The move to consolidate security agencies under one minister upends generations of conventions on how security intelligence and executive police powers are managed separately.
- Professor, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University
James Bond and Jason Bourne have little to tell us about modern spycraft.
Politics podcast: John Blaxland on handling Islamist terrorism
Events in Britain, the New South Wales coroner's report on the Lindt Cafe siege, and a new attack in Australia have given a much sharper edge to the debate about how to handle Islamist terrorism.
The small city-state is an important regional ally, and we should work hard to maintain that strong relationship.
We have become used to hearing stories of ‘increased chatter’ and ‘high alerts’ when it comes to terrorism. Doesn’t that mean intelligence agencies should know enough to prevent attacks?
In the third volume of The Official History of ASIO series, historians Dr John Blaxland and Dr Rhys Crawley examine the organisation's role in the years leading to the end of the Cold War.
What is hybrid warfare, and why would Australia benefit from its technological developments?
The stakes around Australia’s defence appear higher and the urgency greater than at any time since the height of the Cold War.
Michelle Grattan discusses the newly released book The Protest Years: The Official History of ASIO 1963-1975 with its author, John Blaxland.
What are the key challenges for ministers entering new portfolios in Malcolm Turnbull’s first cabinet? The Conversation asked experts in key policy areas to respond.
When Australian soldiers fought at Gallipoli, they did so under the Union Jack. Our flag has changed since then and debates about national identity have shifted. Is it now time for a new flag?
As we know, there’s a divide between those who would support a new Australian flag and those who believe the current flag is fine. And even those who declare an interest in a new flag are divided on what…
The recent revelations of alleged telephone interception of Indonesian politicians, espionage in East Timor and raids in Canberra have raised more questions than they have answered about Australia’s intelligence…
Recently, legitimate concerns about the media coverage of Australia’s military involvement in the war in Afghanistan have been raised. It is true that much more that can and should be said about the army’s…
Much like in the movie Casablanca, there is much huffing and shaking of heads about activities of the nation’s electronic spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), after allegations emerged…
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