The real choice over China

A systematic series of measures must be adopted to protect Australia’s society, economy and politics from relentless interference from China.

How do you judge tough military decisions?

New research investigates the role of hindsight in assessing a difficult military decision and how the outcome of that action can bias our judgement of whether it was appropriate or even legal.

Shoring up the north

The economic future of Australia’s north is firmly focused on exports, but it could also host more industrial capacity, not least to support the Defence industry.

An Australian space defence force?

What might warfare in space look like and what should the Australian Defence Force be doing to prepare?

Doing the maths of intensive warfare

There is good reason to question whether Australian Defence Force procurement decisions prepare Australia’s forces psychologically, materially and organisationally for an intensive war.

Get on board with unmanned systems

The Department of Defence needs to consider the role of unmanned systems, not just as a niche capability akin to a small recoverable torpedo, but as an entirely new class of primary military capability for the Australian Defence Force.

The logic of conventional deterrence

Much of the responsibility for Australia’s future security will be borne by our diplomats and the foreign policy they are charged with pursuing, as well as our military force.

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.

Robots can outwit us on the virtual battlefield, so let’s not put them in charge of the real thing

StarCraft II is the latest complex game to be conquered by artificial intelligence. But if robots now reign supreme at virtual war, where does that leave us when it comes to real conflict?

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.