This paper presents a series of posts on the fraught relationship between Australia and Indonesia. Overview The bilateral relationship between Australia and Indonesia has long been a fraught one. The latest tussle, over the imminent execution of two Australian prisoners in Indonesia, prompted a series of posts on ASPI’s blog, The Strategist, framing the broader...

Overview: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has declared its intent to establish a fully integrated community by the end of 2015. The aim is to institutionalise a regional bloc built on three pillars: the ASEAN Economic Community the ASEAN Political-Security Community the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The main aim of these changes is to...

This paper examines the issue of nuclear latency (the potential for countries to obtain nuclear weapons capability) by focusing on the cases of the Republic of Korea and Japan, then looks at what Australia should do. Overview Since the 1946 ‘Report on the International Control of Atomic Energy’ and the closely associated Baruch Plan formulated...

This report argues that it’s time for the federal cabinet to take a coordinated and strategic look at its law enforcement responsibilities, starting with a review. Overview Strong international, technological, political and social forces are changing the criminal challenge to Australia. These forces mean that the Australian Government will to need to take a greater...

This paper considers the design and build of Australia’s future submarine. Overview Submarines are a critical strategic capability for the uncertain times ahead. This paper considers the design and build of Australia’s future submarine including the possible acquisition of Japanese submarines by Australia to replace the Collins class and a hybrid approach of constructing the...