David Brewster

David Brewster
Biography
Publications

Dr David Brewster is with the National Security College at the Australian National University, where he specialises in South Asian and Indian Ocean strategic affairs. He is also a Distinguished Research Fellow with the Australia India Institute. His previous career was as a corporate lawyer working on complex cross-border transactions and he practiced for almost two decades in the United States, England, France and Australia. 

Dr Brewster is the author of The India-Australia Security Engagement:  Challenges and Opportunities, which examines security and defence cooperation between India and Australia.  His books include India as an Asia Pacific power which considers India’s strategic role in the Asia Pacific, and India’s Ocean: the story of India’s bid for regional leadership which examines India’s security role and relationships in the Indian Ocean region.

The Mozambique Channel is the next security hotspot
The Mozambique Channel is the next security hotspot
An Islamist insurgency is spilling danger into a major shipping lane, and countries must decide who they want to fix it.
India heads towards economic autarky
India heads towards economic autarky
A telling speech foreshadows an India more focused on domestic markets and one with less clout in the region.
Tackling environmental security threats in the Indian Ocean
Tackling environmental security threats in the Indian Ocean
A “Quad-Plus” could bring together regional expertise and resources to address issues of collective interest.
India-China conflict: A move from the Himalayas to the high seas?
India-China conflict: A move from the Himalayas to the high seas?
A risky naval blockade in the Indian Ocean is touted by some as a way to pressure China’s vital energy routes.
Australia should support India in the Himalayas
Australia should support India in the Himalayas
If Canberra wants a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with New Delhi, some courageous steps are needed.
Covid contest in Indian Ocean region: India, China jostle for top spot
Covid contest in Indian Ocean region: India, China jostle for top spot
Beijing’s Belt and Road could get very expensive indeed, with cash New Delhi will find hard to match.
Back to the future: Keeping Australian air lines of communication open
Back to the future: Keeping Australian air lines of communication open
Not for the first time Australia is cut off from the world. Government has an essential role in preserving a connection.
Why South Asia may come out of Covid-19 crisis better than many expect
Why South Asia may come out of Covid-19 crisis better than many expect
A younger demographic and less social reliance on the state could see local nations seeking advantage amid the changes.
Beyond Covid, Australia’s big stake in India’s military reorganisation
Beyond Covid, Australia’s big stake in India’s military reorganisation
It’s easy to imagine a distracted United States could leave Australia even more reliant on regional security partners.
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