Special thanks are extended to Dr Brendan Taylor, supervisor and friend, for his tireless assistance. His support and advice have been invaluable. Academic support was also contributed by Professor Hugh White, Dr Robert Ayson and Dr Ron Huisken, to whom I extend many thanks. The enduring support of my parents, Jim and Joce McDowall, and family, has been irreplaceable. Warm regards is due to the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors Committee for their generous financial support, which made this endeavour a pleasure rather than a pain. Joyous thanks are extended to my fellow students who endured with me the highs and lows of ‘life in the lab’. My warmest regards to Mrs Sarah Flint, Ms Ping Yu, Miss Meredith Thatcher and Ms Altaire Harris for their ever present support. Special mention is made to Erlina Widyaningsih, whose constant support has been exceptional.