Oceania Geopolitics: Alliance Politics and Pacific Security

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YOUTUBE2026-05-22anu national security college
No worries? What Australians think about security, risk and resilience
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No worries? What Australians think about security, risk and resilience
anu_national_security_college • 2026-05-22 00:39:56 UTC
The NSC's Community Consultations Report reveals a significant gap between national security experts and public perceptions, highlighting the need for better communication. Australians prioritize modern threats such as d…
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Public Concerns
  • Highlights rising anxiety about modern threats like AI-enabled attacks and disinformation
  • Emphasizes the need for transparency and effective communication from trusted agencies
Neutral / Shared
  • Acknowledges the importance of community engagement in shaping national security policy
  • Notes demographic trends indicating increased concern among younger Australians and women
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The NSC's Community Consultations Report reveals a significant gap between national security experts and public perceptions, highlighting the need for better communication. Australians prioritize modern threats such as disinformation and AI attacks over traditional security concerns.
  • The NSCs Community Consultations Report highlights a disconnect between national security experts and public perceptions, indicating a need for improved communication that aligns with citizens experiences
  • This comprehensive report is based on research from over 20,000 survey participants, 400 interviews, and 100 submissions, reflecting a wide range of Australian views on national security and resilience
  • Australians are increasingly concerned about disinformation, AI-enabled attacks, economic crises, and threats to social cohesion, prioritizing these issues over traditional security concerns
  • The initiative underscores the significance of community involvement in shaping national security policy, acknowledging that modern threats are closely linked to societal dynamics
  • Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating public sentiment into security strategies to enhance their effectiveness and responsiveness
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OTHER
100units
details
CONTEXT: of submissions received
WHY: Submissions reflect diverse perspectives and enhance the report's comprehensiveness
EVIDENCE: 100 submissions
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Australians are increasingly concerned about national security, with 64% expressing worry in February 2025, up from 42% in November 2024. The findings indicate a shift in public perception towards modern threats, emphasizing the need for better communication from national security experts.
  • Both citizens and experts in Australia acknowledge the evolving nature of national security, expanding the understanding of security issues beyond traditional concepts
  • Public concern about national security has risen significantly, with 64% of Australians expressing worry in February 2025, compared to 42% in November 2024
  • There is a consensus among various demographic groups on the importance of peaceful and safe communities, indicating a shared priority across different ages and backgrounds
  • Participants show a nuanced understanding of threats such as supply chain risks and challenges to social cohesion, reflecting a desire for greater engagement in national security discussions
  • The findings suggest that the national security community may need to adapt its communication strategies to better resonate with public perceptions and concerns
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing safe and peaceful communities over traditional national security concerns, reflecting a shift in public perception. Recent surveys indicate a significant rise in national security worries, with 64% of Australians expressing concern in early 2024, up from 42% the previous year.
  • Australians prioritize safe and peaceful communities in their perception of national security, often placing these concerns above traditional security issues
  • The community demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of various risks, including economic and social threats, rather than focusing solely on border security
  • Recent surveys show a notable rise in national security concerns, with 64% of Australians expressing worry in early 2024, compared to 42% the previous year
  • Engagement with the community reveals a strong desire to share personal experiences and insights on security, often surprising researchers with their depth of knowledge
  • The focus on everyday experiences indicates a broader trend where individuals prioritize immediate impacts over abstract national security threats
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing modern threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation over traditional national security concerns. This shift reflects a growing public anxiety about safety and the need for reliable information from security agencies.
  • Australians prioritize safe and peaceful communities over traditional national security concerns, reflecting a global trend focused on everyday lived experiences
  • Public anxiety is rising regarding AI-enabled attacks, economic crises, supply chain disruptions, and disinformation, which are viewed as more immediate threats than conventional security issues
  • Participants desire reliable information from security agencies but often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available information, highlighting a complex relationship between trust and transparency
  • The combination of cyber security threats and disinformation contributes to a perception of vulnerability, with many Australians feeling they are on the front line of these challenges
  • Effective communication from security agencies is essential, as people tend to trust those that take action rather than just discuss issues
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing peaceful communities and expressing anxiety about emerging threats such as AI-enabled attacks and economic crises. The report highlights a significant gap in public confidence regarding the government's preparedness for major threats and the need for clearer communication from trusted agencies.
  • Australians prioritize peaceful communities and the continuity of everyday life in their national security concerns, leading to increased anxiety about emerging threats like AI-enabled attacks and economic crises
  • The report reveals a significant gap in public confidence regarding the countrys preparedness for major threats, with many feeling that the government provides insufficient information on security issues
  • There is a tension between the desire for transparency from trusted agencies and the overwhelming nature of the information environment, with citizens favoring simplified communication over complex messages
  • Demographic trends indicate that older Australians, those in rural areas, and individuals with lower education levels express greater anxiety about national security
  • Focus group discussions emphasized a Goldilocks approach to information sharing, where participants acknowledged the need for more information while being cautious about potential panic or misuse
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OTHER
53%%
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CONTEXT: percentage of Australians feeling the government shares too little information
WHY: This reflects a demand for greater transparency in national security communication
EVIDENCE: 53% of Australians said that they feel the Australian government shares too little information in this space.
OTHER
4%%
details
CONTEXT: percentage of Australians feeling they receive too much information
WHY: This suggests that the vast majority do not feel overwhelmed by information
EVIDENCE: how many said they are getting too much information to them? I think it was 4%.
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing safety and peaceful communities over traditional national security concerns, reflecting a significant shift in public perception. This change is accompanied by rising anxiety about modern threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation.
  • Younger Australians have shown a significant increase in national security concerns, with worry levels rising notably since 2024
  • Women now express greater concern about national security than men, reflecting a shift in gender dynamics regarding security perceptions
  • Despite heightened anxiety about national security, a vast majority of Australians feel unprepared for major threats, with few believing the country is fully ready
  • A gender gap exists in self-reported knowledge of national security, with only 23% of women feeling knowledgeable compared to 46% of men
  • Focus group discussions revealed that women often underestimate their understanding of national security issues, even as they provide nuanced insights
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OTHER
42%%
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CONTEXT: percentage of Australians expressing concern about national security in 2023
WHY: This shows a notable rise in concern over a year
EVIDENCE: we started at 42%
OTHER
23%%
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CONTEXT: percentage of women feeling knowledgeable about national security
WHY: This highlights a significant gender gap in perceived knowledge
EVIDENCE: 23% of women said that they felt knowledgeable about national security
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Australians are increasingly concerned about national security, particularly regarding emerging threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation. This shift indicates a significant gap between public perception and actual risk preparedness, necessitating better communication and policy responses from the government.
  • Australians are increasingly concerned about national security, particularly regarding emerging threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation, indicating a shift from traditional security priorities
  • There is a widespread perception that Australia is unprepared for major threats, highlighting a significant gap between public perception and actual risk preparedness, which calls for better communication and policy responses from the government
  • Women are now more likely than men to express concerns about national security, reflecting changing gender dynamics in security perceptions, although women report feeling less knowledgeable about these issues
  • The findings indicate that the public possesses a nuanced understanding of national security, which could inform government and industry efforts in developing effective policies and programs
  • The report underscores the need to bridge the gap between public perception and actual preparedness, advocating for a national dialogue aimed at enhancing resilience against various risks
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing community safety and expressing concerns about modern threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation. This shift highlights a gap in public confidence regarding the government's preparedness for major threats.
  • Australians acknowledge the interconnectedness of systems in national preparedness and resilience, highlighting the complexity of security issues
  • There is a strong desire among respondents for continued engagement in shaping national security policy, reflecting appreciation for being heard
  • Policymakers are urged to maintain consistent messaging and avoid oversimplification, as public attention is fragmented and requires ongoing communication
  • Investment in national security infrastructure must adapt to contemporary threats, moving beyond outdated definitions from the 20th century
  • Improved coordination among various levels of government, including local authorities, is essential to enhance national security efforts
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OTHER
20th century definition of what national security is
details
CONTEXT: current national security infrastructure
WHY: This indicates a need for modernization in response to contemporary threats
EVIDENCE: we're still a little set up for a 20th century definition of what national security is
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing community safety and resilience over traditional national security concerns. This shift reflects a growing public anxiety about modern threats such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation.
  • Local communities play a vital role in addressing national security challenges, indicating that solutions must involve grassroots engagement rather than solely top-down approaches
  • Effective coordination among different government levels is essential for tackling security issues, emphasizing the need for community involvement and resilience
  • Media literacy is a critical gap that must be addressed to combat misinformation and improve public understanding of security issues at both local and national levels
  • The report advocates for a shift in focus from traditional security concerns to broader themes of resilience and community cohesion, which may resonate more with the public
  • Public perceptions of security are significantly influenced by personal experiences and local contexts, highlighting the importance of incorporating these perspectives into policy-making
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100 years ago, Walt Lippman wrote about public opinionyears
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CONTEXT: historical reference to public opinion
WHY: This highlights the long-standing relevance of public perception in shaping security discourse
EVIDENCE: 100 years ago, Walt Lippman wrote about public opinion being about pictures and people's heads
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Australians are increasingly prioritizing non-traditional security threats, such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation, over conventional concerns. This shift highlights a demand for greater transparency and effective communication from trusted agencies.
  • A significant shift in Australian public concern towards non-traditional security threats, such as AI-enabled attacks and disinformation, while emphasizing the need for transparency and effective communication from trusted agencies to
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AUKUS:A bad dealfor Australia?
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AUKUS:A bad dealfor Australia?
chatham_house • 2026-05-21 10:11:42 UTC
AUKUS is characterized by a focus on submarines and limited progress in broader defense collaboration. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has criticized the deal as a significant wealth transfer to the US …
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Supporters of AUKUS
  • Claim AUKUS enhances US-Australia defense collaboration
  • Argue that the investment strengthens US shipbuilding capabilities
Critics of AUKUS
  • Highlight AUKUS as a wealth transfer to the US and UK
  • Criticize the deal for insufficient submarine production and transparency
Neutral / Shared
  • Note that AUKUS includes a focus on submarines
  • Acknowledge the legislative constraints on submarine sales to Australia
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AUKUS is characterized by a focus on submarines and limited progress in broader defense collaboration. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has criticized the deal as a significant wealth transfer to the US and UK, highlighting concerns over submarine availability.
  • AUKUS includes a focus on submarines and broader defense collaboration, but progress on the latter has been minimal
  • Australia is investing $3 billion to enhance US shipbuilding capabilities and will gain a naval base in Perth, where the US plans to rotate Virginia-class submarines
  • The US is producing Virginia-class submarines at a rate of 1.2 per year, which is insufficient to meet the combined needs of the US and Australia, estimated at 2.33 per year
  • Legislation stipulates that submarines cannot be sold to Australia unless it is confirmed that such sales will not compromise US undersea capabilities, complicating access for Australia
  • The first Virginia-class submarine for Australia is not anticipated until 2031, raising concerns about the deals feasibility and timing
  • Malcolm Turnbull has criticized AUKUS as a detrimental agreement for Australia, highlighting risks and a lack of transparency regarding submarine availability from the US
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$3 billionUSD
details
CONTEXT: investment to support US shipbuilding programs
WHY: This investment indicates Australia's commitment to enhancing US military capabilities
EVIDENCE: $3 billion US dollars from Australia to support their shipbuilding programs.
OTHER
1.2units
details
CONTEXT: current US production rate of Virginia-class submarines
WHY: This rate is insufficient to meet the needs of both the US and Australia
EVIDENCE: They're producing about 1.2 a year.
OTHER
2031
details
CONTEXT: anticipated delivery year for the first Virginia-class submarine for Australia
WHY: This long timeline raises questions about the deal's feasibility and timing
EVIDENCE: The first one is meant to be delivered in 2031.
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Royal Commission: Antisemitism soars across Australia
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Royal Commission: Antisemitism soars across Australia
times_of_israel • 2026-05-21 08:15:30 UTC
Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism was established to investigate the rise of antisemitism following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre. The commission has been hearing testimonies from Jewish Australians about …
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Jewish Community
  • Reports significant rise in antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023
  • Calls for systemic change to address the root causes of antisemitism
Government Response
  • Introduces a Royal Commission to investigate antisemitism
  • Releases interim report with recommendations, though effectiveness remains uncertain
Neutral / Shared
  • Commission has received around 12,000 submissions from various witnesses
  • Concerns about safety and normalization of antisemitism are prevalent
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Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism was established to investigate the rise of antisemitism following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre. The commission has been hearing testimonies from Jewish Australians about their experiences after the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel.
  • The Australian Royal Commission on Antisemitism was initiated following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre, representing a critical inquiry into rising antisemitism in the country
  • Royal Commissions in Australia, typically led by experts such as retired judges, have the power to compel testimony and documents, making their findings significant for public policy
  • The Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack and the broader rise in antisemitism, focusing on testimonies from Jewish Australians about their experiences after the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel
  • A strong lobbying effort from various societal sectors, despite initial resistance from the Prime Minister, underscored the urgency of addressing antisemitism, leading to the Commissions establishment
  • The first interim report from the Commission has been released, containing policy recommendations that may influence government actions and potentially alter legal and social frameworks regarding antisemitism
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first mass gun violence event in Australia in approximately 30 years
details
CONTEXT: context of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre
WHY: This highlights the severity of the incident and its impact on public perception of safety
EVIDENCE: first mass gun violence event in Australia in approximately 30 years
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Australia's Royal Commission into antisemitism has received approximately 12,000 submissions, highlighting a significant rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel. Testimonies reveal alarming experiences faced by Jewish Australians, including harassment in public spaces and concerns from non-Jewish witnesses about the broader societal impact of antisemitism.
  • The Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia has received around 12,000 submissions, with two-thirds from Jewish Australians and one-third from non-Jews who have witnessed antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel
  • Testimonies presented to the commission indicate a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, including harassment and threats faced by Jewish individuals in public spaces like shopping centers and hospitals
  • Shaina Gutnik, whose father was killed in the Bondi attack, recounted being verbally attacked while wearing a Star of David, illustrating the fear and vulnerability within the Jewish community
  • Non-Jewish witnesses, such as a teacher from Tasmania, reported concerning levels of antisemitism in schools, suggesting that the issue impacts broader societal dynamics beyond the Jewish community
  • The testimonies have been shocking to many, as Australia has historically been seen as a safe haven for Jews, particularly given its population of Holocaust survivors, making the current climate especially distressing
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8,000units
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CONTEXT: submissions from Jewish Australians
WHY: This highlights the significant engagement of the Jewish community in addressing antisemitism
EVIDENCE: about two thirds of them, about 8,000 are from Australian Jews
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Australia's Royal Commission into antisemitism has been established to address the significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel. The commission has received around 12,000 submissions, indicating a troubling shift in societal attitudes towards Jewish Australians.
  • A Jewish parent shared a troubling experience involving their child at a park, where another parent openly expressed anti-Jewish views, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes since the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion
  • The parent indicated that they had never encountered such hostility before the recent rise in antisemitism, highlighting a significant change in the environment for Jewish Australians
  • Concerns for safety have intensified, with Jewish families now feeling the need to implement security measures at community events, a consideration that was previously unnecessary
  • The Royal Commission into antisemitism has issued an interim report containing 14 recommendations, including some related to gun control, while five recommendations remain undisclosed due to national security issues
  • There is cautious optimism within the Jewish community regarding potential legal reforms and enhanced protections against hate speech, although the effectiveness of these measures is still uncertain
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Australia's Royal Commission into antisemitism was established to address the significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel. The commission has received around 12,000 submissions, indicating a troubling shift in societal attitudes towards Jewish Australians.
  • The Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia was initiated to address the rise in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel
  • Jewish Australians have recounted personal experiences of heightened antisemitism, indicating a troubling shift in societal attitudes and the normalization of hate speech against Jews
  • The Commissions interim report presents 14 recommendations, with five withheld for national security reasons, raising questions about the potential effectiveness of these measures in combating antisemitism
  • Concerns about safety have escalated within the Jewish community, particularly in light of recent attacks on Jewish institutions and individuals
  • There is a call for systemic change to address the root causes of antisemitism, emphasizing that legislation alone has not been sufficient to protect the community
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Australia's Royal Commission into antisemitism was established to address the significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel. The commission has received around 12,000 submissions, indicating a troubling shift in societal attitudes towards Jewish Australians.
  • The Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia was established by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address the surge in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel
  • Nomi Kaltmann emphasizes the commissions significance as a platform for Australian Jews to voice their experiences and concerns regarding the normalization of antisemitism in society
  • There is skepticism about the effectiveness of the commissions recommendations in curbing the rising antisemitic rhetoric and actions observed in Australia
  • Kaltmann shares her personal reflections on the impact of increasing antisemitism, connecting it to her familys history and expressing concerns for the future safety of Jewish communities
  • The hearings have highlighted a disturbing trend of antisemitic protests and incidents, prompting discussions about the sufficiency of current laws and the necessity for systemic change
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