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
Australia's Election, the U.S. Alliance and the Pivot
Commentary
Australia's Election, the U.S. Alliance and the Pivot
James Brown's article for Real Clear Defense about Australia's defense strategy following the election of the conservative government.James Brown
Revisiting the 'Asian arms race' debate
Chris Rahman is a Senior Research Fellow in Maritime Strategy and Security at the University of Wollongong. The hoary question of whether Asia is experiencing a naval arms race…
From Tyre to Tehran: Transnational Links Amongst Lebanese Shi'a Clerical Families
Commentary
From Tyre to Tehran: Transnational Links Amongst Lebanese Shi'a Clerical Families
Rodger Shanahan, From Tyre to Tehran: Transnational Links Amongst Lebanese Shi'a Clerical Families. Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies, 2013 6 (3), pp 307-322 …
Fifty Shades of Grey: Officer Culture in the Australian Army
Journal Articles
Fifty Shades of Grey: Officer Culture in the Australian Army
James Brown, Fifty Shades of Grey: Officer Culture in the Australian Army. Australian Army Journal, Culture edition 2013 10 (3) 2013, pp 244-254. ABSTRACT As the…
When change brings continuity
Commentary
When change brings continuity
In this article in the Indian Express, Rory Medcalf argues that Australia's new Coalition government will bring continuity to Australia-India ties.Rory Medcalf
Rebalancing Australia's role in Asia
Commentary
Rebalancing Australia's role in Asia
In this article in The Wall Street Journal Asia Edition, Rory Medcalf argues the need for Australia's new Coalition government to bring steadiness to matters of…
Judicious ambition: international policy priorities for the new Australian Government
Analyses
Judicious ambition: international policy priorities for the new Australian Government
In this new Lowy Institute Analysis, a number of Lowy Institute experts outline what they believe should be some key international priorities for the new Australian Government…
Syria: Ready, aim...wait a minute
To say that Saturday's White House decision to delay a military strike on Syrian targets in order to seek Congressional approval was unexpected would be an understatement. But…
Indonesia wants gunships for WHAT?
This news comes as a bit of a surprise: Indonesia's Defence Ministry has concluded a deal with the US for the purchase of eight AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships. The Australian…
Chemical weapons use in Syria: Who, what, why?
Rod Barton was a senior UN weapons inspector in Iraq. He is the author of The Weapons Detective: The Inside Story of Australia's Top Weapons Inspector. It is difficult from media…