Crawford School of Public Policy

A working paper series to both reflect the ideas and develop the skills of Australia’s national security leaders.

From the cybersecurity threat of a Fitbit, to calls on regulations of Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite weapons, national security threats can take many forms.

In the latter half of 2021, the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit (ACSS) was held which seeks to give a voice to emerging national security leaders.

This working paper series brings together pieces written by the 2021 delegates of the ACSS, offering fresh perspectives from across Australia. With backgrounds ranging from traditional international security studies to psychology and even chemistry, the ACSS delegates form a myriad of perspectives.

This series establishes novel and insightful arguments on national security threats, with an anthropology of essays.

ACSS Director Gemma Dabkowski speaks on the importance of facilitating these discussions with people with diverse experiences and perspectives.

“It’s vital to avoid narrowing our security approach to the perspective of those in the Canberra bubble. Industry, government and academia all over the country is the future multi-disciplinary approach for solving complex security issues,” she said.

The latter half of the working paper is written by current, influential members of Australia’s security community to develop a comprehensive collection of ideas. Contributions by Admiral Chris Barrie, Professor John Blaxland, Colonel Dave Beaumont, Jennifer Jackett, and other leaders further develop these national security ideas with well-respected perspectives.

Admiral Barrie touches on this purpose in his working paper contribution.

“The new generation of leaders in Australia, and around the globe, will have to step up into key leadership roles equipped with a full suite of leadership skills. They will have to make the best calls on what needs to be done to solve an array of pressing problems,” he said.

As such, this paper works to develop the skills of students outside of a classroom setting, and truly prepare the next generation of Australia’s national security leaders.

Written by the ACSS Education and Research Team (2021).