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.

It’s time for a “Quad” of coast guards
It’s time for a “Quad” of coast guards
This modest proposal could help bring stability and security to the Indo-Pacific, without the military fanfare.
Australia should pursue opportunities in a booming Bangladesh
Australia should pursue opportunities in a booming Bangladesh
It’s wise to recall East Asia was unsettled and dangerous only a few decades ago, yet now drives Australia’s prosperity.
Maybe Australia should donate a warship to Sri Lanka
Maybe Australia should donate a warship to Sri Lanka
Far from surplus or scrap, the navy’s last Adelaide Class frigates are strategic assets that can still serve a mission.
Bangladesh’s road to the BRI
Bangladesh’s road to the BRI
Experience in Bangladesh shows how countries can mould engagement with China in ways that mitigate strategic concerns.
The Rohingyas: the security dimension of a deep humanitarian crisis
The Rohingyas: the security dimension of a deep humanitarian crisis
A permanently dispossessed people has the potential to impact regional security in ways we have not yet imagined.
Australia-India: naval drills show trust, yet political caution still
Australia-India: naval drills show trust, yet political caution still
Exercises with submarines marks a significant step, but New Delhi is wary of any four-way cooperation with Canberra.
India-Pakistan: shadow dancing in the Himalayas
India-Pakistan: shadow dancing in the Himalayas
Pakistan is learning what theorists call a “stability/instability paradox” in a nuclear standoff runs both ways.
China may only seek a limited naval role in the Indian Ocean
China may only seek a limited naval role in the Indian Ocean
Many assume that China intends to replace American predominance in the Indian Ocean. But sea control seems unrealistic.
The forces needed to protect the Belt and Road
The forces needed to protect the Belt and Road
The Karachi consulate attack highlights China’s security problems in securing projects and Chinese nationals abroad.
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