The 2020s have seen the rise of numerous strategic problems for Australia. There are giant states in fierce competition, such as the United States and China, and emerging giants in India and Indonesia. There are also problems from below, such as climate change, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and terrorism. This course examines the security challenges facing Australia and explores how Australia should approach its region. This course is designed with a focus on active and authentic classroom experiences, with a heavy emphasis on simulation exercises that replicate real world problem solving. The course will thus help any students wishing to understand how the Australian government pursues national security, whether they are seeking a future career in government, or to contribute analysis to policy and public debates about how Australia should seek its security in a contested Asia.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the range of national security challenges confronting Australia in the 21st Century and the way they relate to each other and Australia's strategic environment.
- Apply analytical frameworks and tools to better understand the complexities of the national security challenges confronting Australia and its neighbours.
- Articulate the role and nature of policy advice and develop creative proposals both individually and as part of a team
- Explore the contribution of Australia's First Nations people to Australian security, from the historical legacy of the Frontier Wars, through to the rise of Indigenous Diplomacy initiatives.
- Clearly and confidently articulate their ideas regarding Australia's national security in verbal as well as written form.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Simulation Exercise (40) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Research Essay (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Take home exam (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, including some 24 hours of lectures or an equivalent activity and some 12 hours of tutorials or equivalent activity. The course comprises a maximum of 6k words of assessment or the equivalent. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Required readings will be made available via wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9083 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |