This paper examines criticisms of Australia’s strategic shift towards an outgoing defence posture within Asia.

Executive summary Regional institutions have been created not only to socialise China, but also to legitimise the United States’ continuing role in East Asia. East Asian regionalism poses a limited challenge to the US-led global order. There remains significant regional demand for the US to define and prioritise public goods and how they are provided...

This paper examines how financial constraints in the United States are affecting its effort to 'rebalance' towards Asia and the implication for Australia. Executive summary Western military spending has stabilised and in some cases declined after a period of rapid growth over the past decade, but this is not only a function of austerity. An...

Executive summary The ADF needs to be prepared for four main tasks: defence of Australian sovereign territory; assist larger international forces; counter-insurgency; and disaster relief. With rising demand for land, resources and food, Australia is at greater risk of threats from major powers. The ADF needs to continue developing the skills of operating effectively in...

Asian nations must recognize that distancing themselves from the United States will not necessarily win political rewards in Beijing. Deepening ties with the United States must remain a high priority for all of China’s neighbours.