The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces last Friday announced the commencement of an operation to conquer the northern Syrian city of Raqqa. The operation was designated ‘Euphrates Wrath.’ Read more
The New Battlefield – Talking Point with Prof. Alan Dupont
Security is no longer just about bombs, tanks and fighting wars, according to Professor Alan Dupont, Director of UNSW’s new Centre for International Security and Development. Read more
Let’s end muddled thinking on China
ESCALATING tensions between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours over disputed islands in the South China Sea are the latest, worrying sign that China’s rise is ushering in a new era of strategic volatility and geo-political competition in Asia, that will be at its most dangerous in the Western Pacific. Read more
Australian defence strategy dubbed ‘out of touch’
Professor Alan Dupont from the University of Sydney comments on a report that says Australia’s military strategy is out of touch with regional security risks.
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U.S. Security Interests: Aims and Challenges in an Evolving Asia
Sustaining Stability, Coping with Conflict, Building Cooperation?
Except for the problem of North Korea, East Asia has been a region of comparative stability. U.S.-PRC relations have continued a long period of stability despite the frictions that have accompanied China’s rise. Cross-Strait relations have warmed rapidly. U.S.-Japan security ties have remained strong, underpinned by common regional interests and concerns.
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Battle for Power: Iran vs. Turkey in northern Iraq
The Iraqi special forces have now entered the first neighborhoods of the city of Mosul. Captured by the Islamic State in the summer of 2014, the city constitutes the jewel in the crown of the Sunni jihadis’ Iraqi holdings. It may be assumed that they will fight with determination to hold it. Read more
Future of food policy must start at home
Long accustomed to plentiful and affordable meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, Australians may have to get used to higher prices as the soaring cost of agricultural staples suggests an era of cheap food is coming to an end. Read more
Many shared interests but few shared values with China
THE once pervasive optimism among Western liberals that China’s rise will be strategically benign and a boon to an ailing global economy is giving way to a gnawing anxiety that a strong China may not be so good for the world after all. Read more
Australian attitudes to the United States
In 2007 the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney conducted a survey examining the views of Australians on American foreign, economic and trade policies. Acting CEO of the US Studies Centre, Alan Dupont, is interviewed about the results. Read more
Obama’s herculean task
The euphoria and promise of Barak Obama’s election triumph will soon be tempered by the stark prospect of US weakness and decline. The new president has a power of work ahead of him if he is to restore the tarnished US brand and repair the financial mess that is likely to be his predecessor’s most enduring legacy. Read more