The counterfactual begins with three routes by which the alliance might survive into the 1920s. The First World War could end before U.S. entry, Harding could pursue deeper isolation from international agreements, or Australia and New Zealand could defeat Canada's case for closer U.S. alignment within imperial policy making. Each route changes the diplomatic pressure on Britain and Japan in a different way. Taken together, they tie naval alliances to wartime outcomes, U.S. policy, and dominion politics.
Notable Point · 4:24-5:53
Three routes for alliance survival
An earlier peace, different American engagement, and dominion politics provide the scenarios for alliance survival.