The Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) is Australia's oldest, largest and highest ranking academic institute for strategic studies research, education and commentary. For close to 50 years the Centre has helped Australians understand the complexity of Asia's strategic environment, Australia's place in it, and the utility and application of armed force in international affairs. This year it was also named Australia's best university think tank. With almost 50 years at ANU, Professor of Strategic Studies, Desmond Ball AO has amassed immense knowledge of Australian and global defence issues. Ball was recently awarded the Order of Australia for distinguished service to international relations as an academic, author and researcher. Described by former US President Jimmy Carter as the man who saved the world, Ball also recently won the Peter Baume Award the University's highest academic accolade.