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
Typhoon Haiyan: Disaster response highlights diplomacy of aid, boosts countries' influence
Commentary
Typhoon Haiyan: Disaster response highlights diplomacy of aid, boosts countries' influence
In this piece for ABC News, Rory Medcalf looks at the strategic consequences already evident in responses to Typhoon Haiyan in Asia.Rory Medcalf
An Indian perspective on Australian maritime strategy
Abhijit Singh is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. This post is part of a series arranged in conjunction with the Sea Power Centre…
Military & strategy links: Brit shipyards, clear-hold-build, Pak-Saudi N deal and more
 Matthew Hill is a doctoral student at Cornell University's Department of Government. BAE is closing its last English yard in Portsmouth, ending a 500-year shipbuilding tradition…
Is Tehran ready to deal because it has already fulfilled its nuclear aims?
Dr Matthew Moran is a Deputy Director in the Centre for Science and Security Studies, King's College London. Wyn Bowen is a Professor of International Security in the Department…
Typhoon Haiyan and the geopolitics of disaster relief
Amid the horrific human tragedy, it may feel heartless to speculate about the strategic consequences of the typhoon that has taken more than 10,000 lives in the Philippines. But…
History of shared sacrifice unites India, Australia
Commentary
History of shared sacrifice unites India, Australia
In this article for The Australian, Rory Medcalf argues that Australia must look to its growing and influential Indian diaspora communities in order to build the…
Are we spying just because we can?
Geoff Miller is a former Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. Yesterday Sam Roggeveen canvased six possible reasons why the Indonesians seem so upset at Snowden…
New US report on Australia's alliance role a mixed bag
I have mixed feelings about a big new report from a US defence think tank on Australia’s potential role as a US ally in the Indo-Pacific. Sure, it will help focus US minds on the…
Military & strategy links: Blackbird 2.0, China's subs, and Al Qaeda's organised complexity
 Matthew Hill is a doctoral student at Cornell University's Department of Government. There’s news that Lockheed Martin is pushing a hypersonic successor to the legendary SR-71…
Why the NSA furore may be good for spies
The outcry over the extent to which the NSA and other agencies collect intelligence electronically will have some notable policy consequences. Already, there are reports of a…