By Kenneth Maxwell It is summer time in the UK. The politicians are away from Westminster but political intrigue remains at fever pitch. The fixation continues to be Brexit. The deadline for the UK exiting the European Community is fast approaching. But the Conservatives and the Labour Party are deeply…
By Robbin Laird Research Fellow, The Williams Foundation Canberra, Australia As the Chinese challenge grows, Australia is clearly concerned about expanded Chinese influence within Australia and with regard to Chinese efforts to reshape the external environment to expand the influence and power of the Chinese authoritarian state. Clearly the United…
By Robbin Laird Canberra, Australia During my visit to RAAF Edinburgh on August 10, 2018, I had a chance to talk with Group Captain Darren Goldie, Officer Commanding 92 Wing. 92 Wing is described by the RAAF as follows: Headquartered at RAAF Base Edinburgh, No 92 Wing (92WG) has long…
By Robbin Laird Canberra, Australia I have been coming to Australia for five years and working the seminar reports for the Williams Foundation in support of the Australian Defence Force Modernization. This modernization process has been very much focused not simply on recapitalization of the force but shaping a new…
According to the Chinese press: The Chinese military will take part in the Vostok-2018 (or East-2018) strategic drills in Russia from late August to mid-September, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday. Military forces from the two countries will hold joint operation exercises at the Tsugol training range…
By Robbin Laird During my current visit to Australia, I had a chance to visit Electric Optical Systems (EOS) in Canberra and to meet with the founder and his senior team working on space systems. EOS works closely with global customers, including the United States, and provides cutting edge lasers…
Background For over twenty years the F-111 provided the Australian Defence Force with a strike capability with the strategic reach to provide Australia with an independent strike option should deterrence fail. With the retirement of the long-range F-111, Australia’s future air strike capability now rests in the capabilities of the…
By Robbin Laird During my current visit to Australia, I had a chance to continue my discussions with Ross Babbage about the challenges of dealing with 21st advanced authoritarian states. Recently, he co-authored a study entitled “ Countering Comprehensive Coercion: Competitive Strategies Against Authoritarian Political Warfare,” and with that as…
