Global and regional security

Through an interdisciplinary approach, we research critical topics – from Chinese foreign policy and cyber conflict to peacekeeping and human rights in Asia. Our global and regional security research goal is to better prepare Australia for a rapidly changing strategic environment.

Our researchers

Our global and regional security research is led by an interdisciplinary team with decades of combined expertise across a range of military, political and human rights issues. Our leaders are:

• Associate Professor Pichamon Yeophantong
• Dr Jade Guan
• Dr Shannon Zimmerman
• Ms Karine Pontbriand.

Our global and regional security research team are working on the following projects.

Cyber and information warfare

The world is changing – and so are the forms of war and conflict. This research aims to help policymakers better prepare defence forces for fighting technology-led wars, and governments for managing cyber conflicts.

Cyberspace is increasingly becoming a target of attacks, but it is not traditionally a space the military is responsible for defending. This research, led by Karine Pontbriand, aims to study:

• How cyberspace is shaping the future of conflicts.
• What part the military should play in future conflicts as technology continues to shift the roles of those responsible for defending and conducting offensive operations.

Research questions include:

• How is cyberspace changing civil military relations – and how do we fight future wars when the military is not the only actor involved in the forefront?
• What is the role of states and cyber diplomacy in mitigating international conflicts in cyberspace?
• How do we address cyber warfare in a professional military education setting, and bridge the gap between policy and philosophy?

As part of this research, Karine is working with international colleagues on a research paper that explores the role of the military in defending critical civilian infrastructure against cyberattacks.

Gender, peacekeeping and security

Led by Dr Shannon Zimmerman, this research offers a feminist lens to broaden discussions on what security means and how to achieve it. Shannon investigates the intersections of gender, security and peacekeeping through three key areas:

1. Feminist foreign policy: Analyses how a feminist approach can reshape countries' foreign and defence policies – particularly by addressing traditionally masculinised concepts of security.
2. Misogyny-based terrorism: Investigates the role misogyny plays in terrorism and extremist ideologies, exploring how understanding these dynamics can help counter violent extremist groups.
3. Peacekeeping operations: Evaluates how peacekeeping missions protect civilians in conflict zones and their role in building responsive states that meet the needs of all citizens.

To explore these areas, Shannon:

• conducts online ethnography to understand misogynist actors
• interviews peacekeepers to align her research with their experiences
• collaborates with peacekeeping scholars and training centres to maintain a practical focus on current and future peace operations.