The strategic sands are shifting in Southeast Asia, as China makes multiple moves while the United States seems on its back foot. This is the predominant perception throughout the region. Seen from Beijing, countries in …
When I write or speak publicly against bipartisanship in Australian defence policy, the most common response is, ‘Why would we want our politics to be more like America’s?’ Which would be a fair point, except …
Despite evidence of belated second thoughts by the principal players (see here and here), a summit meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong‑un is still likely to occur in Singapore on 12 June. In a …
Sea state Australia’s third and final Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) was launched in a ceremony last weekend. NUSHIP Sydney was built by ASC at Osborne Naval Shipyard, South Australia, and is based on Spanish …
Turkey’s relationship with NATO is at a nadir. Following its recent incursion into Syria’s Afrin district against NATO-backed Kurdish forces, Ankara now finds itself at loggerheads with the United States and other NATO allies. More …
In a new ASPI report, Terrorism in the Indo-Pacific: glocalism comes of age, I assess al‑Qaeda and Daesh’s commitment to establishing a presence in the Indo-Pacific from which they intend to promote their destructive ideology. …
The Australian government is close to deciding which of the three big foreign companies wins the $35 billion contract to build nine antisubmarine warfare frigates for the Navy. We examine the SEA 5000 Future Frigate program’s three …
The ANAO report Naval construction programs—mobilisation released on 14 May is a worthy attempt to summarise the issues that must be addressed as Australia ramps up its huge acquisition program for offshore patrol vessels, frigates and …
In a highly provocative move, China has deployed anti‑ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), as well as surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, to three disputed territories—Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef—in the South China Sea. The …
Often, Australian policy in the South Pacific is aid policy. Our development assistance and aid dollars are always alive and active and about in the Islands, doing essential work even when Canberra’s attention is elsewhere. …
The world The 70‑year‑long conflict between Israel and Palestine flared up again this week. Sixty Palestinians were killed, the highest fatality toll since the 2014 war. Gazans have been protesting for weeks, demanding the right to …
Established late last year, the Department of Home Affairs has initiated changes in both governance arrangements and thinking about national security in an all-hazards context. The changes continue apace. Last month the Minister for Law …
Japan, like many countries, has strong strategic interests in the Pacific. But unlike many countries, Japan hosts a forum every three years with the leaders of the 14 Pacific Island countries (PICs), as well as ministerial …
In its 50‑page review of the implementation of Australia’s naval shipbuilding program, the Australian National Audit Office managed to avoid using the word ‘shambles’. That’s more than I can manage. We’re only at the starting …
Donald J. TrumpVerified account @realDonaldTrump May 13 President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Too many jobs in China …
The beat Protests in Georgia against police brutality Video on social media shows thousands of people in Georgia protesting against police brutality in front of the Georgian parliament. The protests followed the arrests of eight …
All bad management, a business guru once remarked, is taught by example. Donald Trump is teaching a master class on how not to serve as America’s chief executive. By abandoning the thoughtful policymaking of his …
The company building the Navy’s 12 new submarines says they’ll be the world’s first conventional boats big enough to effectively use the company’s pump jet propulsion system. French Naval Group Australia says that its propulsor will …
The increase in authoritarianism and illiberal democracy is a concern for those who see an indissoluble bond between capitalism and democracy. And it’s a worry for those who believe that international liberalism is required to …
Frank Sinatra popularised ‘My Way’ in the late 1960s. Last week Donald Trump performed his own version by announcing his unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). It struck a very unpopular chord—especially among …