Book review: Walkley Awards winner by Aussie investigative journalist Andrew Fowler
Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty by Andrew Fowler is a detailed true story about how deals worth billions can go wrong.
Renowned journalist and United Nations Peace Prize winner Fowler expertly uncovers how Australia reneged on a French submarine deal.
Importantly this Melbourne University Publishing work also won the Walkley Awards Book Award.
So keep reading to find out more about this global defence story plus tips for your own life-story creating…
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What is Nuked about?
This 224-page life story begins with the Australian Government investigating options for new submarines.
After looking at a number of options, a $66-billion French deal is made.
However, when new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes power he organises a new plan, AUKUS, to secure nuclear subs from the United States of America.
Of course France is outraged and the change flies in the face of Australia’s long-standing nuclear opposition.
“(AUKUS) continued the Liberal Party’s ambitions and at the same time bound the United States even closer, allaying the Liberal Party’s … fear that Washington would abandon Australia if Australia didn’t stay close and help the containment of China.”
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Highlights from Fowler’s book
There are a number of interesting elements readers will discover in Nuked.
Firstly, how long and considered the process is to purchase new military equipment.
Secondly, how diesel subs are quieter but nuclear subs can travel further afield.
Finally, how whims and alliances can derail well-considered plans.
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Tips from Nuked
Nuked is a great life-story example that can teach us a lot as creators.
For example, from the first few pages it draws us into a complex topic using people’s first-hand accounts.
In short, readers love stories brought to life by real people, which in this case required many hours interviewing those involved.
Having said this though, Fowler does give us a wonderful layman’s overview of global and Aussie military dynamics by weaving in considered historical background.
Most importantly, however, is the way he pulls away layer after layer of media coverage, military reports, ministerial diary entries and more to shine a blazing spotlight on Morrison’s actions.
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Final say: Nuked
Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty by Andrew Fowler is a tale of treachery and intrigue.
Using award-winning investigative journalism skills, Fowler exposes the spectacular fallout from Australia’s AUKUS deal.
Certainly read this life story if you want to understand military acquisitions.
But also how long-term plans can be eroded by secrets and agendas.
Happy writing and reading!
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