Security
For a long time I have been deeply troubled by many of the things that governments have done since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Many of those actions have eroded the civil liberties that previous generations fought tenaciously to acquire, or to defend; while others have simply wasted enormous amounts of time and money for very little improvement in people’s safety, and have instead helped to create a climate of fear. While I know these views are not widely shared, I nonetheless hold them strongly, as some of these pieces make clear.
Questions for Australia’s Defence in a Changed World (Part 3)
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Video, Security | 17th March 2025Another thought-provoking discussion from Saul Eslake and Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO, RAN (retd) about Australia’s defense challenges and the delicate balancing act between the Navy, Air Force, and Army. This conversation explores key topics such as military funding rivalry, modern fleet capabilities, and how Australia addresses its strategic defense needs. From the youngest Air Force fleet to the evolving role of the Army and the Navy’s challenges, we unpack the complexities of national defense in the modern era.
Questions for Australia’s Defence in a Changed World
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Video, Security | 14th March 2025Saul Eslake talks with the newest member of the InEconomics team, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt AO, RAN (retd) about Australia’s defense strategy amid shifting global dynamics. With China’s increasing military presence and evolving U.S. alliances, how should Australia respond? This discussion explores defense spending, strategic partnerships, and the necessity of a national security framework. Are we making the right choices, or are we stuck in outdated defense policies? Watch now to gain expert insights on the future of Australia’s military strategy.
Questions for Australia’s Defence in a Changed World (Part 2)
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Video, Security | 14th March 2025Saul Eslake and Rowan Moffitt discuss Australia’s defense strategy amid shifting global dynamics. With China’s increasing military presence and evolving U.S. alliances, how should Australia respond? This discussion explores defense spending, strategic partnerships, and the necessity of a national security framework. Are we making the right choices, or are we stuck in outdated defense policies? Watch now to gain expert insights on the future of Australia’s military strategy.Saul Eslake and Rowan Moffitt: Questions for Australia’s Defence in a Changed World (Part 2)
The real meaning of last November’s US elections is becoming clearer – the American people voted for this
Australian Society and Politics, News, Security, The Australian Economy, The Global Economy | 9th March 2025An article originally published on Pearls and Irritations (a blog curated by John Menadue), and by The New Daily on 9th February 2025 I am not suffering from what some of President Donald Trump’s more fervent supporters — both in the US and in Australia — like to call “Trump derangement syndrome”. That is, I’m not disputing that […]
A ‘security blanket’ for Australian manufacturing
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, News, Security, The Australian Economy | 26th August 2024Saul Eslake: The Albanese Government’s signature ‘Future Made in Australia’ has a good part, which is about the transition to net zero, and a not-so-good part, which reeks of ‘manufacturing fetishism’ and an obsession with ‘security’ at the expense of other objectives.
The Quest for ‘Security’ – is it Rational?
Security | 1st November 2018Address to the Society of University Lawyers Annual Conference, Hobart, 1st November 2018 (note: this is a revised an updated version of a speech originally given in November 2017)
The quest for ‘security’ – is it rational, has it actually made us safer, and at what cost?
Security | 14th November 2017Address to the Royal Society of Tasmania, Government House, Hobart, 14th November 2017
Why can’t Australia & New Zealand have a down-under ‘Schengen Agreement’?
Security | 15th April 2013Article published in ‘Management Today’, the magazine of the Australian Institute of Management, April 2013