Programs & Projects

The International Security Program

The International Security Program

The International Security Program looks at strategic dynamics and security risks globally, with an emphasis on Australia's region of Indo-Pacific Asia. Its research spans strategic competition and the risks of conflict in Asia, security implications of the rise of China and India, maritime security, nuclear arms control, Australian defence policy and the changing character of conflict. The Program draws on a network of experts in Australia, Asia and globally, and is supported by diverse funding sources including grants from the MacArthur Foundation and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. It convenes international policy dialogues such as the 2017 Australia-ROK Emerging Leaders International Security Forum and has a record of producing leading-edge, influential reports.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
The Indian Ocean region: Security, stability and sustainability in the 21st century. Report of the Australia India Institute Task Force on Indian Ocean Security
Journal Articles
The Indian Ocean region: Security, stability and sustainability in the 21st century. Report of the Australia India Institute Task Force on Indian Ocean Security
International Security Program Director Rory Medcalf reviews the report of the Australia India Institute Taskforce on Indian Ocean Security, The Indian Ocean region: Security…
Q. & A.: Rory Medcalf on the meaning of China’s Air Defense Zone
Commentary
Q. & A.: Rory Medcalf on the meaning of China’s Air Defense Zone
In this interview with Austin Ramzy for the New York Times' Sinosphere blog, Rory Medcalf discusses the regional security implications of China's Air Defence…
East China Sea: Australia digs an even deeper hole
It would be entirely appropriate for the Australian Government to call in China's ambassador to explain why Beijing was harming Australia's interests in a very obvious way. If…
What's wrong with China's Air Defence Identification Zone (and what's not)
China’s announcement of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea has come in for widespread criticism, including from Japan, the US and Australia. Already,…
Time for Iran to reach out to Israel
Christopher Johnston is a fellow at Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and a graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Officials are hailing an…
Time for Canberra and New Delhi to establish a new partnership
Commentary
Time for Canberra and New Delhi to establish a new partnership
In this op-ed for The Times of India , Rory Medcalf discusses the need for Australian ministers to establish new lines of communication and partnership working with India.Rory…
Bilateral talks offer chance to set record straight
Commentary
Bilateral talks offer chance to set record straight
Australia must endeavour to seek clarity from the US about the superpower's intentions and expectations for the Indo-Pacific Asia region.Rory Medcalf
Is Australia defendable?
James Goldrick has raised two very important issues in his latest contribution to our conversation about maritime strategy for Australia*. The first concerns the circumstances…
China throws away a chance to lead
Commentary
China throws away a chance to lead
In this piece for the Wall Street Journal, Rory Medcalf argues that China has allowed its territorial dispute in the South China Sea to distort its diplomatic response to Typhoon…
Maritime strategy: Don't forget about supply
Rear Admiral (ret'd) James Goldrick AO, CSC is a Nonresident Fellow at the Lowy Institute and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the…