Energy innovation offers lessons for defence

The electricity sector offers a striking example of disruptive innovation in action around us, and it’s a case that has key lessons for the Department of Defence.

The peaks and troughs of ANZUS at 70

The defence pact between the USA, Australia and New Zealand will turn 70 this year, but may be more important than ever.

A farewell to arms

The war in Afghanistan has profoundly changed the Australian Army and had a significant impact on the whole defence force.

The valiant catastrophe of Australia’s first action in WW2

As the Royal Australian Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary, we look back to Australia’s first action in World War 2.

Protecting Pacific maritime law

The growth of coastguards and other maritime law enforcement forces has been particularly evident in Southeast Asia, and Australia should play a role in ensuring these support rather than undermine the rules based international order.

The RAAF in the 21st century

New missiles, planes and drones will give Australia’s air force the additional range and power it needs to defend our country in the years ahead.

Beware the bear in the Pacific

While China’s fast-expanding navy forms the main threat in the Pacific, Russia is also increasing its naval strength in the region, potentially threatening allied shipping in the east.

Australia needs a Magnitsky Act

The arrest of accused drug lord Tse Chi Lop and allegations of large-scale money laundering in Australian casinos have exposed to the public the deep economic connections transnational and organised crime syndicates have established here, and the scale of the threat we face.

The end of the old order shakes Australia’s grand strategy

The problem for Australian international policy is that the job we’re focused on is shape-shifting at alarming speed.

Water is a national security priority

It’s time for water management to receive scrutiny and oversight befitting our most pressing national security challenges. We need to catch the moment while the rain is falling, rather than face a hangover when our taps run dry.

Money doesn’t talk, it swears

Australia’s casinos have become a hotspot for global money-laundering operations.

The Australian Navy in the South China Sea

Over the past century, Australia’s activities in the South China Sea have reflected the reality that our security was, is and will continue to be closely associated with the security of maritime Southeast Asia.