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The cost of Defence: ASPI Defence Budget Brief 2025-2026

Building national preparedness: A road map for Australia and what we should learn from Finland

Shifting the needle: Making Australia’s research security ecosystem work smarter

Since 2018, the Australian Government has made serious strides in countering espionage and foreign interference, including introducing policy and legislative reforms aimed at protecting the research and university sector. That was necessary. Foreign states have actively targeted Australia’s research ecosystem—seeking to influence research agendas, extract sensitive information and exploit institutional vulnerabilities. However, the threat landscape […]

North of 26 degrees south and the security of Australia: views from The Strategist, Volume 11

The Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre’s latest report, North of 26 degrees south and the security of Australia: views from The Strategist, Volume 11, contains articles published in ASPI’s The Strategist over the last six months. Expanding on previous volumes, this edition introduces thematic chapters focused on a range of subjects relevant to northern Australia. […]

Sri Lanka holds its own amid economic uncertainty

In recent months, Colombo has faced two sharp blows from its…

Creating an alternative to China’s dominance is hard. But this step will help

Australia's future prosperity will not be built on nostalgia…

Beijing finally slices off Sandy Cay

The Financial Times reported last week that China’s…
Image of Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping: Commonwealth of Australia/Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.Image of Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping: Commonwealth of Australia/Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The ‘China’ challenge: now a multi-generational test for Australian strategy

In the week of Australia's 3 May election, ASPI will release…

Taiwan: the sponge that soaks up Chinese power

Taiwan has an inadvertent, rarely acknowledged role in global…

China targets Canada’s election—and may be targeting Australia’s

Following Canadian authorities’ discovery of a Chinese information…

Bookshelf: How China sees things

Here’s a book that looks not in at China but out from China. David…

Whatever the CCP says, regimes don’t have the rights of nations

All nation states have a right to defend themselves. But do…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

The FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo on Trump’s tariffs and the disappearing Chinese general

The United States-China tit-for-tat tariffs have been escalating…

Reset Pax Americana: the West needs a grand accord

The world is trying to make sense of the Trump tariffs. Is there…

Seabed sensors and mapping: what China’s survey ship could be up to

Civilian exploration may be the official mission of a Chinese…

No, it’s not new. Russia and China have been best buddies for decades

Maybe people are only just beginning to notice the close alignment…

Sri Lanka holds its own amid economic uncertainty

In recent months, Colombo has faced two sharp blows from its…

Creating an alternative to China’s dominance is hard. But this step will help

Australia's future prosperity will not be built on nostalgia…

Beijing finally slices off Sandy Cay

The Financial Times reported last week that China’s…
Image of Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping: Commonwealth of Australia/Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.Image of Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping: Commonwealth of Australia/Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The ‘China’ challenge: now a multi-generational test for Australian strategy

In the week of Australia's 3 May election, ASPI will release…

Taiwan: the sponge that soaks up Chinese power

Taiwan has an inadvertent, rarely acknowledged role in global…

China targets Canada’s election—and may be targeting Australia’s

Following Canadian authorities’ discovery of a Chinese information…

Bookshelf: How China sees things

Here’s a book that looks not in at China but out from China. David…

Whatever the CCP says, regimes don’t have the rights of nations

All nation states have a right to defend themselves. But do…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

The FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo on Trump’s tariffs and the disappearing Chinese general

The United States-China tit-for-tat tariffs have been escalating…

Reset Pax Americana: the West needs a grand accord

The world is trying to make sense of the Trump tariffs. Is there…

Seabed sensors and mapping: what China’s survey ship could be up to

Civilian exploration may be the official mission of a Chinese…

No, it’s not new. Russia and China have been best buddies for decades

Maybe people are only just beginning to notice the close alignment…
Aus-ROK_techtrack1-5_bannerASPI 2024
Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.

Cyber security means sticking with trusted, not any, providers

The Crowdstrike software outage disrupted airlines, banks,…
The CrowdStrike logo is being displayed on a smartphone with the CrowdStrike web page visible in the background in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on July 19, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The CrowdStrike logo is being displayed on a smartphone with the CrowdStrike web page visible in the background in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on July 19, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

CrowdStrike glitch sounds a cybersecurity alarm we cannot ignore

The recent CrowdStrike outage was not just a technical hiccup;…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024
State-sponsored economic cyberespionage_bannerASPI 2024

Protecting Japan’s national security from information operations

Japan in the past believed it was relatively safe from malign…
Cover artwork: everything.design, online.https://www.everything.design/

Negotiating technical standards for artificial intelligence

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) is delighted…
Joining Forces - Conference Web-bannerASPI 2024

Budget: ASPI’s experts give their views

The Albanese government has unveiled its third budget. Our…
TSD 2024 speakers - bannerASPI 2024
Data protection, binary code with China flag. Photo: Getty Images.Data protection, binary code with China flag. Photo: Getty Images.

China’s hackers targeted our MPs. We need to talk about this relationship

At least six Australian parliamentarians from both major parties…

Truth and reality with Chinese characteristics

Chinese, French and Spanish translations…
Aus-ROK_techtrack1-5_bannerASPI 2024
Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.

Cyber security means sticking with trusted, not any, providers

The Crowdstrike software outage disrupted airlines, banks,…
The CrowdStrike logo is being displayed on a smartphone with the CrowdStrike web page visible in the background in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on July 19, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)The CrowdStrike logo is being displayed on a smartphone with the CrowdStrike web page visible in the background in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on July 19, 2024. (Photo Illustration by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

CrowdStrike glitch sounds a cybersecurity alarm we cannot ignore

The recent CrowdStrike outage was not just a technical hiccup;…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024
State-sponsored economic cyberespionage_bannerASPI 2024

Protecting Japan’s national security from information operations

Japan in the past believed it was relatively safe from malign…
Cover artwork: everything.design, online.https://www.everything.design/

Negotiating technical standards for artificial intelligence

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) is delighted…
Joining Forces - Conference Web-bannerASPI 2024

Budget: ASPI’s experts give their views

The Albanese government has unveiled its third budget. Our…
TSD 2024 speakers - bannerASPI 2024
Data protection, binary code with China flag. Photo: Getty Images.Data protection, binary code with China flag. Photo: Getty Images.

China’s hackers targeted our MPs. We need to talk about this relationship

At least six Australian parliamentarians from both major parties…

Truth and reality with Chinese characteristics

Chinese, French and Spanish translations…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

AUKUS and the real meaning of strategic sovereignty

In Australia, unlike Britain or the United States, AUKUS is…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

Putting the NZ back into ANZUS: Why a fleeting reference means a lot

The New Zealand-US component of ANZUS was suspended in the…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

Japan in a blizzard of Indo-Pacific diplomacy with Guiborg Delamotte and Yamagami Shingo

In today’s episode, senior analyst Dr Alex Bristow is joined…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

Bold push into quantum computing is Australia’s Manhattan moment

The Manhattan Project, a response to Germany’s combination…
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Four lessons for four more years of Trump

Former President Donald Trump was already the frontrunner to…
Image of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles opening ASPI DC in 2022: Richard Marles.Image of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles opening ASPI DC in 2022: Richard Marles.

Two years of ASPI in DC: deepening partnership in an uncertain world

ASPI’s Washington DC office was announced in September 2021…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

With its risks understood and managed, SSN-AUKUS is our best bet

This is no time to be thinking of jumping from the plan to…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

AUKUS, industry and public support with Sophia Gaston and Eric Chewning

In this episode of Stop the World, we bring you the final interview…
AUKUS official logo - US GovernmentAUKUS official logo - US Government

The AUKUS goal: balancing power in the region

Hugh White’s February essay in Australian Foreign Affairs…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

Japan’s security, partnerships and regional strategic outlook with Narushige Michishita

In this episode of Stop the World, we bring you the penultimate…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

We need more defence capability long before the first SSN arrives

AUKUS is the great polariser of Australia’s national security…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

AUKUS and the real meaning of strategic sovereignty

In Australia, unlike Britain or the United States, AUKUS is…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

Putting the NZ back into ANZUS: Why a fleeting reference means a lot

The New Zealand-US component of ANZUS was suspended in the…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

Japan in a blizzard of Indo-Pacific diplomacy with Guiborg Delamotte and Yamagami Shingo

In today’s episode, senior analyst Dr Alex Bristow is joined…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

Bold push into quantum computing is Australia’s Manhattan moment

The Manhattan Project, a response to Germany’s combination…
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Four lessons for four more years of Trump

Former President Donald Trump was already the frontrunner to…
Image of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles opening ASPI DC in 2022: Richard Marles.Image of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles opening ASPI DC in 2022: Richard Marles.

Two years of ASPI in DC: deepening partnership in an uncertain world

ASPI’s Washington DC office was announced in September 2021…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

With its risks understood and managed, SSN-AUKUS is our best bet

This is no time to be thinking of jumping from the plan to…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

AUKUS, industry and public support with Sophia Gaston and Eric Chewning

In this episode of Stop the World, we bring you the final interview…
AUKUS official logo - US GovernmentAUKUS official logo - US Government

The AUKUS goal: balancing power in the region

Hugh White’s February essay in Australian Foreign Affairs…
Stop the World, an ASPI Podcast - bannerASPI 2024

Japan’s security, partnerships and regional strategic outlook with Narushige Michishita

In this episode of Stop the World, we bring you the penultimate…
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024
ASPI-CNAS-RUSI_trilat-bannerASPI 2024

We need more defence capability long before the first SSN arrives

AUKUS is the great polariser of Australia’s national security…
ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton testifies before the USCC - banner
Reclaiming-leadership_-Australia-and-the-global-critical-minerals-race-Bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/d-cobar-mine-colour-top-down-gm1439316916-479612941

Reclaiming leadership: Australia and the global critical minerals race

Climate policy, geopolitics and market forces are coalescing…
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 Photo 1ASPI 2024
Voting banner
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…
President Joe Biden greets British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the AUKUS bilateral meeting in San Diego, Calif, March 13, 2023. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)Chad J. McNeeley 2023, Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Can’t Lead on Quantum Computing Alone

Quantum computing will be one of the most defining technologies…
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…
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

On the 20th and 21st of March, ASPI DC convened with the…
ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton testifies before the USCC - banner
Reclaiming-leadership_-Australia-and-the-global-critical-minerals-race-Bannerhttps://www.istockphoto.com/photo/d-cobar-mine-colour-top-down-gm1439316916-479612941

Reclaiming leadership: Australia and the global critical minerals race

Climate policy, geopolitics and market forces are coalescing…
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 Photo 1ASPI 2024
Voting banner
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…
President Joe Biden greets British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the AUKUS bilateral meeting in San Diego, Calif, March 13, 2023. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)Chad J. McNeeley 2023, Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Can’t Lead on Quantum Computing Alone

Quantum computing will be one of the most defining technologies…
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…
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

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