This paper explains that there are many possible prices for the future submarine, and the actual cost will be determined by choices that are made about the boat's capability and size. The cost of the future submarine project has been much discussed in the press. ASPI's earlier estimate of $36 billion has become a frequently...

This paper outlines the range of internal and external challenges facing the Philippines and some of the implications for Australia and the region. The Philippines is a large and important country in Southeast Asia, and potentially a more active security partner for Australia. If the Philippines can resolve these various security problems it will strengthen...

With the US military commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan starting to wind down, the United States is increasingly pivoting towards the Asia-Pacific region and is prioritising Southeast Asia in its global strategy. The US needs to continue to build and maintain relationships in Southeast Asia while ensuring it can simultaneously engage effectively with China. How...

Australia should be proactive in exploring new opportunities for cooperation with a reform minded Indonesia - it’s in our interests to draw Indonesia into a more important strategic role in regional security. Australians have long worried about whether Indonesia is ‘special’ or ‘normal’. Instead, we need to deal with Indonesia as it really is—a country...

This paper considers the implications of Taiwan's election result for China, the US, Australia and Taiwan itself. Leaders in Washington, Beijing and Canberra breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Taiwanese President Ma Ying Jeou was elected for a second term on 14 January. Ma’s re-election will see him continue to propel Taiwan along a...