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
Malcolm Turnbull is taking a pragmatic regional approach to China
Commentary
Malcolm Turnbull is taking a pragmatic regional approach to China
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.Euan Graham
RAAF’s decision on Syria raises more questions than it answers
RAAF’s decision on Syria raises more questions than it answers
Yesterday the Australian government announced the RAAF is temporarily ceasing operations over Syria. Although a Defence spokesman told the ABC that ‘force protection was regularly…
Understanding resilience and fragility in the South Pacific
Understanding resilience and fragility in the South Pacific
This post is part of the Lowy Institute's South Pacific Fragile States series. After the US withdrawal from both the Paris Accord and Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Pacific…
Islamist violence in Marawi City a potential threat to Indonesia
Commentary
Islamist violence in Marawi City a potential threat to Indonesia
Originally published in the Australian.  Alan Dupont
US exit from Paris deal marks end of influence in South Pacific
Commentary
US exit from Paris deal marks end of influence in South Pacific
Originally published in the Asian Nikkei Review. Greg Colton
China's influence in Australia is not ordinary soft power
Commentary
China's influence in Australia is not ordinary soft power
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.  Rory Medcalf
Strategy must include planning for peace, not just war
Commentary
Strategy must include planning for peace, not just war
Originally published in the Canberra Times. Greg Colton
As Trump flip-flops in Asia, things slide China’s way
As Trump flip-flops in Asia, things slide China’s way
Somewhat obscured in last week's outpouring of penny dreadful news from Washington (such as Sean Spicer ensconcing himself in the White House shrubbery) was the…
Australia calling: How to fight external electoral manipulation in the South Pacific
Australia calling: How to fight external electoral manipulation in the South Pacific
Security concerns about external subversion of national elections show no sign of abating. On 3 May, James Comey, then still Director of the FBI, testified to the US Senate…
When Turnbull meets Trump
Policy Briefs
When Turnbull meets Trump
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s first face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump is an opportunity to deliver some key messages about the role the United States should…