This speech discusses the 'new model' of great power relations between China and the US, potential threats to this model, and what additional steps could be taken to increase the likelihood of achieving it. Introduction In June of this year, I gave a speech on “The New Model of Sino-US Major Power Relations” at the...

Few defence topics have been as prominent or invested with as much optimism in recent years as defence diplomacy. This paper has been created to explore the issue and help guide policymakers. Foreword Few Defence topics have been as prominent or invested with as much optimism in recent years as defence diplomacy (also called military...

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 paper examines the possible escalation of conflict between China and Japan and the implications for Australia and the US. Executive summary: Political competition and a lack of crisis management mechanisms could make it very hard for China and Japan to resist escalatory pressures in the very plausible event of a minor armed clash in...

Examines China's policy options in Afghanistan once the NATO-led mission there comes to an end in December 2014. Key findings Beijing is unlikely to make any meaningful security commitment to Afghanistan. Instead China will continue to enhance its diplomatic and economic engagement with the country. Beijing views economic engagement as its key contribution to stability...