ASPI North America

ASPI North America

ASPI’s North America Program is based in Washington, DC. The office operates as an integral part of ASPI in Canberra. As such, the production model mirrors ASPI’s which has been successfully developed over twenty years, being built on empirically grounded original research, a capacity for policy innovation, and an ability to provide insights into real-world policy challenges. ASPI USA is a tax-exempt public charity under US Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). US-based donors to ASPI USA can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170. ASPI USA is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.

Vision

ASPI DC’s vision is to provide a unique and impactful perspective into defense and strategic policy thinking in the United States and Australia

Mission

ASPI DC will provide a point of presence for ASPI in the United States, in order to:

  1. Understand and provide input on US perspectives for Australian government decision-making processes on major strategic and defense
  2. Nourish public debate and understanding of Australian and regional perspectives in the United States
  3. Contribute to the development of professional strategic policy expertise in Australia through relationships with US-based thought leaders

Lines of Effort

The ASPI North America Program, led by Adam Leslie, pursues research along the following lines of effort:

  1. Alliance Strategy
  2. Regional Cooperation and Coordination
  3. Economic Security
Congressional Staff Program on Australia

Congressional Staff Program on Australia

From 3 October through until 3 November 2023, ASPI DC partnered…
Bronte Munro interviewed by Richard Aedy at the ABC about the opportunities and challenges of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their potential impact on the global financial system.
AUKUS, and the Australian Government’s release of the 2023 report of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), reinforce to Canberra and Washington DC that there’s an urgent need to continue strengthening the US–Australia alliance. Those efforts underpin allied cooperation within the Indo-Pacific, which is an increasingly complex security environment. This report highlights 9 opportunities for both US and Australian defence decision-makers at a vital time in the relationship as it develops in complexity and builds towards the ambitions of AUKUS over the coming decade. A series of ‘quick wins’ for the US DoD are recommended, including arranging more training for inbound DoD personnel and conducting allied-centric training for relevant US-based action officers and planners at US headquarters. US DoD Funding should be provided for US action officers to visit Australia to build rapport with their counterparts and facilitate appreciation for the relationship in person. Broadly, US professional military education at every level should incorporate Australian Defence-centric views when appropriate, and the DoD can better leverage its US liaison network throughout Australia earlier in planning and when considering new initiatives. Recommended quick wins for Australian Defence to include further leveraging of US-based Australian Defence personnel and encouraging greater transparency with US counterparts regarding capacity. Enhanced transparency would provide maximum clarity on capacity challenges at all echelons, especially regarding the potential impacts of a future crisis within the Indo-Pacific. It’s also recommended that Australian Defence provide greater clarity regarding sovereignty and security concerns for the US DoD. Finally, this report also makes a major long-term recommendation that will require more resourcing, coordination and focus from US and Australian defence decision-makers, and that’s to establish and empower a US Forces Australia headquarters (USFOR-A) to synergise US DoD efforts with the Australian defence establishment. It’s inevitable that the US–Australia defence relationship will grow in scope and complexity. That will quickly outgrow and challenge the current coordination structure, which was built and implemented decades ago. This report also notes that there are lessons to be learned from the US–Japan bilateral coordination mechanisms, especially in the light of the US–Japan–Australia defence relationship, as it is set to grow in importance in the coming years.https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20210720army8518511_286.jpg&Type=Filename

Impactful mateship: Strengthening the US–Australia defence relationship through enhanced mutual understanding

AUKUS, and the Australian Government’s release of the 2023…