s military involvement in combating terrorism in the Middle East, which may reflect some disillusionment about the course of military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. In an 11-point fall from 2017, 50% of Australians support using Australian military forces ‘to fight against violent extremist groups in Iraq and Syria’. More Australians support military action against violent extremism when it is closer to home: 63% say they are in favour of using Australian military forces to ‘fight against violent extremist groups in Southeast Asia’.
In 2017, the question asked ‘In response to China’s increasing military activities in the South China Sea, the United States has been conducting military operations designed to ensure freedom of navigation in the region. Are you personally in favour or against Australia conducting similar operations in an effort to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea?’ In 2017 and 2019, the question asked ‘To fight against violent extremist groups in Iraq and Syria’.
The threat of genocide continues to provoke a strong response, with 80% of Australians saying they would support the use of Australian military forces to ‘stop a government from committing genocide and killing large numbers of its own people’. There are similarly high levels of support for the Australian military ‘to restore law and order in a Pacific nation’ (77%).
A majority of Australians (60%) would support the Australian military conducting freedom of navigation naval operations in the South China Sea and other disputed areas claimed by China. Only 43%, however, would support Australian military involvement if China invaded Taiwan and the United States decided to intervene. Even fewer (34%) are in favour of using Australian military forces if China initiated a military conflict with one of its neighbours over disputed islands or territories.