Policy Options Papers offer concise evidence-based recommendations for policymakers on essential national security issues. Papers in this series are peer-reviewed by a combination of expert practitioners and scholars.
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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.
Brandon Yoder and Mike Cohen explore the nature of alliance bargaining and assurance.
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.
Rory Medcalf writes a chapter for 'Strategic Imagination: Essays in Honour of Brendan Sargeant'.
In April 2025, the AI CoLab, together with the NSC Futures Hub, ANU, convened a workshop on AI and the future of the public service. This report captures the key findings and insights.
This Issues Paper is a conversation starter, to help you think about what you may choose to tell us during the consultation process. Your views matter.
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In this paper, Isabelle Bond and James Mortensen outline why Antarctica is key to understanding global climate drivers.
In this paper, the authors put forward options for Australia, France and India trilateral cooperation in the India Ocean.
Philip Citowicki address why AUKUS should collaborate to bolster their space capabilities.
In this Policy Options Paper, the authors put forward a case for why it increasingly makes sense for Australia, India and the United Kingdom to work together.
Dirk van der Kley, Benjamin Herscovitch and Gatra Priyandita discuss the technology future for Indonesia, China and the Quad.
Samuel Bashfield and Anthony Bergin address the current challenges surrounding undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific.
Occasional Papers comprise peer-reviewed research and analysis concerning national security issues at the forefront of academic and policy inquiry. They are designed to stimulate public discourse and inform policy solutions.
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Ryan Young analyses Australia's university sector and identifies a range of trends and issues within this sector.
Peter Hunter addresses how the Air Force should contribute to the Australian Defence Force strategy.
This book contributes to the field of nuclear deterrence and strategic stability with 22 authors that span seven countries.
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.
This paper by Hugh White examines the concept of national security, and then considers how it can work in the policy process to guide government decision-making.
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The National Security Podcast
Modernising Australia's border security
In this episode, Mike Outram joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the need for Australia to reconceptualise its borders as strategic assets, the threats posed by transnational crime, and the economic benefits of modern border management.
The National Security Podcast
Why organised crime is now a national security threat
In this episode, Heather Cook joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving landscape of transnational crime and its implications for national security in Australia.
Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific
In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition.
The National Security Podcast
The future will thank us: an intergenerational approach to security
In this episode Sally Bulkeley is joined by Afeeya Akhand and Victoria Cooper to discuss intergenerational security and the differing perspectives across age demographics in Australia.
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Dr James Mortensen and Andrew Gibson consider the effects of wider mental health issues on possible crisis responses actioned by the Australian government.
Isabelle Bond and Dr James Mortensen argue that Antarctic climate science can enhance Australia's security and intelligence, beyond just military and diplomatic goals.
Dr Michael Cohen explores how power, interests, and threats shape military alliances, refining theories using archival data from Australia and the USA.
Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper's book 'Extraterritoriality in East Asia' examines the approaches of China, Japan and South Korea to exercising legal authority over crimes committed outside their borders.
Associate Professor Sue Thompson writes about how the Nixon Doctrine influenced U.S. policy on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.