The Australian Government, alongside its AUKUS partners, is implementing an ambitious and complex plan for Australia to field nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines. In this paper, the authors assess whether the AUKUS Optimal Pathway is the best way forward to realise Australia’s strategic interests.

This twentieth edition of the Lowy Institute Poll examines how Australians view major powers and world leaders, the threats facing the nation, and the risk of conflict in the region. It examines what Australians think should be done about climate change, and shows how attitudes on energy policy, democracy, and immigration have evolved over time.

This compilation of essays by United States Study Centre researchers aims to provide a guide on what to expect from a second Biden term versus a second Trump term, as well as what to expect regardless of who takes office.

The authors of this report assert that AUKUS is a generational opportunity for Australia. Its focus on critical Pillar 2 technologies has the potential to bring Australian businesses to the world stage, and lift the nation’s defence industry up to the state-of- the-art in a range of modern capabilities.

Developed in response to last year’s Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy outlines the Australian Government’s strategic framework to guide the significant and urgent changes required to address Australia’s challenging strategic circumstances. Together, the Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program provide a blueprint to deliver an ambitious transformation of the Australian Defence Force.