Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC)
The Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) is Australia’s leading centre for the study of strategic, defence and wider security issues. SDSC conducts research and teaching on the role of armed force in international affairs, especially as it affects Australia and its region. SDSC’s research and teaching priorities are the conceptual and historical foundations of strategy and policy, global and Asian regional developments that shape Australia’s strategic environment, and Australia’s defence policy, strategic posture, military capabilities and operations.
Crisis Policymaking »
Australia and the East Timor Crisis of 1999
East Timor’s violent transition to independence, which began early in 1999, presented the Australian Government with a significant foreign policy crisis.
Introducing China »
The World's Oldest Great Power Charts its Next Comeback
China’s transformation has been patiently, methodically and very deliberately constructed by a leadership group that has equally carefully protected its monopoly on power.
Phoenix from the Ashes? »
Russia's Defence Industrial Complex and its Arms Exports
The continued existence of the Russian defence and arms industry (OPK) was called into question following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The Architecture of Security in the Asia-Pacific »
We cannot expect in East Asia over the foreseeable future to see the sort of conflation of sovereign states that has occurred in Europe.
Timing is Everything »
The Politics and Processes of New Zealand Defence Acquisition Decision Making
This book identifies the critical factors that shaped and influenced New Zealand’s defence acquisition decision-making processes from the election of the Fourth Labour Government in 1984 and the subsequent ANZUS crisis, through to the 11 September
Howard's Long March »
The Strategic Depiction of China in Howard Government Policy, 1996–2006
Australia’s strategic depiction of China has assumed increased importance as it attempts to harmonise economic interests (focusing on China) with security interests (primarily the United States).
Rising China »
Power and Reassurance
Asia looks and feels very different now compared to the days of the Cold War. The sense that Asia now works differently can be traced to a single source – the re-emergence of China.
Struggling for Self Reliance »
Four case studies of Australian Regional Force Projection in the late 1980s and the 1990s
Military force projection is the self-reliant capacity to strike from mainland ports, bases and airfields to protect Australia’s sovereignty as well as more distant national interests.
Remembering Hedley »
Remembering Hedley commemorates the life of Hedley Bull (1932–85), a pivotal figure in the fields of international relations and strategic studies.
Australia and Cyber-warfare »
This book explores Australia’s prospective cyber-warfare requirements and challenges.
Defence Policy-Making »
A Close-Up View, 1950-1980 - A Personal Memoir
Sir Arthur Tange was perhaps the most powerful Secretary of the Australian Defence Department and one of the most powerful of the great ‘mandarins’ who dominated the Commonwealth Public Service between the 1940s and the 1970s.
History as Policy »
Framing the debate on the future of Australia’s defence policy
The fortieth anniversary of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre’s founding provided the opportunity to assemble many of Australia’s leading analysts and commentators to review some of the more significant issues that should define Australian