As global cyberattacks increase in their frequency and severity, states are seeking to understand how they can govern the borderless realm of cyberspace. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by rapid and profound technological change, presents a new frontier in international relations. The proliferation of advanced cyber technologies is reshaping the global order and creating challenges and opportunities for actors around the world. With the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade listing cyberspace and critical technology as foreign policy priorities in the lead-up to 2030, our interns will debate how Australia should proceed in this unfamiliar and unpredictable threat environment:
'It is in Australia's best interest to prioritise "offensive" cyber measures over "defensive" measures in the current threat environment.'
On the affirmative team, we have Matt, Singithi and Numan, then on the negative team we have Paloma, Jacob and Ethan.
Matthew McKelvie is a Dalyell Scholar at the University of Sydney, where he is pursuing a double major in Political Economy and International Business. Before turning 21, Matt had lived in six countries across three continents, shaping his identity as a third-culture kid and sparking a passion for international affairs.
Singithi Herath is a fourth-year student at the University of Sydney, completing a Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies). She recently finished a semester abroad in Shanghai, China, through the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program and the Chinese Studies Alumni Bursary.
Numan Mousa is a Master's student at the University of New South Wales, building on his dual Bachelor's degrees in Laws and Arts in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Sydney.
Paloma Hawkins is a final-year student at the University of Sydney, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies with a double major in International Relations and Political Economy, and a strong focus on French language through her elective coursework.
Jacob Sukiennik is a recent graduate at the University of New South Wales, where he studied a double Bachelor of International Studies and Media (Communications and Journalism).
Ethan Pooley holds a double bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He has spent two years working and studying in Greater China.
(For more information, go to the Internships page
Dr Thom Dixon will moderate the debate. He is a member of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology and the Manager, National Security and Defence for Macquarie University. Thom undertakes multidisciplinary research on the implications of synthetic biology, including technology forecasting and planning for risk management and benefit maximisation.
REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 4:00PM AEST ON Tuesday, September 10
We will have space for a limited number of participants in-person at the Glover Cottages, tickets to be pre-paid. 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.
For further information please email: nswexec@internationalaffairs.org.au
Photo from left to right: Jacob, Matt, Paloma, Singithi, Numan and Ethan