Killing the Caliph won’t destroy Islamic State

The recent killing of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by American special forces is cause for celebration but it won’t guarantee total defeat of the terrorist organisation.

People are not the problem in cyber-security

The slow work of building human capability and a systems-level understanding is likely to yield better results in cyber-security than firing staff who make mistakes or micromanaging individual activity.

Rebooting Australia’s cybersecurity strategy

Strong cybersecurity must be seen as a mandatory part of doing business, irrespective of whether that business is conducted by a government department, a university or a small company.

Special forces – special problems?

The ADF is subject to the rule of law, and our troops and their leaders are rightly accountable for their actions in battle, but the context and history of our special forces must also be understood before any rush to judgement.

Defending Australia in an age of strategic disruption

The threat to Australia is real and increasing, for the first time since the Second World War.
The ADF must increase its readiness for conflict, with more training, higher stocks of munitions and protected operational bases in the north.

Rebooting Australia’s defence industry policy

Policymakers must seize the opportunity to develop a proper defence industry strategy that will boost Australia’s military capability as well as its economy as the strategic outlook continues to darken.

Squaring the defence circle with tied hands

Defence’s worst kept secret is now officially public as Defence Minister Linda Reynolds revealed at last week’s Sea Power conference in Sydney that her Department is conducting a strategic review.

World peace (and how we can achieve it)

A new book by security expert Alex Bellamy is a ‘must read’ for anyone with even a passing interest in the theory and, more importantly, the possible practice of world peace.

Australia’s expanding navy helps us play a larger regional role

The Royal Australian Navy is building relationships with allies and gaining experience in an increasingly complex and uncertain Indo-Pacific region.

Cyber security and great power politics in the age of AI

Artificial Intelligence and cyber warfare are emerging as key components in great power rivalry. The international community needs to act fast to develop legal and political frameworks that can mitigate their worst effects.

Lessons from the ANU cyberattack

Australian National University Vice Chancellor Brian Schmidt’s public release of a detailed report on the damaging cyberattack on ANU systems and data marks a refreshing shift in behaviour on cybersecurity for Australian public institutions.

Beijing’s show of military might is a wake-up call for Australia

The massive military parade on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was a clear demonstration of China’s increasing desire to project power across the Pacific.