Not since the Cold War has events in the Indian Ocean Region resonated so much in Australia. Based on extensive research, this reference document is designed to provide an readily accessible source of information to assist Australian policymakers to better understand the Indian Ocean Region.

As Afghanistan’s current Ambassador to Australia, Nasir Andisha, spoke to Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe about the changing nature of bilateral ties, the importance of Afghanistan to regional and international security and what he hopes to achieve during his tenure as ambassador.

Major General Tim Keating, who commands the New Zealand Army, talked to Sergei DeSilva-Ranasinghe about the Army’s response to ongoing high tempo deployments overseas, the growing importance of coalition interoperability and training, efforts towards modernisation and the Army’s future intentions.

In September 2009, the Australian Defence Force launched Operation Padang Assist in response to the massive earthquake that devastated the north-western Indonesian archipelago, this feature interview outlines the relief and support effort given to the Indonesian people by the ADF. Reflecting on the mission, Brigadier Mark Brewer, the senior Australian Army official who led the...