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
Nuclear weapons: the state of play
Commentary
Nuclear weapons: the state of play
Nuclear weapons: the state of playJohn Carlson, AM (contributor)CNND report, March 2013 Please click here for full text.John Carlson
Improving nuclear security governance in the Asia-Pacific
Commentary
Improving nuclear security governance in the Asia-Pacific
Improving nuclear security governance in the Asia-PacificJohn Carlson, AMAPLN/CNND Policy Brief, No. 5, June 2013 Please click here for full text.John Carlson
An Asia-Pacific nuclear energy community
Commentary
An Asia-Pacific nuclear energy community
An Asia-Pacific nuclear energy communityJohn Carlson, AMAPLN/CNND Policy Brief, No. 4, June 2013 Please click here for full text.John Carlson
Lowy Lecture Series: 'Indo-Pacific balancing act - In search of a middle power coalition' by Dr C. Raja Mohan
Speeches
Lowy Lecture Series: 'Indo-Pacific balancing act - In search of a middle power coalition' by Dr C. Raja Mohan
On 9 October 2013, leading Indian strategic thinker and Lowy Institute Nonresident Fellow Dr C Raja Mohan delivered a public lecture on the prospects of developing a middle…
Indo-Pacific security links
'Indo-Pacific' is an increasingly recognised term in the analysis of Asian strategic issues. Of course, there’s debate about what it means and the extent to which such a super…
A maritime school of strategic thought for Australia
In hindsight, 2012-13 might come to be seen as a watershed period for maritime strategic thinking in Australian defence policy. During the 37 years that Australian governments…
India's subtle China strategy
Commentary
India's subtle China strategy
In this article for The National Interest, Danielle Rajendram argues that India deserves more credit for the way it has managed its relations with China in the face of…
Military and strategy links: Sequestration, cooperation in space, missile defence and more
Matthew Hill is a doctoral student at Cornell University's Department of Government. The US Government is funded for now, but many are pessimistic about avoiding further cuts to…
The Indo-Pacific: What's in a name?
Commentary
The Indo-Pacific: What's in a name?
In this essay in The American Interest, the Lowy Institute’s Rory Medcalf explains the rise of an Indo-Pacific conception of Asia. He argues that this emerging maritime…
Cyber security: Why military forces should take a back seat
Ian Wallace is a visiting fellow in the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence at the Brookings Institution and previously a senior official at the British Ministry of…