In our first issue of the Listening Post for 2022, the Centre for Defence Research senior fellows consider the forthcoming US Nuclear Posture Review, protests in Kazakhstan, and NATO-US-Russia talks to try and de-escalate the worsening security tensions on the Ukrainian border.

As it becomes increasingly clear that Putin's invasion of Ukraine has been both poorly planned and executed, in this issue our authors consider what we know so far and what a protracted war may look like. They also further examine the implications of the US National Defense Strategy and Nuclear…

The May 2022 issue of Listening Post, the authors look at Biden's comments on Taiwan during his recent visit to Japan and what they may mean for the US policy of 'strategic ambiguity', how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is prompting a re-write of Biden's National Security Strategy, speculation of…

In the August 2022 issue of The Listening Post, the authors review China's joint combat training exercises in the waters and airspace off Taiwan in the wake of Nancy Pelosi's visit; the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul from a US drone-launched missile; Russia's decision to pause nuclear weapons…

In September 2022 issue The Listening Post the authors consider the implications of Ukraine's counteroffensive; Russia's 'partial mobilisation' and referendums to annexe parts of Ukraine; the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) leaders' summit; AUKUS one year on; and some of the speculated…

Regular readers of The Looking Glass would be fairly familiar with the typical format. Usually each issue features an assessment of an emerging issue of interest to strategic and defence planners, often (but not exclusively) featuring an 'Australian' angle. For the next two iterations though, the…

Following on from the September edition of The Looking Glass, which took a critical look at the mythos that has built up around Vladimir Putin as a master strategist, this issue focuses to the conventional wisdom that Xi Jinping's China constitutes a cunning and ideologically driven foe with a well…

The November 2021 issue of The Looking Glass examines the release earlier this month of the latest in what has come to be referred to as the annual 'China Military Power Report' (CMPR) from the Pentagon to the US Congress. It provides a wealth of detail on China's ongoing military modernization,…

This paper examines India's water security challenges. It notes that if trends persist, more than 100 million Indians will soon face desperate domestic, agricultural and industrial water shortages, with serious implications for longer-term food security, livelihoods and economic growth. It contends…

This paper examines the shifting balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region brought about by China's economic and social transformation. It examines the US 'pivot' to the Asia-Pacific, and China's likely responses, with a particular focus on the implications for Australia. The paper notes that…

In this inaugural issue of the Vanguard Occasional Paper Series, Major General Mick Ryan identifies broad gaps in how Defence has traditionally approached strategic thinking skills in its people and provides a way forward to nurture and build better strategic thinkers. Senior leaders in the…

The first edition of the Looking Glass for 2023 features a slightly unusual piece: an attempt to understand what lessons Australia should draw from Russia's war against Ukraine as it enters its second year. The lessons the authors identify are by no means exhaustive (in fact they were going to add…

This paper analyses how India and Australia can build on their relationship to become strategic partners. It argues that rising Chinese assertiveness needs to be balanced by a security architecture that is not led by the US, if a Cold War-type grouping of nations is to be avoided. It contends that…

This paper discusses China's claim in the South China Sea in the context of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The paper acknowledges role of UNCLOS in assisting to provide governance arrangements for the maritime domain in certain circumstances, and notes that China intends to work…

In the second issue of The Looking Glass, the authors Michael Clarke and Matthew Sussex look at the reported testing by People's Republic of China of a Gliding Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (G-FOBS) in August 2021. The purpose of FOBS is to place a large payload – usually a nuclear one –…

This paper examines Australia's national security interests in the South China Sea. It notes that a number of states lay claim to various islands in the region, and that territorial disputes over those claims have occasionally erupted into armed conflict in the past. The paper contends that China's…

In January 2022, with a pressure-cooker situation growing on the Ukrainian border, this issue of The Looking Glass tries to help readers interpret Putin's intentions, examining the various interpretations of Russian behaviour, including its motives, likely agenda, and what the West might do about…

This issue of the Looking Glass takes a closer look at recent developments in China's approach to the war in Ukraine, focusing on explaining Chinese behaviour. The March 2022 Looking Glass argued that Beijing was trying to balance its desire to maintain the so-called 'no limits' strategic…

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay has begun in Pozières, France marking the start of a six-month journey.

Australian and New Zealand soldiers training Ukrainian recruits took time away from a field exercise to commemorate Anzac Day.

HMAS Perth hosted military counterparts after completing Exercise La Perouse 2023 in the Bay of Bengal in Singapore.

Squadron Leader Ruth Sagrott has seen firsthand the impact of losing loved ones to cancer, which inspired her to coordinate a team for the 2023 Relay for Life in Canberra. Squadron Leader Sagrott and Flight Sergeant Shelby Powell banded together to create a team for Cancer Council’s ACT event Relay…

The Royal Australian Air Force has completed the first air-to-air refuelling trials with Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J and F-15DJ Eagle jets.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed its deployment in support of Exercise Balikatan 2023 in the Philippines. Balikatan is an annual training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States military forces designed to enhance interoperability and…

Australia’s Fleet Commander discussed maritime operations and security with navy leaders from Japan, South Korea and the United States.

A World War 2 Navy veteran has lived a story worth telling and continues to make his mark.

Darwin local Lance Corporal Kilgour had an extra reason to celebrate this Anzac Day as he became an uncle after arriving home from deployment.

Once a small-town girl from Yankalilla, Corporal Elisha Gallagher stands tall after the ADF Women’s All Stars AFL Anzac round game. 

Sub-Lieutenant Marcus Salone knows how music speaks, regardless of language or culture.

When Air Force musician Leading Aircraftman Michael Fraser played the Last Post at Gallipoli, he was also honouring his great-uncle Reg Brooker.