ASPI’s National Security Program (NSP) provides a strategic framework for strengthening Australia’s security, resilience, and global positioning. NSP’s focus extends beyond traditional defence and intelligence domains, complementing ASPI’s  Cyber, Technology and  Security (CTS) and Defence Strategy (DEFSTRAT) Programs by delivering a holistic, forward-looking approach to national security.  

Each policy centre is designed to identify, assess, and address critical risks across domestic, regional, and geopolitical spheres, ensuring Australia remains prepared for emerging security threats and strategic challenges. Whether tackling economic coercion, climate security, counter-terrorism, or transnational organised crime, NSP provides independent, evidence-based analysis to inform policy, shape decision-making, and build long-term resilience. 

A core focus of the NSP is enhancing public policy discourse and fostering a more informed national conversation on security issues that directly impact Australia’s economic stability, social cohesion, and strategic autonomy. By bridging the gap between policymakers, industry leaders, and the broader public, ASPI’s National Security work plays a critical role in equipping Australia with the tools to anticipate risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and maintain national security in an increasingly contested world. 

NSP addresses the most pressing challenges to Australia’s security, resilience, and strategic positioning. Our research identifies vulnerabilities, assesses risks, and develops evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen national preparedness.  

ASPI’s National Security research is led by the following policy centres: 

• The Climate and Security Policy Centre – examining how climate change affects national and regional security in the Indo-Pacific, and ways to build resilience to those effects. 
• The Counter-Terrorism Policy Centre – addressing the challenges of counter–terrorism, transnational organised crime, and the evolving role of law enforcement in national security. 
• The Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre – recognises northern Australia’s strategic significance and identifies a broad range of economic, defence, and social opportunities to both develop and secure a more prosperous northern Australia. This includes work across critical infrastructure, resource security, national resilience, and the regions social challenges.
• The Statecraft and Intelligence Policy Centre – enhancing intelligence capabilities, improving strategic policymaking, and refining Australia’s approach to security governance.
• The Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement Policy Centre – examining the national security challenges related to border security and transnational organised crime and determining practical policy and law enforcement responses.

NSP research also includes a focus on economic security across critical minerals and energy, developing secure and resilient supply chains, agricultural security, and protecting Australia and the Indo-Pacific from economic coercion. 

By focusing on these areas, NSP contributes to a stronger, more resilient Australia, ensuring policymakers and industry leaders are equipped with the insights needed to navigate complex security challenges and safeguard national interests.