Programs & Projects

The International Security Program

The International Security Program

The International Security Program looks at strategic dynamics and security risks globally, with an emphasis on Australia's region of Indo-Pacific Asia. Its research spans strategic competition and the risks of conflict in Asia, security implications of the rise of China and India, maritime security, nuclear arms control, Australian defence policy and the changing character of conflict. The Program draws on a network of experts in Australia, Asia and globally, and is supported by diverse funding sources including grants from the MacArthur Foundation and the Nuclear Threat Initiative. It convenes international policy dialogues such as the 2017 Australia-ROK Emerging Leaders International Security Forum and has a record of producing leading-edge, influential reports.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Nuclear-armed submarines in Indo-Pacific Asia: Stabiliser or menace?
Reports
Nuclear-armed submarines in Indo-Pacific Asia: Stabiliser or menace?
In this Report, Lowy Institute Research Associate Brendan Thomas-Noone and Nonresident Fellow Professor Rory Medcalf examine the implications of sea-based nuclear weapons for…
The Sino challenge necessitates tighter U.S. ties
Commentary
The Sino challenge necessitates tighter U.S. ties
The Sino challenge necessitates tighter U.S. tiesAlan DupontThe Australian18 August 2015Alan Dupont
Afghanistan: Mullah Omar's death won't cripple the peace process
Much has been made of the recent 'shock' announcement of Mullah Omar's death over two years ago, either in Pakistan or Afghanistan depending on who you believe. In particular, the…
Labor’s unsettling dilemma
Commentary
Labor’s unsettling dilemma
Labor’s unsettling dilemmaAlan DupontThe Australian24 July 2015Click here for the online text.Alan Dupont
Peace talks in Afghanistan: The case for optimism
There were reports last week that the Afghan Government has officially met with the Taliban for the first time in years in Islamabad to discuss the beginning of formal peace talks…
Assange and Snowden helping our enemies
Commentary
Assange and Snowden helping our enemies
Assange and Snowden helping our enemiesAlan DupontThe Australian7 July 2015Alan Dupont
The perception gap: reading China's maritime objectives in Indo-Pacific Asia
Reports
The perception gap: reading China's maritime objectives in Indo-Pacific Asia
In this Lowy Institute Report Nonresident Fellows Linda Jakobson and Rory Medcalf identify both the real differences in interests between China and other powers in the Indo…
Chinese push in the South China Sea must be resisted but defusing tension should be the aim
Commentary
Chinese push in the South China Sea must be resisted but defusing tension should be the aim
Chinese push in the South China Sea must be resisted but defusing tension should be the aimAlan DupontThe Australian13 June 2015 Alan Dupont
Our US alliance: a source of comfort and confusion
Commentary
Our US alliance: a source of comfort and confusion
Our US alliance: a source of comfort and confusionRory MedcalfThe Age16 June 2015Rory Medcalf
Find a middle ground to stand against China
Commentary
Find a middle ground to stand against China
Find a middle ground to stand against ChinaEuan GrahamAustralian Financial Review9 June 2015Click here for the online text.Euan Graham