#404 Dien Bien Phu and The Defence of Australia (2007) By Alan Stephens
 
Canberra Papers on Strategy and Defence Working Paper No. 404
 
In May 1954 Vietnamese nationalists won one of the great military victories of the modern era when they defeated a French expeditionary force at the remote outpost of Dien Bien Phu. Vietnam's stunning triumph ended French colonialism in Indochina and set the scene for the United States disastrous intervention eight years later. Although the fall of Dien Bien Phu occurred more than half a century ago, the battle continues to present a compelling metaphor for contemporary Australian military strategy. Numerous factors contributed to the Viet Minh's triumph, but the most crucial was the local armys ability to conduct war amongst the people something that was entirely beyond both the comprehension and the competence of the French invaders. Since federation, Australian defence strategy has oscillated between two main forms, expeditionary campaigns and the defence of Australia. Expeditionary campaigns have been the dominant model even though, with the notable exception of the Second World War, their unintended consequences have diminished rather than enhanced national security.
 
Bound Cover
22 pages
In Good Condition