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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. […]

In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Bookshelf: The conscience of the CCP, whose death triggered Tiananmen

Hu Yaobang is one of China’s unsung heroes. Inside China,…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Still not confident enough: China isn’t likely to move on Taiwan in 2025

Despite China’s rapid military improvements, it’s unlikely…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

China is exporting its model of political authoritarianism to Africa

To expand its influence in Africa, China has stepped up its…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Trump’s trade war is about more than trade

The opening salvos of US President Donald Trump’s trade war…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Something old, something new: the very practical rules of Chinese aircraft development

Year-end revelations of two new Chinese combat aircraft designs,…

The future of US Indo-Pacific policy

How might US policy in the Indo-Pacific change over the next…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

With US funding freeze, China nonprofits are facing extinction. They need emergency assistance

An entire ecosystem of vital China-related work is now in crisis.…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Trump is right to worry about China’s Panama Canal influence

Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities are coming into…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek may be cheap AI, but Australian companies should beware

Amid the shocked reactions this week to the release of the…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek’s disruption: Australia needs a stronger artificial intelligence strategy

The success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has thrown a…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek is a modern ‘Sputnik’ moment for West

The release of China’s latest DeepSeek artificial intelligence…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Bookshelf: The conscience of the CCP, whose death triggered Tiananmen

Hu Yaobang is one of China’s unsung heroes. Inside China,…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Still not confident enough: China isn’t likely to move on Taiwan in 2025

Despite China’s rapid military improvements, it’s unlikely…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

China is exporting its model of political authoritarianism to Africa

To expand its influence in Africa, China has stepped up its…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Trump’s trade war is about more than trade

The opening salvos of US President Donald Trump’s trade war…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Something old, something new: the very practical rules of Chinese aircraft development

Year-end revelations of two new Chinese combat aircraft designs,…

The future of US Indo-Pacific policy

How might US policy in the Indo-Pacific change over the next…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

With US funding freeze, China nonprofits are facing extinction. They need emergency assistance

An entire ecosystem of vital China-related work is now in crisis.…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

Trump is right to worry about China’s Panama Canal influence

Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities are coming into…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek may be cheap AI, but Australian companies should beware

Amid the shocked reactions this week to the release of the…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek’s disruption: Australia needs a stronger artificial intelligence strategy

The success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has thrown a…
In this photo illustration, the DeepSeek app is displayed on an iPhone screen.https://stock.adobe.com/au/contributor/206835375/vista-vault?load_type=author&prev_url=detail

DeepSeek is a modern ‘Sputnik’ moment for West

The release of China’s latest DeepSeek artificial intelligence…
#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…

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

The Australian government’s proposed amendments to the Defence…

Overcoming Australia’s AUKUS workforce challenges

Australia hasn’t been truly sovereign in its own right since…

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…

AUKUS sparks a revolution in Labor defence policy

Australian Labor Party debates on defence policy are often…

Tracking the evolution of Pacific island sentiment towards AUKUS

In September 2021, the Chinese Communist Party attempted to…

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.…
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…

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

The Australian government’s proposed amendments to the Defence…

Overcoming Australia’s AUKUS workforce challenges

Australia hasn’t been truly sovereign in its own right since…

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…

AUKUS sparks a revolution in Labor defence policy

Australian Labor Party debates on defence policy are often…

Tracking the evolution of Pacific island sentiment towards AUKUS

In September 2021, the Chinese Communist Party attempted to…

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.…
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…

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…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Preserving the knowledge edge: Surveillance cooperation and the US–Australia alliance in Asia

The US–Australia alliance is the bedrock of Australia’s…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Special Report Issue 43 – More than good deeds: Disaster risk management and Australian, Japanese and US Defence forces

This report, authored by Athol Yates and Anthony Bergin, suggests…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

The QDR: a future of hybrid warfare?

The latest formal statement of US defence policy, the QDR (Quadrennial…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

The Obama administration and US strategic policy

This Policy Analysis, authored by Rod Lyon and Kellie Kayser,…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Transforming the US Military: Implications for the Asia-Pacific

Defence transformation has major implications for the future…

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…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Preserving the knowledge edge: Surveillance cooperation and the US–Australia alliance in Asia

The US–Australia alliance is the bedrock of Australia’s…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Special Report Issue 43 – More than good deeds: Disaster risk management and Australian, Japanese and US Defence forces

This report, authored by Athol Yates and Anthony Bergin, suggests…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

The QDR: a future of hybrid warfare?

The latest formal statement of US defence policy, the QDR (Quadrennial…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

The Obama administration and US strategic policy

This Policy Analysis, authored by Rod Lyon and Kellie Kayser,…
Genericreportbanner_2024ASPI 2024

Transforming the US Military: Implications for the Asia-Pacific

Defence transformation has major implications for the future…