Who can we trust?

The old class war asked who controlled the means of production. The emerging epistemic divide asks how democratic societies determine whom to trust.

Don’t back down

Throughout history, sovereignty has depended by borders, alliances and military power. In an increasingly interconnected world, it may depend just as much on preserving the practical freedom to govern.

Freedom and responsibility

Over time, we’ve allowed the public boundary between peaceful protest, civil disobedience, criminal coercion and terrorism to become increasingly blurred. Restoring that boundary is no longer simply a matter of criminal law; it’s becoming a question of democratic resilience.

The drone age

From Ukraine to the Red Sea, autonomous systems have become ubiquitous across the battlespace, sacrificing themselves to maximise mission effectiveness and so changing the nature of war.

How big tech swallowed journalism

Digital platforms destroyed the gatekeeping monopoly once held by newspapers and broadcasters but while the modern influence economy preserves journalism’s reach it discards the checks and balances required to keep information credible.

The long arm of Chinese law

In another step to extend its dominance abroad, China’s communist party has enacted legislation which can deem the work produced by journalists, think tank analysts, academics and others in Australia unlawful.

Surviving supply chain shocks

Australia cannot eliminate risk from global supply chains but we can reduce our exposure, prepare properly and act before disruption compounds.

Civic patriotism strengthens our democracy

Liberal democracies therefore have a strategic interest in cultivating a confident civic patriotism that strengthens social cohesion, reinforces institutional legitimacy and supports national resilience.

Off the rails

The cancellation of the troubled inland rail project underlines the fact that Australia struggles to deliver strategic infrastructure at the speed, scale and discipline needed for productivity, resilience and national security.

Independence ain’t dependence

Australia relies heavily on imported fuel and has limited domestic refining capacity, so when the current crisis is over, more long term preparation for future disruptions must begin.

Friend and foe

Australia needs to reject the false binary between economic engagement and strategic competition with China. It’s possible – and necessary – to do both.

Bridging the great divides

Maintaining social cohesion is a crucial factor in preserving Australia’s security but policy makers shouldn’t make it a national-security issue.