The Lowy Institute’s International Security Program is focused on the changing strategic dynamics and risks in Indo-Pacific Asia. Its major areas of work include assessing the risks of conflict in Asia, security implications of the rise of China and India, maritime security, nuclear arms control, emerging security threats, Australian defence, security and intelligence policy, and the privatisation of military force. Across these and other subject areas, the program produces original research, generates debate and advocates practical policy recommendations.

In 2012, the International Security Program will look deeply at some of the major security challenges of a changing Asia. Key publications in the first half of the year will cover cyber security and the future of extended nuclear deterrence. Research is also well advanced on China-India strategic relations and Indian Ocean security, including the little-studied role of private military companies in countering piracy. Another major area of activity is a re-examination of Australia’s defence policy challenges and choices in the lead-up to the next Australian Defence White Paper.

This year the program is consolidating its role in convening a range of international security dialogues, notably the Australia-India Roundtable, the Australia-France Strategic Dialogue, and the India-China Workshop.

External grants support the program’s expanding range of activities. Funding partners in 2012 include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Nuclear Security Project of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Australian Civil-Military Centre, the Australian Department of Defence, the Australia-India Council, the Australia-India Institute and several corporate sponsors, most notably Unisys, the supporter of the 2012 National Security Event Series.