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Flags at the The 36th ASEAN Australia Forum (AAF), held in Melbourne, Australia on 5-6 February 2024
Daniel Walding, DFAT
08 July 2025

Preventing conflict in our region: options for Australian statecraft

Rory Medcalf, Huong Le Thu and Bec Strating outline how Australia and ASEAN can work together to help prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific through creative and strategic statecraft.
  • ASEAN
  • Southeast Asia
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
  • Foreign policy
Image displaying satellite image of Australia and the Pacific Islands
Adobe Stock
Tue, 29 Jun - Wed, 30 Jun 2027

Blue Pacific: neighbours under threat

This program introduces participants to the Blue Pacific and provides expert commentary on the historical relationships between Australia and its Pacific neighbours.

Enrol
Image displaying two hands shaking with the Chinese flag in the background
Adobe Stock
Mon, 2 Nov - Tue, 3 Nov 2026

Xi’s China: a closer look

This advanced level program is tailored for participants with a solid understanding of China and who seek deeper perspectives on China’s strategic rise and the complex challenges this poses.

Enrol
Image displaying two hands shaking with Chinese flag in the background
Adobe Stock
Tue, 9 Feb - Wed, 10 Feb 2027

Xi’s China: a closer look

This advanced level program is tailored for participants with a solid understanding of China and who seek deeper perspectives on China’s strategic rise and the complex challenges this poses.

Enrol
Image of undersea cables. Image by Adobe stock
Image of undersea cables. Image by Adobe stock
14 June 2022

Options for safeguarding undersea critical infrastructure: Australia and Indo-Pacific submarine cables

Samuel Bashfield and Anthony Bergin address the current challenges surrounding undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific.
  • critical infrastructure
  • Australia
  • Indo-Pacific
  • undersea cables
  • Maritime
  • Indian Ocean
Flags of Taiwan and Australia
Image: Adobe Stock
21 August 2024

How Australia can reduce timidity on Taiwan

Professor Rory Medcalf explains why it is essential to invest in understanding and explaining why Taiwan matters to Australia’s interests.
  • Taiwan
  • China
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
  • Indo-Pacific
AustAid
18 July 2024

Changing tides: responding to China’s emergence in Indo-Pacific humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

Frédéric Grare analyses China's entry in the Indo-Pacific as a provider of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
  • Humanitarian assistance
  • China
  • Disaster relief
  • EU
  • Europe
  • France
  • Indo-Pacific
The National Security Podcast
28 Aug 2025

Indonesia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and beyond

In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Yohanes Sulaiman join David Andrews to explore Indonesia's evolving role as a strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with major players in the region. 

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Australia, Japan, and the U.S. take part in Exercise Cope North 21
US Indo-Pacific Command
03 September 2024

The Australian way of war and peace

Professor Rory Medcalf writes about how Australia is leading the democratic resistance against China's growing influence by reshaping its strategy and alliances in the contested Indo-Pacific.
  • China
  • Australia
  • Indo-Pacific
  • National security
Image of a Bangladeshi naval vessel
Image: Bangladesh Navy Facebook page
01 May 2024

Governing Bangladesh’s maritime space: an assessment of Bangladesh’s maritime challenges and maritime domain awareness capabilities

This report by Dr David Brewster, Captain Simon Bateman and Dr Anthony Bergin assesses Bangladesh’s maritime challenges and maritime domain awareness capabilities.
  • Bangladesh
  • Maritime
  • Navy
  • Indian Ocean
  • Indo-Pacific
Participants at the Australia-France Strategic Dialogue
Image: Jed Buchanan/NSC
04 December 2024

Statement: Australia-France 1.5 Track Strategic Dialogue, 3-4 December 2024

NSC hosted the Australia-France Strategic Dialogue, in partnership with La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique and supported by the Australian and French governments.
  • France
  • Europe
  • Diplomacy
  • strategic competition
  • Indo-Pacific
The National Security Podcast
27 Mar 2025
The National Security Podcast

China's naval activity off Australia: coercion or common practice?

In this episode Jennifer Parker and Douglas Guilfoyle join David Andrews to discuss the recent Chinese naval task group operating off Australia's coast, the legality and implications of their activities, and the lessons for Australia's strategic outlook and response.

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Apple Podcasts
Australia on a globe
Amar Preciado
30 October 2025

Australia’s strategic objectives in a changing regional order

This publication contains eight essays that examine Australia’s strategic priorities and challenges in a range of international relations areas and with its most important partners.
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
  • deterrence
  • Defence
  • Alliances
The National Security Podcast
12 Dec 2024
The National Security Podcast

Pat Conroy on defending Australia and Pacific partnerships

In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his strategic worldview, Australia’s ties with the Pacific and the Albanese Government’s continued push to invest more in the Australian Defence Force.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
The National Security Podcast
10 Apr 2025
The National Security Podcast

Aid, development, and Australia’s national security: why it matters now more than ever

In this episode Melissa Conley Tyler and Mira Sulistiyanto join David Andrews to unpack the current state of foreign aid and international development, with a focus on cuts to USAID, its implications, and Australia’s role as aid partner for the region.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Cover of 'Essays in honour of Brendan Sargeant'
ANU
11 June 2025

The Indo-Pacific as strategic imagination

Rory Medcalf writes a chapter for 'Strategic Imagination: Essays in Honour of Brendan Sargeant'.
  • Indo-Pacific
Australian and UK aid shipment to Enga Province in Papua New Guinea.
Image: Royal Australian Air Force
Thu, 18 Jul 2024

The future for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific

This webinar examined the future of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief coordination mechanisms in the region.

View recording
DNA helix with dew highlights
Image: Adobe Stock
06 August 2024

Ethical frameworks for deployment of Synthetic Biology in the Indo-Pacific

This report co-authored by Dir van der Kley lays out some framework propositions to govern Synthetic Biology ethics.
  • Synthetic biology
  • Biotech
  • Ethics
  • Indo-Pacific
  • biotechnology
Mrs Akie Abe at NSC
Jed Buchanan, NSC
12 December 2025

Indo-Pacific diplomacy, leadership and legacy: Mrs Akie Abe in conversation at NSC

NSC was privileged and honoured to host Mrs Akie Abe for a private visit and roundtable discussion.
  • Japan
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Diplomacy
The National Security Podcast
13 Feb 2025
The National Security Podcast

Africa: Australia's Indo-Pacific "blind spot"

In this episode, Babatunde Obamamoye, Matthew Neuhaus and Lisa Filipetto join David Andrews and Melissa Permezel to discuss opportunities and barriers to Africa–Australia relations and the role of perception in engagement.

 

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
The National Security Podcast
31 Jul 2025
The National Security Podcast

How can we avoid conflict in our region?

In this episode, Bec Strating, Huong Le Thu and Collin Koh join Rory Medcalf to delve into the complexities of conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the role of ASEAN, Australia and other partners.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
The National Security Podcast
08 May 2025
The National Security Podcast

Why Taiwan’s security matters to Australia and the world

In this episode, Ketty Chen and Mark Harrison join Susan Dietz to discuss Taiwan's national security challenges, focusing on the influence of China, the complexities of Taiwan's domestic politics, and the implications of its role in the global tech supply chain.

Acast
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Participants at the NSC Finnish roundtable
Jed Buchanan/NSC
09 September 2025

Strengthening Australia-Finland ties in security and resilience

NSC was pleased to host a high-level delegation from Finland for a roundtable on shared security priorities.
  • Finland
  • Security
  • preparedness
  • resilience
  • Indo-Pacific
The National Security Podcast
19 Jun 2025
The National Security Podcast

The trans-Tasman alliance: strengthening Australia-NZ security ties

In this episode, David Capie and Nicholas Khoo join David Andrews to unpack New Zealand’s shifting foreign and defence policy, its approach to China, AUKUS, and its relationship with Australia. 

Acast
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Admiral Samuel Paparo speaking at the roundtable
Jed Buchanan, NSC
20 February 2025

NSC hosts Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command

NSC hosted Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), for a high-level discussion on shared strategic interests and challenges.
  • Navy
  • Maritime
  • Indo-Pacific
The National Security Podcast
25 Jun 2026
The National Security Podcast

AUKUS at five: facts and fears

In this episode, Justin Burke speaks with Jennifer Parker and Peter Dean about the latest developments on AUKUS, the US alliance and Australia’s long-term maritime strategy.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Map of the Indian Ocean
Adobe stock
30 July 2025

Power asymmetry and competition in the Indo-Pacific: the island states of the Indian Ocean

Dr Frédéric Grare analyses 'The Contest for the Indian Ocean and the Making of a New World Order' – a book by Darshana Baruah.
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
  • Diplomacy
Generative image of undersea cables
Abbas, Adobe Stock
Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Launch – Connected & protected: building Australia's submarine cable resilience

Join us for the launch of a new report on Australia’s submarine cable resilience, and what's needed to protect this critical infrastructure.

Register
CDRE Jay Tarriela (Philippines Coast Guard), NSC experts and others
NSC
30 September 2024

Transparency as a strategic tool: NSC hosts Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippines Coast Guard

NSC hosts was pleased to host CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela of the Philippines Coast Guard.
  • Philippines
  • China
  • Maritime
  • Navy
  • Indo-Pacific
CCG vessel with bow number 21559 firing its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya
Philippines Coast Guard
17 October 2025

Indo-Pacific coast guards sail into expanded role

Anthon Bergin and David Brewster explain why building regional maritime security resilience will require greater investment and focus on coast guards by all Indo-Pacific.
  • Navy
  • Maritime
  • Maritime security
  • Indo-Pacific
  • The Philippines
  • China
Union Jack waving
Adobe Image
07 January 2022

Australia and the United Kingdom: an Indo-Pacific security agenda for a revitalised partnership

Rory Medcalf and Veerle Nouwens address the strategic importance of the relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom.
  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • Indo-Pacific
  • AUKUS
Richard Tibbels, EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific.
Richard Tibbels, EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific. Image: NSC
17 May 2024

Examining the EU's engagement in the Indo-Pacific

Supported by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Australia, NSC presented the second EU Indo-Pacific Forum on 15 March 2024.
  • Indo-Pacific
  • EU
  • Europe
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
Book cover
Book cover
18 February 2020

The future of the undersea deterrent: a global survey

This book contributes to the field of nuclear deterrence and strategic stability with 22 authors that span seven countries.
  • undersea deterrence
  • submarines
  • nuclear power
  • Indo-Pacific
  • strategic competition
  • AUKUS
  • Maritime
  • deterrence
  • Nuclear
Group photo after a Roundtable hosted by the ANU National Security College for the Cambodian National Defence University delegation
Jed Buchanan, NSC
03 April 2025

Building partnerships in national security education

NSC recently hosted Cambodia’s National Defense University for a roundtable on national security education – sharing insights on program design, capacity building, and the role of universities.
  • ASEAN
  • Cambodia
  • Regional Ssecurity
  • Indo-Pacific
Genetic engineering and gene manipulation concept. Hand is replacing part of a DNA molecule.
Image: Adobe stock
Thu, 19 Sep 2024

Global launch: Ethical frameworks for Synthetic Biology in the Indo-Pacific

Join the launch of the report, 'Ethical frameworks for deployment of Synthetic Biology in the Indo-Pacific', co-authored by members of ANU, InKlude Labs in Bengaluru, and Western Sydney University.

Register now
Rizal Sukma and Phillips Vermonte with Professor Rory Medcalf
Image: NSC
12 September 2024

NSC hosts Indonesian policy experts

NSC hosted a roundtable with eminent Indonesian policy thinkers Dr Rizal Sukma and Dr Phillips Vermonte.
  • Indonesia
  • Foreign policy
  • strategic competition
  • Indo-Pacific
GPPi parliamentary dialogue in Germany
GPPi parliamentary dialogue in Germany
31 March 2025

From the Indo-Pacific to the Euro-Atlantic

Head of College, Professor Rory Medcalf, conducted consultations to explore security links between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic. 
  • Europe
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Diplomacy
david
01 September 2024

NSC represented at the US Indo-Pacific Command's Military Law and Operations conference

Senior Policy Advisor David Andrews represented the College at the US Indo-Pacific Command's MILOPS conference.
  • Defence
  • Military
  • Indo-Pacific
  • China
  • United States
  • ASEAN
  • Alliances
Image of Chinese Premier Li Qiang
Image: WikkiCommons
20 June 2024

Li’s visit may be a good as it gets for China ties

Dialogue is vital. But the reality for Labor’s “stabilisation” is that the strategic environment will continue to breed black swans and black elephants crises in the Sino-Australian relationship.
  • China
  • Australia
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Maritime
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
Participants at the NSC-Kenya roundtable
Jed Buchanan/NSC
15 April 2026

Kenyan delegation engages with NSC on national security and resilience

NSC hosted a delegation from the Kenyan National Defence College, led by Major General Stelu Lekolool, Senior Directing Staff.
  • Africa
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
Art installation
Adobe Image
09 February 2021

Embracing difference: governance of critical technologies in the Indo-Pacific

Jolyon Ford and Damian Clifford address what an approach to human rights and the ethical governance of critical technologies could entail for Quad members.
  • critical technology
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Quad
  • ethical governance
Attendees at the NSC Laotian roundtable
Jed Buchanan, NSC
01 August 2025

Regional security in focus at NSC roundtable with Lao delegation

NSC hosts the Lao-Australia Friendship Association, led by Dr Khiane Phansourivong.
  • ASEAN
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Laos
The National Security Podcast
06 Jun 2024
The National Security Podcast

Chinese strategy and statecraft: coercion and competition in the Indo-Pacific

In this episode, Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Dan Blumenthal join David Andrews to discuss the drivers of the China and the United States’ security policies, the role of China in the international order, middle powers, and deterrence.

Listen now
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Apple Podcasts
Ukraine flag waving
Adobe Image
22 March 2022

Putin’s Ukraine invasion and its Indo-Pacific impact: what it means for Taiwan and China

This paper is based on a virtual lecture delivered on 22 March 2022 by Professor Nobukatsu Kanehara of Doshisha University, Ex Deputy National Security Advisor to Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo ABE.
  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Taiwan
  • China
  • Indo-Pacific
  • the West
Chinese and Australian flags with a rift in between
Adobe Stock
12 March 2017

China’s economic leverage: perception and reality

Rory Medcalf discusses how perceptions of Australia’s vulnerability to Chinese economic pressure are often exaggerated.
  • China
  • economic coercion
  • Australia
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Geopolitics and Regionalism
The National Security Podcast
02 May 2024
The National Security Podcast

Indo-Pacific statecraft: deterrence and diplomacy

In this episode, Richard Maude, Greg Moriarty, Huong Le Thu, and Richard Fontaine join Rory Medcalf to discuss the integration of deterrence and diplomacy in the practice of statecraft in the Indo-Pacific. 

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Apple Podcasts
Aerial top view military navy ship carrier at sea.
Teppakorn, Adobe Stock
10 August 2016

Indo-Pacific maritime security: challenges and cooperation

This edited collection examines the concept of the Indo-Pacific, maritime tensions in the East and South China Seas, transnational security issues, and explores potential partners for Australia.
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Maritime
  • Maritime security
  • Navy
The National Security Podcast
14 Mar 2024
The National Security Podcast

ASEAN-Australia ambitions: celebrating 50 years of dialogue

In this episode, Pichamon Yeophanton, Huong Le Thu and Don McLain Gill join Rory Medcalf on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to assess the state of ASEAN-Australia relations, and explore the opportunities and challenges facing deeper engagement.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
The National Security Podcast
08 Feb 2024
The National Security Podcast

Election watch 2024: what makes Indonesian democracy unique?

In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Gary Quinlan join Rory Medcalf to discuss the upcoming Indonesian elections, and how the outcome might impact bilateral ties with Australia and security in the region.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
 An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Black Lions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 prepares for flight on board the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet
21 March 2017

The future of Australia's alliance with the United States

Speech by Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the National Security College, at the National Press Club.
  • Aus-US alliance
  • Alliances
  • United States
  • Indo-Pacific
The National Security Podcast
15 Feb 2024
The National Security Podcast

An ocean of opportunities: why Australia should prioritise the Indian Ocean Region

In this episode, Darshana Baruah, David Brewster and Shafqat Munir join Rory Medcalf to discuss the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean to Australia and the region.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Rory Medcalf delivering a speech at ANU in 2018
ANU
05 June 2018

Mapping our Indo-Pacific future

Professor Rory Medcalf outlines a vision for Australia's foreign policy.
  • Indo-Pacific
  • China
  • Defence
  • Foreign policy
The National Security Podcast
01 Aug 2024
The National Security Podcast

Alliances and security agreements in Europe and the Indo-Pacific

In this episode, Alexander Lanoszka and Susannah Patton join David Andrews to discuss the evolving role of alliances and security partnerships on the global stage.

Listen now
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Australian Federation Guard executes a stair guard for the President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabrwo Subianto, at Sydney airport.
(Image: ABIS Taylor Johnson/ADF)
13 November 2025

Australia and Indonesia deal won't bind nations in war

David Andrews interview | AAP
HMAS Toowoomba on regional presence deployment
LSIS Zac Dingle_Defence Imagery
12 May 2026

Asia isn't as peaceful as it seems

Huong Le Thu | Foreign Policy
HMAS Toowoomba
Zac Dingle, Defence Imagery
16 March 2026

Securing the Indo-Pacific arteries

Colin Koh | Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
nato
01 November 2024

Australia's strategic thinking on the war in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific security

Gorana Grgić | United States Institute of Peace
HMAS Sydney conducts Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres and a cross deck with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Haguro while at sea during Regional Presence Deployment 25-2.
David Cox, Royal Australian NAvy
29 August 2025

If there’s a war in the Pacific, who defends Australia?

Jennifer Parker | SMH
President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping, at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Tianjin, China.
SCO Heads of State Council Meeting/Wikimedia
03 September 2025

The Indo-Pacific - 80 Years after WWII

Rory Medcalf interview | ABC
PM Albanese and PM Wale
Anthony Albanese
10 June 2026

Time for a big idea to secure Solomons partnership

Anthony Bergin and John Stephen | The Australian
Xi Jinping 2021
10 July 2025

Rumour mill is misreading the tea leaves: Xi Jinping is still in charge and not going anywhere

Rowan Callick | The Australian
Liberty Plaza, Taipei, Taiwan
PublicDomainPictures.net
07 July 2025

Don’t kid yourself, Australia: a Taiwan war would spread across the Indo-Pacific

Jennifer Parker | The Strategist
Anthony Albanese and President Prabowo of Indonesia
Australian Government, Facebook
12 November 2025

Australia and Indonesia strike landmark security treaty

David Andrews interview | ABC News
China
07 November 2025

Navy officer’s chilling warning: How war with China could reach Australian shores and bring the nation to its knees

Jennifer Parker interview | Daily Mail
slum
31 October 2024

How geostrategic competition and fragility interact

Bridi Rice | Development Intelligence Lab
Quad members USA, Japan, India and Australia flags together. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue members.
Ruma via Adobe Stock
16 June 2025

India has vital role in Pacific region disaster response

Anthony Bergin | The Australian