UWA Defence and Security Institute

OUT NOW Blue Security Issue 9 | Don’t Shoot the Messenger: Perception & misperception in the South China Sea by Blue Security Fellow Nell Bennett. Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) serve as a form of strategic communication, conveying messages designed to achieve specific objectives. Since 1979, the United States has conducted its FONOP program with consistent goals: upholding international law and promoting peace and stability. Despite 45 years of deliberate messaging, some target nations continue to interpret these operations as provocative or hostile actions. This issue explores the disparity between the stated objectives of the U.S. FONOP program and how it is perceived. Critics argue that FONOPs have been largely ineffective in deterring China’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. This issue examines why this enduring program may fall short of its goals and, in some cases, even be counterproductive. Read the paper here https://lnkd.in/gNgZbaQ3. The Blue Security Program is a collaboration between La Trobe Asia, Griffith Asia Institute, UNSW Canberra, United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, UWA Defence and Security Institute and Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue. Blue Security receives funding support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

🚨 Attention all female first responders! 🚨 We're excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2025 VESPIIA International Women's Day Roundtable Event, Policy and Practice for Women in First Response in collaboration with UWA Defence and Security Institute. This is YOUR chance to join an important conversation with fellow female first responders, where we’ll focus on the policies and practices that directly impact your day-to-day experiences in the field. Whether you're a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, or in any other first responder role, this event is designed to amplify your voice and ensure your unique challenges and needs are heard and addressed. 🔹 Date: 11 March 2025 🔹 Location: The University Club, University of Western Australia. 🔹 Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gcJ6GsNH Together, we’ll explore how policies can be improved to support women in first response, how to overcome barriers, and how we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable environment within our services. This event is your opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to you and help shape a better future for women in our sector. #WomenInFirstResponse #IWD2025 #PolicyAndPractice #FemaleFirstResponders #VESPIIA #GenderEquity #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Support #Advocacy Rachel Falzon Greg Whitehouse Carlos F. Dan Caddy MLC Lara Chambers MICDA Ruben Proud Steve Wickham

After a stellar inaugural year of the Pathways to Politics for Women program at The University of Western Australia, I’m thrilled that we’re promoting expressions of interest for 2025! 📢 Applications open in March for this year’s program, and this is the perfect opportunity to learn more. Join us for an online session where you’ll hear from one of our incredible inaugural alumni, Jenna Denton, as she shares her experience in the program and how it empowered her to take the next step toward political leadership. I’m also happy to answer any questions about how the application process works and what the program offers! This session is designed to reach regional, remote, and rural women across WA, but all women interested in politics and leadership are welcome to join. 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/g-Ayvujs Let’s continue building a stronger, more diverse political landscape in WA!

Welcome back in 2025. Re-upping this fantastic Black Swan by Tom Corben from a few weeks ago. The Japan-Australia defence relationship will likely become more pivotal in 2025 and beyond. Get the lowdown on how to take it to the next level here:

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