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 and American strategy in the age of Obama
Analyses
Nuclear weapons and American strategy in the age of Obama
Did the 2010 US Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) get it right? In this Lowy Institute Analysis, Visiting Fellow Hugh White argues that – contrary to what has been widely assumed – the…
Toward a nuclear weapons free world: a Chinese perspective
Analyses
Toward a nuclear weapons free world: a Chinese perspective
In this publication, leading Chinese security scholar Shen Dingli offers a point of view on Beijing’s constraints and objectives as it decides how to engage with the new global…
Problems to partnership: a plan for Australia-India strategic ties
Policy Briefs
Problems to partnership: a plan for Australia-India strategic ties
Australia and India must not squander the chance to build a strategic partnership, argues Rory Medcalf. Bilateral difficulties over student welfare have at least focused high…
Confronting the hydra: Big problems with small wars
Lowy Institute Papers
Confronting the hydra: Big problems with small wars
As a democratic middle power that chooses to wage counterinsurgency conflicts, Australia needs improved strategic policy approaches and capabilities to overcome a complex and many…
Unconventional partners: Australia-India cooperation in reducing nuclear dangers
Policy Briefs
Unconventional partners: Australia-India cooperation in reducing nuclear dangers
In this Policy Brief, International Security Program Director Rory Medcalf and his Indian co-author Amandeep Gill argue that an innovative partnership between Australia and India…
Wicked weapons: North Asia nuclear tangle
Analyses
Wicked weapons: North Asia nuclear tangle
The United States faces major challenges in engaging China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula in its quest for nuclear disarmament. Rory Medcalf explores the ‘wicked’ nature of the…
A tighter net: strengthening the Proliferation Security Initiative
Policy Briefs
A tighter net: strengthening the Proliferation Security Initiative
In a new Lowy Institute Policy Brief, non-proliferation scholar Emma Belcher urges practical steps for WMD non-proliferation at sea.Emma Belcher
How Defence can contribute to Australia national security strategy
Analyses
How Defence can contribute to Australia national security strategy
As the Federal Government prepares to develop the successor document to its inaugural 2008 National Security Statement, this new Lowy Institute Analysis considers what needs to be…
A focused force: Australia defence priorities in the Asian Century
Lowy Institute Papers
A focused force: Australia defence priorities in the Asian Century
Hugh White calls for Australia to abandon the 'Balanced Force' concept and refocus its military on managing strategic risks related to the rise of China.Hugh White
Squaring the triangle: an Australian perspective on Asian security minilateralism
Analyses
Squaring the triangle: an Australian perspective on Asian security minilateralism
In a paper published by the US National Bureau of Asian Research, International Security Program Director Rory Medcalf identifies Australia’s criteria for taking part in …