Research
The Strategic & Defence Studies Centre has a range of related expertise on key aspects of strategic and defence studies that builds upon:
- Our history – founded in 1966, we are the oldest academic research institution devoted to strategic studies in the southern hemisphere
- Our privileges and responsibilities as part of Australia’s National University
- The comparative advantages of our location in the Asia-Pacific
SDSC’s research focuses on Strategic studies, and consists of three related research clusters:
Strategic Studies is an evolving field. The dominant defence and political concerns of the day have shifted rapidly with the end of the Cold War, new emerging great powers, and unprecedented forms of terrorism in this globalised era.
Yet, some of these transformations are arguably more tactical than strategic, and military history still holds relevant lessons for contemporary challenges. Through its research, SDSC is at the forefront of these debates.
Asia-Pacific security
The 21st century has been touted as the ‘Asian century’ not only because the balance of economic power is shifting east with the rise of China and other Asian emerging and industrialising countries.
Australian defence
SDSC’s research has long been at the forefront of Australian defence policy debate and development.
Military studies
Recent decades have shown the world that armed conflict is an ongoing and varied issue, involving not only superpowers but also smaller states and non-state actors.
Strategic studies
At SDSC, we understand Strategic Studies as the analysis of force in its political context, and we are particularly interested in two big research questions.
