Debate: "General"
Regulating digital currencies to fight crime

Australia took an important step in countering the criminal use of digital and cryptocurrencies when legislation regulating digital currency exchanges under Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act 2006 came into effect on 3 April. …

America the democratic (part 2)

If American strategic policy is re-entering a period of democratic change and uncertainty, then how should steadfast allies such as Australia respond? This post represents some initial thoughts, to which I hope others will contribute …

Violent extremism: mind the women and children

The fact that three separate families—including the children—perpetrated the attacks in Surabaya two weeks ago is obviously horrifying. But Islamic State’s (IS) use of women and children isn’t unprecedented. Governments must be aware of this …

Kangaroo step-up and Kiwi reset in the South Pacific

Australia and New Zealand are reaching for fresh thoughts about the South Pacific. Canberra offers the Islands economic and security ‘integration’ and a ‘step-up’ in engagement. The new government in Wellington promises to ‘shift the …

ASPI suggests

The world Yet another devastating school shooting occurred in the US last week, this time in the Texan city of Santa Fe. This long read re‑visits Concord High, where in 1985 Louis Cartier walked into his school …

Our new era in polar endeavour

It’s a game changer. In the next few years, there’ll be year-round access to our polar real estate. Last Friday the Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced …

The ASPI 2018–19 Budget Brief in brief

ASPI has released its annual The Cost of Defence budget brief, the first of the post–Mark Thomson era. As in previous years, this edition seeks to demystify the defence budget, as well as explore some …

North Korean action for US words?

Just days ago, the planned summit in Singapore between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un seemed to be hanging by a thread. Talks are still on track, but the North Koreans have …