john blaxland
john blaxland
resources June 26, 2021
A desire for Australia to become a top-10 weapons exporter is partly strategic and partly a rhetorical flourish.
law & crime March 13, 2021
Federal agencies seek more powers
Sweeping new powers for the AFP and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission could see innocent users of social media services such as WhatsApp deemed criminals.
law & crime December 12, 2020
AFP’s new power to spy on Australians
In direct contradiction to a recommendation of a national intelligence review, the government is giving the AFP sweeping new spying powers to combat cybercrime.
defence July 4, 2020
Cold War: ‘Grey zone’ to define relations with China
A strategic defence update highlights ‘coercive tactics’ that skirt the threshold of armed conflict but justify a huge weapons build-up by Australia.
health April 25, 2020
Australia pushes for global inquiry into outbreak
While Australia’s calls for an investigation into China’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak may not have helped relations with the powerhouse nation, they could prove a welcome move among Indo–Pacific neighbours.
defence March 21, 2020
Defence braces for SAS murder charges
An inspector-general’s report, expected in the coming months, will likely recommend the prosecution of special forces soldiers over Afghan civilian killings.
politics November 30, 2019
Security agencies investigating Chinese spy claims
Despite the furore over new allegations of Chinese espionage and interference, experts are urging a cautious response, saying there are many questions yet to be answered.
politics October 5, 2019
Trump call pulls Morrison into US scandal
As Donald Trump faces the threat of impeachment, Scott Morrison is carefully balancing his responses to the US president’s request for assistance.
defence July 27, 2019
Home Affairs pushes for cyber spy powers
A new proposal would give the Australian Signals Directorate access to the IT systems of Australian companies, but the agency didn’t ask for these powers.
law & crime September 22, 2018
New domestic intelligence powers
A new Office of National Intelligence will have increased powers to access personal information and scrutinise online activities. But who will monitor the monitor?
defence January 27, 2018
As a former chief of army predicts that joint strike fighters will be the military’s last manned aircraft, what checks will prevent civilian deaths by drones?
