The AUKUS nuclear submarine deal shows we’re serious about China

The embrace of nuclear hunter-killer submarines and the new AUKUS partnership are a recognition of the fact that the threat we face from China is equally long-term. Changes of tone or shrewd diplomacy won’t deter aggression, but strong alliances and modern equipment just might.

The big lesson from Afghanistan

After the chaotic, violent withdrawal of US, NATO and Australian forces and nations from Afghanistan, it’s time to consider the big lessons for Australia.

Defining priorities in defence industry production

Achieving defence industrial self-reliance depends on ensuring that appropriate administrative measures for defining and quantifying those capabilities are in place, and that each measure is fit for purpose.

To defeat the few

A new study of the iconic Battle of Britain in 1940 analyses the fight for air supremacy between the RAF and the Luftwaffe through the lens of modern air combat.

The economics of defence industry self-reliance

Australia’s lacklustre productivity performance, vastly increased government debt from Covid-19, and structural deficits in the federal budget that are likely to persist for decades mean we must carefully prioritise Defence’s investment in capital equipment.

Defence should lead from the front to solve the workforce shortage

Senior leaders of large defence employers understand the workforce challenge they face, but they also have the resources to tackle it, if they have the courage to do things differently.

Safety versus security

Right-wing and Islamist extremists, along with organised criminals, are increasingly exploiting the relatively unpoliced nature of the internet to recruit new followers and conduct business.

Australia needs a clearer security strategy

Unless we have a clear threat scenario, vagaries such as ‘drums of war’, ‘defence of Australia’, ‘shape, deter, respond’ and ‘balanced force’ are useless for real security planning.

Australia needs clear guarantees in the face of Chinese threats

In the face of an increasing torrent of abuse from Beijing, Canberra should seek a much clearer commitment from Washington that its United States ally will retaliate if China launches a missile attack against Australia.

The cutting edge

To face the threat posed by China, Australia must fast-track new technology into the hands of our sailors, soldiers and aviators.

Meeting the authoritarian challenge

There are no easy ways to generate democratic resilience, but it is a crucial endeavour given the increasing range and severity of ‘grey zone’ assaults committed by China, Russia and other authoritarian nations.

Boosting Australia’s foreign policy research

In a precarious and fast-changing world, there are several opportunities for Australia to improve the policy advice generated by our vibrant small think-tank sector.