Sea Power in Australia’s Strategic Environment

The geostrategic competition in our immediate region is creating new, and exacerbating existing, diplomatic and strategic challenges for Australia. Whereas land power dominated Australia's response during the War on Terror, sea power is now being called upon to lead Australia's efforts in tackling the challenges caused by the emerging great power competition in South East Asia and the South Pacific.

In this presentation, Associate Professor Adam Lockyer from Macquarie University explores how Australia can use its sea power more effectively to shape the international strategic environment. He argues that currently many maritime activities are primarily conducted to build capacity (either for the navy or security partner) and their strategic benefits are not being fully realised. In particular, naval exercises are primarily thought of in terms of capacity-building, but they can also send a strong message to international observers on the nation's intentions and capabilities. As a consequence, when used deliberately, they can be effective tools to deter or reassure other nations.

REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 4:00PM AEST ON Tuesday, August 9

We will have space for a limited number of participants in-person at the Glover Cottages, tickets to be pre-paid (all in-person attendees must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or hold a valid exemption). Once the limit for in-person attendees is reached, tickets will no longer be sold on the website or at the door.

Refreshments will be served from 6pm at Glover Cottages.

This event will also be streamed online via Zoom. Register by clicking the "get tickets" button below. Once you have registered, you will receive a follow-up confirmation email on the day of the event (Tuesday, August 9) containing details of the Zoom link and how to join the event.

The event will start at 6.30pm AEST (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne time), Tuesday August 9.

For further information please email nswexec@internationalaffairs.org.au