This scenario models a catastrophic Indo-Pacific conflict triggered by a Taiwan crisis, involving rapid escalation, large-scale casualties, and severe economic disruption. It highlights the consequences of strategic miscalculation and breakdowns in deterrence.

Townsville’s location, port facilities, and proximity to training areas make it an optimal base for the Littoral Lift Group. The site offers access to regional sea lanes and supports rapid amphibious deployment capabilities.

The Lunar South Pole is believed to be rich in strategically valuable rare-earth materials. And, with China’s recent Chang’e 6 mission there, it’s a reminder of the looming challenges surrounding geopolitical competition in lunar space.

The new Australia–Nauru security agreement formalises cooperation in defence and policing, enhancing stability in the Pacific. It reinforces Australia’s strategic presence and commitment to regional partnerships amid growing geopolitical competition.

South Korea’s experience with hybrid threats—including disinformation, cyberattacks, and military provocations—demonstrates how adversaries often use coordinated tools to shape public perception and undermine resilience without triggering conventional war.

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.

Inconsistent cybersecurity rules across jurisdictions hinder national resilience and create operational confusion. The article highlights the need for harmonised standards to ensure effective cyber defence while avoiding regulatory burdens that compromise responsiveness.

French and EU authorities dismantled a cybercrime group suspected of targeting financial institutions and infrastructure; some with ties to actors in Ukraine. The investigation highlights the link between organised cybercrime and conflict zones.

Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, including drone and missile strikes, have disrupted global shipping routes. The article highlights escalating maritime threats and tensions in a critical global trade corridor.

US, UK, and EU aid cuts and slowing infrastructure spending are limiting Southeast Asia’s development options—reducing resilience, widening inequality, and increasing the region’s reliance on external partners. Reduced options could increase Chinese influence.