Overview: Maritime security cooperation between Australia and Indonesia is important because of our geographical proximity and common interests. With recently-installed President Joko Widodo proclaiming Indonesia as the ‘World Maritime Axis’, there’s great momentum for Australia and Indonesia to enhance maritime security cooperation. This paper looks at ways to enhance cooperation through: more interaction between policymakers...

This report argues that the costs of Australia acquiring F-35B Joint Strike Fighter short take-off, vertical landing aircraft outweigh the potential benefits. Overview Is there a case for Australia to acquire F-35B Joint Strike Fighter short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft to operate from the two new Canberra-class landing helicopter docks (LHDs)? The government has...

These papers assess whether China is waging an economic war in cyberspace, and examine China’s internal mechanisms for delivering and protecting cyberpower.

This paper seeks to clear up the uncertainty surrounding US hopes and wishes of allies in Asia, and to provide Australia with a fuller picture of the opportunities and challenges in our strategic alliance with the US. Overview Given China’s rise and Asia’s economic ascent, military growth and increasing trade flows, the US ‘pivot to...

This report offers a roadmap for enhancing Australia’s disaster resilience, building on the 2011 National Strategy for Disaster Resilience. It includes a snapshot of relevant issues and current resilience efforts in Australia, outlining key challenges and opportunities. Overview Natural disasters cause widespread disruption, costing the Australian economy $6.3 billion per year, and those costs are...