UWA Defence and Security Institute

Holiday reading - On its Own Two Feet - Advancing the Australia-Japan Defence Agenda by Tom Corben

It's been a fantastic few days in KL on behalf of Blue Security Program and UWA Defence and Security Institute at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia conference on the South China Sea. Just wrapped up I'm now officially on holidays.

Great to see the new Black Swan by Tom Corben featured in Breaking Defense. 'America, Japan and Australia know their national security establishments must work more closely together, as reflected by a number of signed agreements and commitments. But, a pair of independent studies have both concluded, the countries still have significant work to do on training and practicing how to fight together.The two reports focus on different bilateral angles. The first, from the University of Western Australia [PDF], is focused on Japan and Australia’s relationship. The second, from the Carnegie Foundation, if focused on Australia and Washington. But taken together, they have clear overlaps and paint a picture of where trilateral cooperation may be going between the three Pacific partners.' https://lnkd.in/gAwpiawZ

The University of Western Australia DSI Research Fellow Dr Troy Lee-Brown is quoted in the South China Morning Post SCMP in China’s naval base handover in Cambodia: a sign of waning US influence? 'Troy Lee-Brown, a research fellow at The University of Western Australia’s Defence and Security Institute, said that apart from China getting preferential access to Ream, its navy could also “exercise some influence” on the base’s operations. “It provides the People’s Liberation Army Navy with an enhanced presence in the Gulf of Thailand and alternative access to the South China Sea,” he said. Given that Phonom Penh was likely maintaining a balancing act in its relationships with Beijing and Washington, the US and its allies should deepen their understanding of Cambodia’s immediate security concerns in Southeast Asia, Lee-Brown added. “[This] extends beyond matters related to China.” https://lnkd.in/gmtSzuTk

Quantum researchers at The University of Western Australia have received a $2 million funding boost from the Australian Government through its Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) program. The EDT program is pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge to advance the development of existing and new capabilities to future-proof the innovation ecosystem. UWA’s project is led by Professor Jingbo Wang from the Centre for Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithm (QUISA) at the School of Physics, Mathematics and Computing, supported by Pawsey. Professor Wang said the project aimed to develop cutting-edge quantum algorithms designed for real-time logistics optimisation and complex image analysis. "Imagine a computer so powerful it can solve problems that would take a regular computer hundreds of years," Professor Wang said. "Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise fields such as logistics, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Our project aims to harness this power for the benefit of the Australian Defence Force. https://lnkd.in/g2qMx2zR

NEW | Black Swan Strategy Paper | Issue 13 | On Its Own Two Feet: Advancing the Australia-Japan Defence Agenda by Tom Corben   Issue 13 of the Black Swan Strategy Paper contends that recent Australia-Japan defence and security agreements have created opportunities for Australia and Japan to develop greater operational expression of their alignment through upgraded exercise engagements and new defence industrial and technology initiatives.   Australia and Japan have also sought to harness this momentum in trilateral defence cooperation with the United States, to the extent that progress in that configuration may risk outpacing bilateral developments between Australia and Japan.   Thanks to US Consulate Perth and US Embassy Australia for support.   Defence Australia The University of Western Australia (UWA) United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney Download your Black Swan Strategy Paper: https://lnkd.in/g9a8aSPV

Sharing my latest piece for the La Trobe Asia Blue Security Program Fellowship, on marine plastic pollution and what the recent failure to agree a global plastic treaty means for Australia, the Philippines, and the Indo-Pacific 👇 'As the Indo-Pacific region faces the devastating impacts of microplastics on the health of local populations, the ambitions of Philippine and Australian plastic law and policy should not be held back by the deadlocked treaty negotiations'. https://lnkd.in/geF7t3dQ

🌊 Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific: A Must-Read Volume 🌏 We’re excited to share the release of Blue Security in the Indo-Pacific, a free open access book edited by Ian Hall, Troy Lee-Brown, and Rebecca Strating, published by Routledge as part of the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies Series. This volume explores "Blue Security," offering a holistic approach to maritime security that integrates national, regional, international, human, and environmental dimensions. With case studies from 18 Indo-Pacific states, the book tackles critical issues like: 🔹 Blue crimes – piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. 🔹 Environmental threats – climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss. 🔹 Geopolitical tensions – competition over strategic waterways and natural resources. The Indo-Pacific, home to half the world's population and critical trade routes, is vital to global security and prosperity. This volume provides insights into how states in this dynamic region manage the complex challenges of maritime security. 📖 Whether you're a student, scholar, policy-maker, or maritime enthusiast, this book is a must-read for understanding the future of the Indo-Pacific and its role in global stability. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gaz3imFX #MaritimeSecurity #IndoPacific #BlueSecurity #MaritimeStudies #InternationalRelations #PolicyResearch

A tremendous opportunity for WA Defence SMEs to secure a UWA PhD candidate for a research internship in 2025. We will work with you to find the right student to match your R&D project. To secure the subsidy for your company we need to talk asap and propose the project and student to APR.Intern before the 20th December 2024. If you have a 3-6 month R&D project proposal ready to go, or, you wish to explore what UWA can do for you please email agi.gedeon@uwa.edu.au #PhDinternship #defenceindustry #westernaustralia #UWA #UWAPhDstudents

'The Albanese Government has awarded several contracts under a qualification process that paves the way for the Australian businesses to enter UK and US submarine supply chains, underscoring further progress in delivering the AUKUS program... The contracts to HIFraser, Mack Valves, Bale Defence and STAUFF Corporation, announced today, will enable these businesses to commence manufacture of a sample of standard US Navy valves and pipe fittings as part of their qualification process – a critical step to becoming approved vendors within the US submarine industrial base. Once qualified, these businesses will have the opportunity to manufacture and supply valves or pipe fittings for use in the construction and sustainment of a range of navy platforms, including Virginia class submarines.'