The greatest threat to Australia as a result of the Iraq violence will be a new theatre for Australians to earn battle experience – possibly returning home as experienced and networked Islamic extremists.

This study aims to provide an understanding of the Australian Defence Force's special operations capability and what it offers to government in both peace and wartime. Summary Over the past decade, the demands of the ADF’s global and regional operations saw an unprecedented growth in Australia’s special operations capability. Indeed, Special Operations Forces became the...

This paper summarises the current crisis in the new nation of South Sudan, the historical background, and Australia's role. Executive summary In mid-December 2013, the newly formed country of South Sudan erupted into violence, creating a significant humanitarian crisis. Violence spread rapidly across the country, mainly along ethnic lines, and thousands were killed. The United...

This Quick Guide provides Parliamentarians with a list of key resources and commentary about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Authored by Nicole Brangwin (with assistance from Toby Bellwood, Cameron Hill, Sue Johnson, Nina Markovic and Janet Phillips).

Thirty years ago, the Soviet Union and the United States stood on the brink of nuclear war. The Communist Party leadership in Moscow was convinced that Washington was about to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike, which would require a massive nuclear response.