This Policy Analysis suggests that both Australia and NATO have to think harder about their emerging partnership.

The NATO Secretary-General recently described such partnerships as a 'permanent feature' of international security in the 21st century and Australia, with competent military forces and a willingness to deploy them far afield, brings more to a relationship than most.

Author Rod Lyon points out there are some big issues involved here, including the role that NATO might play in Asia.

Australia would be keen to ensure that NATO's partnerships in Asia support the transition to a regional security order where regional countries carry more of the weight.