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Australia and South Korea: leveraging the strategic potential of cooperation in critical technologies

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Stepping up military support to humanitarian assistance in the Pacific

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Cover image: Electric bucket-wheel excavator, xusenru/pixabay.Cover image: Electric bucket-wheel excavator, xusenru/pixabay.

Preventing and countering violent extremism in Africa: mining and Australia’s interests

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Australia has commercial and strategic interests in helping to prevent and counter violent extremism in Africa. Australian mining companies are engaged across the continent in Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya and many other countries where there have been high-profile terrorist attacks and kidnappings of foreign nationals, including Australians. Those threats already affect the way Australian mining […]

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Using open-source AI, sophisticated cyber ops will proliferate

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Open-source AI models are on track to disrupt the cyber security paradigm.

China is buying less from developed countries, but not Australia

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Australia’s exports to China have not returned to the peaks before the Chinese authorities started imposing discriminatory bans, but they are higher than five years ago, unlike China’s imports from every other major advanced economy. Although there is no official campaign to curb access of western exporters to Chinese markets, there has been a marked shift […]

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Featured Articles

Chief defence scientist: We must get emerging technologies into the hands of our war fighters faster

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For chief defence scientist Tanya Monro, the concept of ‘minimum viable capability’

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Governing AI in the global disorder

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It’s a truth universally acknowledged that finding consensus on anything in the international system is difficult at the best of times…

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India in the Quad: insider or outlier?

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The Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, was held from 21 to 23 February this year…

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ChinaCyberAUKUSUSA

All together now: Southeast Asia must act collectively in the South China Sea

The core of a coalition to oppose China in the South China…

From the bookshelf: ‘The Red Emperor’

Xi Jinping’s life, like the lives of all China’s top leaders,…

After 75 years of the People’s Republic of China, the party is truly the sovereign

Lecturing in Munich in 1919, German political economist Max…

China’s jurisdictional traps: the risks of silent transits in the Taiwan Strait

When non-Chinese navies send warships on undeclared passages…

Australia should attach no security strings to PNG NRL backing

If Australia’s offer to support a National Rugby League (NRL)…

Australia and the struggle for mastery in Eurasia

Australians sees themselves as a peace-loving people. Far from…

Exclusive: Inside Beijing’s app collecting information from Belt and Road companies

China'sMinistry of Foreign Affairs operates a secure digital…

PIF hack highlights the need for cyber capacity building

The public revelation this month that the Pacific Islands Forum…

First they take Geneva, then they take New York

The creation of multilateral institutions was the natural response…

Modernising the Bangladesh Air Force: time to turn away from China and Russia

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) needs modernisation. This time,…

Wong and Marles must speak up about Chinese incursions into Japan

China has recently made two provocative military incursions…

Sports diplomacy: a potent weapon in the Pacific against China’s coercive grasp

Hindering China’s influence in the Pacific islands should…
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.

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.

Australia is ahead of a lot of nations when it comes to…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Walking the artificial intelligence and national security tightrope

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents Australia’s security…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Policy, Guns and Money: Cyber conflict, competition and cooperation

In this episode, ASPI’s executive director, Justin Bassi,…
Illustration of a hacker in a hoodie digitally fishing for information_bannerPixelwise Creative Media, Canberra.

State-sponsored economic cyber-espionage for commercial purposes: tackling an invisible but persistent risk to prosperity

As part of a multi-year capacity building project supporting…
Image: Anthony Albanese via Twitter.https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1591688984505487361

‘With a little help from my friends’: capitalising on opportunity at AUSMIN 2022

The annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultations have been…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Quad’s ransomware commitment could help shore up regional software supply chains 

The Indo-Pacific’s importance to the security of Australia…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Former US Cyber Command and NSA chief makes the case for a cyber competition strategy

Cyber threats to national security and prosperity are today…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Artificial intelligence isn’t that intelligent

Late last month, Australia’s leading scientists, researchers…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Cybersecurity rulings important for all Australian businesses

The world of cybersecurity is overflowing with principles.…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Despite budget boost, more resources needed for Australia’s cyber defence

The federal government’s 2022–23 budget allocates $9.9…
This collection of short papers developed by the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) at the University of Adelaide and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) offers a refreshing primer into the world of artificial intelligence and the opportunities and risks this technology presents to Australia. AI’s potential role in enhancing Australia’s defence capabilities, strengthening alliances and deterring those who would seek to harm our interests was significantly enhanced as a result of the September 2021 announcement of the AUKUS partnership between the US, the UK and Australia. Perhaps not surprisingly, much public attention on AUKUS has focused on developing a plan ‘identifying the optimal pathway to deliver at least eight nuclear-powered submarines for Australia’. This AIML/ASPI report is a great starting point for individuals looking to better understand the growing role of AI in our lives. I commend the authors and look forward to the amazing AI developments to come that will, we must all hope, reshape the world for a more peaceful, stable and prosperous future.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/dark-background-of-the-silhouette-of-the-computer-motherboard-for-the-design-of-the-gm873445294-243920984

Artificial intelligence: your questions answered

This collection of short papers developed by the Australian…
.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

.auCheck: A free website and email security check tool

Today, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI),…
Senior Analyst Dr. Greg Brown presented to active duty and reserve US Air Force and Air National Guard officers

Senior Analyst Dr. Greg Brown presented to active duty and reserve US Air Force and Air National Guard officers

Senior Analyst Dr. Greg Brown presented to active duty and reserve…
ASPI DC AUKUS Pillar 2 Roundtable

ASPI DC AUKUS Pillar 2 Roundtable

On 15 February, ASPI DC’s Director Adam Leslie and ASPI’s…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

The mental health epidemic threatening Australia’s security

As it prepares Australia to defend itself in a contested region,…
Fireside chat with Pat Conroy and Bec Shrimpton

Fireside chat with Pat Conroy and Bec Shrimpton

On 6 December 2023, Bec Shrimpton, ASPI's Director of Defence…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

Shake-up of Australia’s defence export regime offers opportunities for AUKUS and beyond

The Australian government’s proposed amendments to the Defence…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

Overcoming Australia’s AUKUS workforce challenges

Australia hasn’t been truly sovereign in its own right since…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

AUKUS sceptics are missing the point

The wars raging in Europe and the Middle East remind us that…
Where next for the Australia–South Korea partnership_bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/south-korea-and-australia-flags-flying-together-for-diplomatic-talks-gm486803568-73325715

Where next for the Australia–South Korea partnership?

The strategic partnership between Australia and South Korea…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

AUKUS sparks a revolution in Labor defence policy

Australian Labor Party debates on defence policy are often…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

Tracking the evolution of Pacific island sentiment towards AUKUS

In September 2021, the Chinese Communist Party attempted to…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

Putting meat on the bones: defence priorities at AUSMIN 2023

AUSMIN 2023 will occur against the backdrop of the largest…
Cover image: Beryllium on a periodic table of elements, iStockphoto/PeterHermesFurian.https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/beryllium-on-periodic-table-of-the-elements-with-element-symbol-be-gm1403681258-456156469?phrase=rare+earth+elements

AUKUS and critical minerals: hedging Beijing’s pervasive, clever and coordinated statecraft

AUKUS has a heavy focus on R&D of military capabilities.…
SR202-Deterring-an-attack-on-Taiwan_bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/taiwan-and-india-two-flags-together-textile-cloth-fabric-texture-gm1124487967-295217758

Deterring an attack on Taiwan: policy options for India and other non-belligerent states

India has a vital role to play in deterring China from unifying…
SXSW ASPI Panel at Australia House

SXSW ASPI Panel at Australia House

ASPI DC was delighted to host Australia’s Ambassador to the…
17 April elections in the Solomon Islands ASPI DC Senior Analyst Greg Brown story

17 April elections in the Solomon Islands ASPI DC Senior Analyst Greg Brown story

Voice of America quoted ASPI DC Senior Analyst Greg Brown…
Cover images: iStockphoto: alengo, Art Wager, watchara_tongnoi, solarseven, Daniiielc, georgeclerk, FrankRamspott, Defence Image Library: HMAS Choules, ADF member, Road closed sign, Flickr: AEC, SES.Cover images: iStockphoto: alengo, Art Wager, watchara_tongnoi, solarseven, Daniiielc, georgeclerk, FrankRamspott, Defence Image Library: HMAS Choules, ADF member, Road closed sign, Flickr: AEC, SES.

National resilience: lessons for Australian policy from international experience

The strategic circumstances that Australia contemplates over…
Bronte Munro and Greg Brown quoted in Radio Free Asia article on Prime Ministers Albanese’s State visit with President Biden, and following visit to China

Bronte Munro and Greg Brown quoted in Radio Free Asia article on Prime Ministers Albanese’s State visit with President Biden, and following visit to China

Australian  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US…
Building-whole-of-nation-statecraft_bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/usa-and-australia-gm485958252-72696351

Building whole-of-nation statecraft: how Australia can better leverage subnational diplomacy in the US alliance

Australia and the US are both federations of states in which…
Cover image: US Army floating causeway approaches the shore in Bowen, North Queensland, Australia, during exercise Talisman Sabre, marking the opening of Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) activities which enables the movement of equipment, machinery and vehicles from vessel to shore. Defence image library, online.https://images.army.gov.au/Home/Search?Query=20230731adf8628672_0193.jpg&Type=Filename

US land power in the Indo-Pacific: opportunities for the Australian army

The US Army is undergoing its most consequential period of transformation…
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…
AUKUS Trilateral Initiative

AUKUS Trilateral Initiative

On the 20th and 21st of March, ASPI DC convened with the…
Escalation risks in the Indo-Pacific Bannerhttps://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20231115ran8620187_0087.jpg&Type=Filename

Escalation risks in the Indo-Pacific: a review for practitioners

The outbreak of war in the Indo-Pacific is a real possibility.…
Image: Anthony Albanese via Twitter.https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1591688984505487361

‘With a little help from my friends’: capitalising on opportunity at AUSMIN 2022

The annual Australia-US Ministerial Consultations have been…
How will the midterms affect US foreign policy and Australia’s strategic interests?

How will the midterms affect US foreign policy and Australia’s strategic interests?

On 8 November, Americans will vote in midterm congressional…