Poor communication, cyber-attacks, misread intentions, and national pride can push even reluctant nations toward conflict—underscoring the urgency of clear signals, credible coordination, and emotional awareness in crisis planning. Simulations must stress-test emotional triggers.

Ministers need practical guidance, not frameworks. Long-term success hinges on practical analysis of key challenges—strategy must shift from broad documents to focused assessments that identify real-world competitive advantages. Non-defence departments should assess long-term risks.

What often holds leaders back is not a lack of skill or opportunity, but the subconscious beliefs that shape their decisions and behaviours. Studies suggest that self-limiting beliefs reduce executive function and problem-solving abilities.

Sometimes what looks like forgiveness is actually resentment in disguise. This article explores five subtle behaviours that can undermine true reconciliation—impacting teams, morale, and personal integrity if left unaddressed

Therapy cats assist emotional regulation by providing calm, comforting presence. Their unique behaviour and soothing can reduce stress, increase oxytocin and support mental wellbeing.

This article reviews Australia’s progress on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, noting implementation gaps despite broad policy support. It calls for improved accountability, training, and leadership integration of gender-based considerations in operations.

Taiwan faces very different conditions. Its strategy is unlikely to mimic Ukraine’s drone tactics—China’s readiness and coastal focus mean any robotic countermeasures would need to be maritime, fast, and deeply integrated into early-response planning.

Cyber reserves personnel will contribute specialised skills to safeguarding Australia’s critical networks, as part of a pioneering force that will strengthen national resilience and make an operational impact on Defence cyber missions.

Our content is increasingly microtargeted in the hands of the few, deepfaked and AI-driven. The consequences are that we can lose our shared understanding of the basic facts and processes, and ultimately affect the future of democracy.

The summit in Astana between China and Central Asian leaders underscores Beijing's deepening regional ties, potentially reshaping Eurasian geopolitics and impacting strategic considerations for partners like Australia.