Andrew Fowler’s book Nuked: The submarine fiasco that sank Australia’s sovereignty critically examines the decision by the Australian government – under the leadership of Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison – to enter into the most expensive military acquisition agreement in Australia’s history.

On September 15, 2021, Australia signed a trilateral security agreement with the US and the United Kingdom, known as AUKUS. 

The selling point was that Australia would acquire nuclear-powered submarines to replace its ageing Collins-class conventionally-powered fleet. The cost? $368 billion – and possibly, the sovereignty of the nation.

Amid a deep web of lies, deception and media spin, Fowler painstakingly unpacks the extensive efforts Morrison took to deceive the French government as he concocted a highly secretive plan to acquire nuclear submarines.

A mission that, Fowler suggests, has led not only to a massive financial commitment but has ultimately “sunk” Australian sovereignty.

Fowler is well-placed to offer such a deeply penetrating account into Australia’s decision to enter AUKUS. He is an award-winning investigative journalist having previously worked for the ABC’s Four Corners and Foreign Correspondent programs.

Through interviewing many of the main people involved and talking to sources in Paris, London, Washington, and Canberra, Fowler pieces together a devastating account of Australia’s latest military acquisition agreement.

Throughout the book, Fowler addresses key themes from the Liberal Party’s long-term desire for closer ties to Washington, to the incremental loss of Australia’s sovereignty in the alliance, and the secrecy around the chain of events........

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