Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program arrive at a time of intensifying competition and more state-on-state conflict than at any time since 1945. For Australia, these pressures are already affecting economic resilience, energy security and strategic choice.
This lecture examines what the Strategy reveals about Australia's deteriorating strategic circumstances and how we intend to respond. While the direction is sound, it asks whether the capability can be delivered at the required speed and scale, and whether the investment program is sufficient to meet the risks identified.
The 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program arrive at a time of intensifying competition and more state-on-state conflict than at any time since 1945. For Australia, these pressures are already affecting economic resilience, energy security and strategic choice.
This lecture examines what the Strategy reveals about Australia's deteriorating strategic circumstances and how we intend to respond. While the direction is sound, it asks whether the capability can be delivered at the required speed and scale, and whether the investment program is sufficient to meet the risks identified.
