This paper explores the effects of a successful third North Korean nuclear test on the Northeast Asian security dynamic. A successful test, of around fifteen kilotons, could bring to the fore a slew of serious strategic issues in Northeast Asia, creating problems for North Korea's neighbours and further afield. The paper considers the implications for...

This paper explores four hard questions about the upcoming Australia in the Asian Century White Paper being finalised by former Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry and his team. The paper asks: Will the White Paper focus on the right region in the right way? How will it address strategic risks? How will it treat defence...

Many commentators have expressed dismay at the recent cuts to defence spending. The fear is that the government’s long-term commitment to strengthen Australia’s defence has evaporated. To add to their concerns, there are few signs that the opposition is any more willing to do so should it win power. But how much does it really...

This report provides a new assessment of the rise of Asia and its impact on Australian strategic policy. It provides an in-depth strategic assessment of a region where the dominant strategic condition is neither cooperation nor competition, but a strange blend of both—‘coopetition’. But within that coopetitive Asia-Pacific, the existing contours of reassurance and deterrence...

The May budget saw deep cuts made to Australia's defence budget over the next few years. It will be up to next year's Defence White Paper to decide what happens after that. It has been argued that the long-term cost of health and ageing will place further pressures on government finances and constrain defence spending...