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.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
US exit from Paris deal marks end of influence in South Pacific
Commentary
US exit from Paris deal marks end of influence in South Pacific
Originally published in the Asian Nikkei Review. Greg Colton
China's influence in Australia is not ordinary soft power
Commentary
China's influence in Australia is not ordinary soft power
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.  Rory Medcalf
Strategy must include planning for peace, not just war
Commentary
Strategy must include planning for peace, not just war
Originally published in the Canberra Times. Greg Colton
As Trump flip-flops in Asia, things slide China’s way
As Trump flip-flops in Asia, things slide China’s way
Somewhat obscured in last week's outpouring of penny dreadful news from Washington (such as Sean Spicer ensconcing himself in the White House shrubbery) was the…
Australia calling: How to fight external electoral manipulation in the South Pacific
Australia calling: How to fight external electoral manipulation in the South Pacific
Security concerns about external subversion of national elections show no sign of abating. On 3 May, James Comey, then still Director of the FBI, testified to the US Senate…
When Turnbull meets Trump
Policy Briefs
When Turnbull meets Trump
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s first face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump is an opportunity to deliver some key messages about the role the United States should…
Three questions about North Korea
Three questions about North Korea
Below, I tease out a few below-the-radar observations in the form of three questions. Each addresses the problem from a different angle. 1. Is the Trump Administration as serious…
What is Vietnam’s fishing flotilla doing at Scarborough Shoal?
What is Vietnam’s fishing flotilla doing at Scarborough Shoal?
Those who have written off last July’s Hague Arbitral Tribunal ruling in the South China Sea as a dead letter should keep an eye on Scarborough Shoal. Late last week, reports…
North Korea’s diplomatic dispute with Malaysia: No more Mr Underdog
North Korea’s diplomatic dispute with Malaysia: No more Mr Underdog
The ongoing diplomatic dispute between Malaysia and North Korea, triggered by the brutal, brazen and bizarre assassination of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur's main airport on 13…
Singapore’s strike eagles show up flightless kiwis
Singapore’s strike eagles show up flightless kiwis
It was recently reported that New Zealand and Singapore are conducting a feasibility study into basing F-15SG multi-role fighters at Ohakea Air Base, on North Island. If the…