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Agenda for change 2025: Preparedness and resilience in an uncertain world

For more than a decade, which has included the 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections, ASPI has helped to generate ideas and foster debate about Australian strategic policymaking through Agenda for change, a wide-ranging collection of analyses and recommendations to assist the next Australian Government in its deliberations and planning.   Agenda for change 2025: Preparedness […]

South Korea and Australia in space: Towards a strategic partnership

Space cooperation between Australian and South Korea remains stuck in its infancy and, to some extent, is treated as an end in itself. This report argues that the time is ripe for both Australia and South Korea to embark on joint projects and initiatives that would deliver tangible and practical outcomes for both countries. For […]

Gradually, then suddenly: in geopolitics, decades can happen in weeks

Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises (1926) that bankruptcy…

In dealing with China, Trump just needs to step up his first-term approach

As in his first term, Donald Trump should continue a resolute…

China takes aim at Philippine democracy

In April 2024, a spokesperson for former Philippine president…

BRICS is hardly a new fulcrum of world politics

One question that 2025 may begin to answer is whether the BRICS…

From the bookshelf: ‘The Taiwan Story: how a small island will dictate the global future’

Among the most complex foreign policy challenges facing President…

China’s big new combat aircraft: an airborne cruiser against air and surface targets

The speed, agility, range and stealth of an individual aircraft…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Three concessions after three weeks: Prabowo leans China’s way’

Originally published on 15 November 2024. Indonesia’s new…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Military challenges to Beijing’s South China Sea claims are increasing’

Originally published on 22 October 2024. Deployments of ships…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Floating piers and sinking hopes: China’s logistics challenge in invading Taiwan’

Originally published on 27 August 2024. No doubt the Chinese…

China’s big new combat aircraft: a technical assessment

China’s aircraft industry celebrated Mao Zedong’s birthday…

Baltic subsea sabotage: China gets away with non-cooperation

On Christmas Day, one of two cables connecting Finland’s electricity…

Gradually, then suddenly: in geopolitics, decades can happen in weeks

Ernest Hemingway wrote in The Sun Also Rises (1926) that bankruptcy…

In dealing with China, Trump just needs to step up his first-term approach

As in his first term, Donald Trump should continue a resolute…

China takes aim at Philippine democracy

In April 2024, a spokesperson for former Philippine president…

BRICS is hardly a new fulcrum of world politics

One question that 2025 may begin to answer is whether the BRICS…

From the bookshelf: ‘The Taiwan Story: how a small island will dictate the global future’

Among the most complex foreign policy challenges facing President…

China’s big new combat aircraft: an airborne cruiser against air and surface targets

The speed, agility, range and stealth of an individual aircraft…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Three concessions after three weeks: Prabowo leans China’s way’

Originally published on 15 November 2024. Indonesia’s new…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Military challenges to Beijing’s South China Sea claims are increasing’

Originally published on 22 October 2024. Deployments of ships…

Editors’ picks for 2024: ‘Floating piers and sinking hopes: China’s logistics challenge in invading Taiwan’

Originally published on 27 August 2024. No doubt the Chinese…

China’s big new combat aircraft: a technical assessment

China’s aircraft industry celebrated Mao Zedong’s birthday…

Baltic subsea sabotage: China gets away with non-cooperation

On Christmas Day, one of two cables connecting Finland’s electricity…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

Cybersecurity rulings important for all Australian businesses

The world of cybersecurity is overflowing with principles.…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

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

The federal government’s 2022–23 budget allocates $9.9…
BuildingGenuineTrust_static-banner‘Silhouettes in the sky’, Marcus McGregor Cassady.

Building genuine trust

A framework and strategy for Indigenous STEM and cyber pathways Executive…
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

Today, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI),…
infoops_snapASPI 2022

Understanding Global Disinformation and Information Operations: Insights from ASPI’s new analytic website

ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre has launched the Understanding…
The UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace - static bannerPixelwise Creative Media

The UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace

Guidance on implementation for Member States of ASEAN Foreword Global…
China-research-and-analysis_banner-Feb22

Producing policy-relevant China research and analysis in an era of strategic competition

This brief report explores the challenge of producing policy-relevant…
IP58-End-to-End-Encryption_bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/abstract-concept-internet-cyber-security-network-with-lock-gm597931354-102417449

The future of assistance to law enforcement in an end-to-end encrypted world

v Domestic telecommunications companies assist law enforcement…
Digital Southeast Asia - static bannerWes Mountain

Digital Southeast Asia

Opportunities for Australia–India cooperation to support…
Cover image: Aerial photo of Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia, iStockphoto/Jennifer Martin.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/colorful-abstract-aerial-images-of-hutt-lagoon-western-australia-gm1330848749-414145795

Agenda for change 2022: Shaping a different future for our nation

In line with previous Agenda for Change publications…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

#StopXinjiang Rumors

The CCP’s decentralised disinformation campaign Introduction This…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

Cybersecurity rulings important for all Australian businesses

The world of cybersecurity is overflowing with principles.…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

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

The federal government’s 2022–23 budget allocates $9.9…
BuildingGenuineTrust_static-banner‘Silhouettes in the sky’, Marcus McGregor Cassady.

Building genuine trust

A framework and strategy for Indigenous STEM and cyber pathways Executive…
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

Today, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI),…
infoops_snapASPI 2022

Understanding Global Disinformation and Information Operations: Insights from ASPI’s new analytic website

ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre has launched the Understanding…
The UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace - static bannerPixelwise Creative Media

The UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace

Guidance on implementation for Member States of ASEAN Foreword Global…
China-research-and-analysis_banner-Feb22

Producing policy-relevant China research and analysis in an era of strategic competition

This brief report explores the challenge of producing policy-relevant…
IP58-End-to-End-Encryption_bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/abstract-concept-internet-cyber-security-network-with-lock-gm597931354-102417449

The future of assistance to law enforcement in an end-to-end encrypted world

v Domestic telecommunications companies assist law enforcement…
Digital Southeast Asia - static bannerWes Mountain

Digital Southeast Asia

Opportunities for Australia–India cooperation to support…
Cover image: Aerial photo of Hutt Lagoon, Western Australia, iStockphoto/Jennifer Martin.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/colorful-abstract-aerial-images-of-hutt-lagoon-western-australia-gm1330848749-414145795

Agenda for change 2022: Shaping a different future for our nation

In line with previous Agenda for Change publications…
#StopXinjiang Rumors - static bannerIllustration by Wes Mountain, commissioned by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

#StopXinjiang Rumors

The CCP’s decentralised disinformation campaign Introduction This…
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…
Cover image: Sailing into a storm, iStockphoto/brickrena.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/boat-sailing-in-center-of-storm-formation-gm476230300-65887957

Smooth sailing? Australia, New Zealand and the United States partnering in–and with–the Pacific islands

Australia, New Zealand and the United States should help create…

ASPI DC hosts quantum computing dialogue series with PsiQuantum

On March 1st and May 5th, ASPI DC partnered with PsiQuantum…

Nuclear-powered submarines are vital to Australia’s defence

When I was Australia’s ambassador to the United States, I…

The demands of AUKUS

Last week’s announcement of the ‘optimal pathway’ for…

Policy, Guns and Money: AUKUS challenges and opportunities

In this special episode, ASPI Executive Director Justin Bassi…

AUKUS Trilateral Initiative

On the 20th and 21st of March, ASPI DC convened with the…

Policy, Guns and Money: Diving into the AUKUS submarine announcement

After the long-awaited AUKUS submarine announcement, ASPI director…

Iain MacGillivray was interviewed by War on the Rocks

On March 14th, ASPI DC Analyst, Iain MacGillivray was interviewed…

AUKUS binds Britain to Australia and a free and open Indo-Pacific

It’s been a big day for Australia–UK relations. Sandwiched…

AUKUS submarines will strengthen Australia’s sovereignty

The formal unveiling of the AUKUS plan is still a few days…

ASPI DC provide panel at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Centre

On March 7th, ASPI DC Director, Mark Watson, Senior Analyst,…
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…
Cover image: Sailing into a storm, iStockphoto/brickrena.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/boat-sailing-in-center-of-storm-formation-gm476230300-65887957

Smooth sailing? Australia, New Zealand and the United States partnering in–and with–the Pacific islands

Australia, New Zealand and the United States should help create…

ASPI DC hosts quantum computing dialogue series with PsiQuantum

On March 1st and May 5th, ASPI DC partnered with PsiQuantum…

Nuclear-powered submarines are vital to Australia’s defence

When I was Australia’s ambassador to the United States, I…

The demands of AUKUS

Last week’s announcement of the ‘optimal pathway’ for…

Policy, Guns and Money: AUKUS challenges and opportunities

In this special episode, ASPI Executive Director Justin Bassi…

AUKUS Trilateral Initiative

On the 20th and 21st of March, ASPI DC convened with the…

Policy, Guns and Money: Diving into the AUKUS submarine announcement

After the long-awaited AUKUS submarine announcement, ASPI director…

Iain MacGillivray was interviewed by War on the Rocks

On March 14th, ASPI DC Analyst, Iain MacGillivray was interviewed…

AUKUS binds Britain to Australia and a free and open Indo-Pacific

It’s been a big day for Australia–UK relations. Sandwiched…

AUKUS submarines will strengthen Australia’s sovereignty

The formal unveiling of the AUKUS plan is still a few days…

ASPI DC provide panel at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Centre

On March 7th, ASPI DC Director, Mark Watson, Senior Analyst,…
US Navy and Royal Australian Navy personnel await the arrival of Virginia Class Submarine, USS Hawaii (SSN-776), at Fleet Base West in Western Australia. Photo: Deparment of Defencehttps://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20141110ran8107930_003.jpg&Type=Filename

What is AUKUS and what is it not?

What IS the new AUKUS partnership between the US, the UK and…
Visualisation of a radio signal coming from a mobile phone in a data filled scene, iStockphoto, peterhowell.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/phone-signal-in-a-data-matrix-city-gm967078012-263819956

Collaborative and agile. Intelligence community collaboration insights from the United Kingdom and the United States

The central aim of this report is to generate insights from…

ASPI appoints inaugural director of Washington DC office

ASPI is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Watson…

ASPI to open an office in Washington DC

Today the Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton, MP announced that…
Cover image: US President George W Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard talk as they tour Sydney Harbour, 5 September 2007, aboard the MV AQA. Source: White House photo by Eric Draper, online.https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/09/images/20070905_d-0471-2-515h.html

ANZUS at 70: The past, present and future of the alliance

The ANZUS Treaty was signed on 1 September 1951 in San Francisco.…

US and Australia must deepen defence cooperation on climate security

Robert Glasser and Erin Sikorsky write on recent climate-driven…
Image courtesy: IISH/Stefan R. Landsberger/Private collectionhttps://chineseposters.net/

To deter the PRC …

This Strategic Insights report is the first in a series of essays,…
The commander of ESG7 delivers remarks during the closing ceremony of the 8th US and Australian exercise Talisman Sabre 2019, US Indo-Pacific Command, Flickr, 27 July 2019https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command/48406734881/in/photolist-2gKxaPg-tbqjVV-2hXbeos-2gfLFKT-2gAbJ97-2jd48A3-2gGGPcs-BYGgw7-2gJisrD-2gmuumv-2h1Dvbv-2hYWxeK-2gGHygp-2hY2XQ5-2gv4CJD-2gQJ9Nm-2g4sPUm-2ehWnpW-2es4a2H-2hXbeYk-2fTyZKW-wmRGxF-sULWZA-2drzveR-24TB9UT-2fr4qbf-W7JPQm-XuKZAU-26yTqvg-DkBUCa-2fmCTYy-Y53iwx-2g24hXK-XuKZRy-L1w3gu-2dyKBxg-2h3MjXm-2joxiYa-f74AfW-2h6WmtG-2gacc2C-2g8MFa8-2cpppUm-eLjM6P-2a7qp4q-2h3N1Bx-2h5UAD6-tUUGLP-2hDruBg-2hb3TiZ

Stronger Together: US force posture in Australia’s north—a US perspective on Australia’s strategic geography

Stronger together: US force posture in Australia’s north—a…
SI142 North of 26 South-banner

North of 26 degrees south and the security of Australia: Views from The Strategist

North of 26° south and the security of Australia’, a new…

Who funds Federal Parliamentarians’ overseas travel?

An analysis of non-Australian government funded parliamentary…

Ask ASPI – Trump’s Russia Problem

In this Ask ASPI episode, Renee Jones talks to Stephen Loosley about…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

America’s ‘Maginot Line’: A study of static border security in an age of agile and innovative threats

Borders and border security are once again becoming increasingly…
US Navy and Royal Australian Navy personnel await the arrival of Virginia Class Submarine, USS Hawaii (SSN-776), at Fleet Base West in Western Australia. Photo: Deparment of Defencehttps://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20141110ran8107930_003.jpg&Type=Filename

What is AUKUS and what is it not?

What IS the new AUKUS partnership between the US, the UK and…
Visualisation of a radio signal coming from a mobile phone in a data filled scene, iStockphoto, peterhowell.https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/phone-signal-in-a-data-matrix-city-gm967078012-263819956

Collaborative and agile. Intelligence community collaboration insights from the United Kingdom and the United States

The central aim of this report is to generate insights from…

ASPI appoints inaugural director of Washington DC office

ASPI is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Watson…

ASPI to open an office in Washington DC

Today the Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton, MP announced that…
Cover image: US President George W Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard talk as they tour Sydney Harbour, 5 September 2007, aboard the MV AQA. Source: White House photo by Eric Draper, online.https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/09/images/20070905_d-0471-2-515h.html

ANZUS at 70: The past, present and future of the alliance

The ANZUS Treaty was signed on 1 September 1951 in San Francisco.…

US and Australia must deepen defence cooperation on climate security

Robert Glasser and Erin Sikorsky write on recent climate-driven…
Image courtesy: IISH/Stefan R. Landsberger/Private collectionhttps://chineseposters.net/

To deter the PRC …

This Strategic Insights report is the first in a series of essays,…
The commander of ESG7 delivers remarks during the closing ceremony of the 8th US and Australian exercise Talisman Sabre 2019, US Indo-Pacific Command, Flickr, 27 July 2019https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command/48406734881/in/photolist-2gKxaPg-tbqjVV-2hXbeos-2gfLFKT-2gAbJ97-2jd48A3-2gGGPcs-BYGgw7-2gJisrD-2gmuumv-2h1Dvbv-2hYWxeK-2gGHygp-2hY2XQ5-2gv4CJD-2gQJ9Nm-2g4sPUm-2ehWnpW-2es4a2H-2hXbeYk-2fTyZKW-wmRGxF-sULWZA-2drzveR-24TB9UT-2fr4qbf-W7JPQm-XuKZAU-26yTqvg-DkBUCa-2fmCTYy-Y53iwx-2g24hXK-XuKZRy-L1w3gu-2dyKBxg-2h3MjXm-2joxiYa-f74AfW-2h6WmtG-2gacc2C-2g8MFa8-2cpppUm-eLjM6P-2a7qp4q-2h3N1Bx-2h5UAD6-tUUGLP-2hDruBg-2hb3TiZ

Stronger Together: US force posture in Australia’s north—a US perspective on Australia’s strategic geography

Stronger together: US force posture in Australia’s north—a…
SI142 North of 26 South-banner

North of 26 degrees south and the security of Australia: Views from The Strategist

North of 26° south and the security of Australia’, a new…

Who funds Federal Parliamentarians’ overseas travel?

An analysis of non-Australian government funded parliamentary…

Ask ASPI – Trump’s Russia Problem

In this Ask ASPI episode, Renee Jones talks to Stephen Loosley about…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

America’s ‘Maginot Line’: A study of static border security in an age of agile and innovative threats

Borders and border security are once again becoming increasingly…