Jason Heale, Communications Manager at independent think-thank Maxim Institute in Auckland New Zealand

Maxim Short Cuts | Hedgehog Diplomacy

By Jason Heale June 27, 2023

With talk about Aotearoa New Zealand signing up to pillar 2 of AUKUS, Maxim Institute researcher Natasha Baulis draws a fascinating analogy between Australia’s “porcupine” defence strategy and our potential to be a “hedgehog.”

With a weakened defence force and outdated military infrastructure, Baulis proposes “Plan Hedgehog” – maintaining interoperability with Australia through Pillar II of AUKUS while signalling diplomatic conciliation with China. This approach aims to balance technological advancement without moving towards nuclear capability, using subtle diplomacy to keep the quills ready for protection if needed.

Join us as we highlight some of the more thought-provoking aspects of our column, talk about the critical issues, and listen to the column read by the author.

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Jason Heale, Communications Manager at independent think-thank Maxim Institute in Auckland New Zealand

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