ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for Australia’s strategic and defence leaders. ASPI generates new ideas for government, allowing them to make better-informed decisions for Australia’s future. ASPI is one of the most authoritative and widely quoted contributors to public discussion of strategic policy issues in Australia and a recognised and authoritative Australian voice in international discussion of strategic issues, especially in the Asia-Pacific.
ASPI aims, through its website, publications, blog, events and media activities, to be innovative, accurate and well-informed and to broaden public knowledge about the critical strategic choices our country will face over the coming years. The institute’s work helps to foster strategic expertise in Australia through dialogue, research and its contribution to public debate. ASPI strives to provide a strong focus and constructive commentary on the practical choices and issues which confront Australia’s strategic policy decisions, and this is reflected in ASPI's core values of collegiality, originality and innovation, quality and excellence, and independence.
ASPI was established by the Australian Government in 2001 and is partially funded by the Department of Defence with other sources of revenue include sponsorship, commissioned tasks, a membership scheme, sale of publications, advertising and event registration fees.
Programs
ASPI experts lead research and analysis on a broad range of strategic topics which are structured as two Programs, the Defence, Strategy & Capability Program and the National Security Program.
Defence, Strategy and Capability Program
Defence and Strategy Program
The Defence and Strategy Program focuses on broad strategic policy settings, global and regional security environments, the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force, the development of their defence capabilities, and issues associated with defence funding and budgets.
International Program
ASPI’s international program explores some of the challenges to maintaining international peace and security, both as they relate to Australia’s direct engagement as well as contributing to broader international research efforts on multilateral security issues.
The Strategist
The Strategist is the ASPI commentary and analysis site. The Strategist aims to provide fresh ideas on Australia’s critical defence and strategic policy choices as well as encourage and facilitate discussion and debate among the strategy community and Australian public.
National Security Program
The National Security Program Strategic Plan for 2016-18 is available here.
International Cyber Policy Centre
The International Cyber Policy Centre (ICPC) focuses on the growing importance of cyber-related issues for broader strategic policy.
Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement Program
The Strategic Policing & Law Enforcement Program examines the contribution of law enforcement to national security and to broader strategic policy.
Border Security Program
ASPI's Border Security Program research focuses on issues relevant to managing the border continuum to help to support and facilitate legitimate trade and travel; and protect the Australian community from a range of border risks.
Counter-terrorism Policy Centre
ASPI’s Counter-terrorism Policy Centre (CTPC) aims to explain the counter-terrorism environment, including policy, legislation, terrorist threat, cross-jurisdiction and international issues and provide counter-terrorism policy advice, alternatives and contestability.
Risk and Resilience Program
The scope of the Resilience Program includes consideration of resilience (in respect to disasters) as a concept and practice in communities, local government settings, regions as well as at state and federal levels.
