The central problem for defence and security planners right now is uncertainty. The clarity of the Cold War is gone, new threats such as terrorism have come, and seemingly peaked, and what the rise of…
It’s time to take another look at why big corporations – rather than the police or armed forces – are responsible for our security.
Seth Anderson
Stuff happens. When organising something as big as the Olympic Games some things are bound to go wrong.
Sometimes the failures are simply funny. Just one day after its public unveiling in Trafalgar Square…
How is the war in Afghanistan going? With media this tightly controlled, the picture may never be clear.
Special Operations Command
Barack Obama marked the first anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death with a surprise visit to Kabul this week. Obama promised to “finish the job” in Afghanistan, but seven were killed in Kabul just hours…
Rudd’s commitment to Australia’s bid for a UN security council seat must continue under Bob Carr.
EPA/Jason Szenes
Now we have a new foreign minister, some have suggested it’s time for Australia to give up its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
During his time as prime minister and foreign minister…
Across Asia, climate change could cut agriculture in half by 2030. What will Australia do to help?
Gabriele Quaglia
AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY – A series examining Australia’s role in the rapidly transforming Asian region. Delivered in partnership with the Australian government.
Here, Dr Tim Stephens looks at how…
Green groups have been accused of taking their protests too far, but does this mean ASIO should spy on them?
AAP Image/Greenpeace
Environmental activists and mining protesters are now being labelled as terrorists, with reports security agency ASIO is spying on conservation groups protesting at coal mines.
Resources and Energy Minister…
Spy agencies in Australia have a big job, but does the job match the budget?
Flickr/ocularinvasion
In an era of evolving threats, judgment calls will continue to rely on the provision of accurate, timely intelligence. But this intelligence does not come cheap.
In order to be well-prepared and well…
Shooty Vikadan died in Villawood Detention Centre before the Commonwealth Ombudsman could review his case.
AAP/Torsten Blackwood
The asylum seeker who committed suicide in Villawood detention centre this week should have been interviewed by the Commonwealth Ombudsman to establish whether he should have been released into the community…
People in Libya are desperate for change and the new government will have to manage expectations carefully.
AFP/Abdullah Doma
The relegation of Moammar Gaddafi to the meat-locker of history is a significant exorcism of Libya’s past.
Whether it would have been better for him to face trial is a moot point. It’s doubtful that too…
Julia Gillard could play a pivotal role in ensuring Asia’s security, and improve Australia’s economy in the process.
AFP/Minoru Iwasaki
AUSTRALIA IN ASIA: In the second of our series Nick Bisley of La Trobe University examines the responsibilities Australia must take on to ensure security in Asia.
Asia’s economic powerhouses are booming…
America and Australia have made moves towards defending against online attacks.
Johnson Cameraface
How worried should we be about cyber warfare?
The latest amendment to the ANZUS treaty between the US and Australia, announced at the end of last week suggests it’s a genuine threat to the national security…
Advanced surveillance is about seeing what we all see – but better.
robynejay/Flickr
Commercial ports, railway stations and other crucial infrastructure are at constant risk from security incidents that can halt operations and, more worryingly, put you and I in harm’s way.
This is a reality…
Your cooperation is welcome … but not really necessary.
fictures/Flickr
In the surveillance world there are certain grand challenges – holy grails that researchers and those who use surveillance pursue doggedly, spurned on by the technical issues such challenges pose.
Paramount…
