Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Orme PhD is a psychologist in the Australian Army Psychology Corps. He has conducted research within Army over a number of years, as well as deploying on overseas operations. He completed a research PhD in 2015 through the Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies and the University of Adelaide. His co researcher, Lieutenant Colonel E James Kehoe is a senior consultant to the Head of the Australian Army Psychology Corps. He completed a PhD at the University of Iowa in 1976 and is …

This seminar examines the ecosystem that China has developed to foster technology transfer from abroad. Analysing the activities in the context of China’s military-civil strategy, the presentation will focus on non-traditional forms of economic activities such as talent recruitment schemes and united front work. An understanding of these technology transfer efforts can help formulate effective responses that protect and support the Australian defence industry, research and technology. … WARGAME: …

The ancient Greek notion of tragedy was that apparently minor inattention or failings could inexorably lead to disaster.  By recognising this constant possibility they sought to spur citizens and leaders to take the difficult actions necessary to avert such a fate. Charles Edel and his colleague argue in their book that seventy-five years of great power peace have caused us to lose our sense of tragedy. This collective amnesia of the ease in which the world descends into violence and war leaves us …

Based on their  ASPI Special Report  of the same name, this seminar examined capability aspects of kinetic hard power and the strategic impact of soft power information operations (IOs), and how they intertwine in the urban environment. The seizure of the city by militants linked to Islamic State (IS) and the response by Philippine authorities from May to October 2017- illustrates a future-relevant ‘seize, defy, discredit’ strategic play by asymmetric actors within a changing threat landscape. The report …

With the Syrian regime now secure in Damascus it is timely to examine lessons arising from the conflict. This discussion focuses on two issues: firstly, what the experience of the Syrian civil war, including the approaches taken by the parties to the conflict suggests about the future nature of politics and conflict in the region; and secondly, what lessons may be drawn concerning external military intervention in such conflicts. … Lessons From Syria - Dr Robert …

The presentation provides a cultural perspective on the ways Chinese elites make decisions and process information.  Culture drives and shapes political behaviour, thus understanding strategic Chinese culture is fundamental to understanding the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the evolution of the Chinese Communist Party. The West perceives ambiguity, non-transparency and inconsistency in the PRC’s intent, interests and behaviours, yet this reflects a lack of cultural awareness. For example, …

Kelvin Chau currently works for CASG, he has a Masters in Strategic Studies  & Bach of Art majoring in Sociology and Human Ecology from ANU. Kelvin is an expert in Chinese culture. He is fluent in classical Chinese, his studies cover history, language, and the philosophy of the Chinese culture and East Asian strategic and military studies. … Kelvin …

What does the future of warfare look like in the longer term?  What is America’s vision for multi domain warfare in 2025? What can Australia learn from this? Moving beyond this, what skills and people will modern militaries need in this vision of the future? … What is America’s vision for multi domain warfare in 2025? - General John …

Gen. John M. “Mike” Murray is the Commander, Army Futures Command. He is responsible for building a team to streamline the Army’s modernization enterprise under a single command.  His command will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in delivering the technology necessary to maintain the Army’s competitive advantage. Mike is from Kenton, Ohio, and was commissioned as an Infantry officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation from the Ohio State University in 1982. Prior to taking command at AFC, he integrated …

Nick Kaldas served for almost 35 years as a NSW Police officer in Sydney, & held two of the most senior roles in Police Force executive, serving as Deputy Commissioner and prior to that, Assistant Commissioner. His policing career has primarily been in major crime investigations & operations, including counter-terrorism, protection operations, armed robbery, major drug investigations, covert operations, emergency management, community policing and over a decade in homicide investigations. He was a member …