Programs & Projects

The International Security Program

The International Security Program

The International Security Program looks at strategic dynamics and security risks globally, with an emphasis on Australia's region of Indo-Pacific Asia. Its research spans strategic competition and the risks of conflict in Asia, security implications of the rise of China and India, maritime security, nuclear arms control, Australian defence policy and the changing character of conflict. The Program draws on a network of experts in Australia, Asia and globally, and is supported by diverse funding sources including grants from the MacArthur Foundation and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. It convenes international policy dialogues such as the 2017 Australia-ROK Emerging Leaders International Security Forum and has a record of producing leading-edge, influential reports.

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The nuclear weapon ban treaty is significant but flawed
The nuclear weapon ban treaty is significant but flawed
On 7 July 2017 a UN negotiating conference adopted a draft treaty banning nuclear weapons – specifically, their development, production, possession, stationing and deployment, use…
Three focus points for Turnbull at G20 summit
Three focus points for Turnbull at G20 summit
You have to hand it to Kim Jung Un. In politics, as in comedy, timing is everything. The launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile two days before the G20 summit ensures…
Lifting the veil on jihad
Lifting the veil on jihad
In April 2015 a fresh-faced Australian-born doctor appeared in a slick Islamic State video extolling the virtues of making hijra to what he portrayed as a utopian Islamic society…
Resilience in the post-RAMSI era
Resilience in the post-RAMSI era
Understanding how and when governments might intervene in failing countries is an art rather than a science. It requires detailed knowledge of the country in question, the…
Australia has outgrown paranoia in its relations with China
Commentary
Australia has outgrown paranoia in its relations with China
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.Rory Medcalf
Australians view their military as a 'force for good' in the world
Commentary
Australians view their military as a 'force for good' in the world
Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald. Greg Colton
Malcolm Turnbull is taking a pragmatic regional approach to China
Commentary
Malcolm Turnbull is taking a pragmatic regional approach to China
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.Euan Graham
RAAF’s decision on Syria raises more questions than it answers
RAAF’s decision on Syria raises more questions than it answers
Yesterday the Australian government announced the RAAF is temporarily ceasing operations over Syria. Although a Defence spokesman told the ABC that ‘force protection was regularly…
Understanding resilience and fragility in the South Pacific
Understanding resilience and fragility in the South Pacific
This post is part of the Lowy Institute's South Pacific Fragile States series. After the US withdrawal from both the Paris Accord and Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Pacific…
Islamist violence in Marawi City a potential threat to Indonesia
Commentary
Islamist violence in Marawi City a potential threat to Indonesia
Originally published in the Australian.  Alan Dupont