ASPI USA
@aspi-usa.bsky.social
ASPI USA is an independent nonprofit organization addressing policy challenges facing the US, Australia, & their partners in a rapidly changing world.
ASPI USA was pleased to join the Tinker and the Primes panel in Oklahoma this week to explore growing Australia–U.S. subnational partnerships. Thanks to Shaina Bennett, Stuart Nutting, Brianna Peake, and Ben Clotworthy for their time and valuable insights!
August 8, 2025 at 9:05 PM
ASPI USA was pleased to join the Tinker and the Primes panel in Oklahoma this week to explore growing Australia–U.S. subnational partnerships. Thanks to Shaina Bennett, Stuart Nutting, Brianna Peake, and Ben Clotworthy for their time and valuable insights!
On 24 June, ASPI USA hosted the US–Australia Space Roundtable in DC, bringing together South Australian space firms and US leaders. In partnership with Austrade and moderated by Dr. Nishank Motwani, discussions covered AUKUS Pillar II, investment, and allied innovation in orbit.
June 24, 2025 at 11:09 PM
On 24 June, ASPI USA hosted the US–Australia Space Roundtable in DC, bringing together South Australian space firms and US leaders. In partnership with Austrade and moderated by Dr. Nishank Motwani, discussions covered AUKUS Pillar II, investment, and allied innovation in orbit.
Reposted by ASPI USA
NEW PODCAST 🎤
In the latest episode of Stop the World, Kylie Moore-Gilbert joined David Wroe to discuss the political shifts taking place in 🇮🇷 amid the 🇮🇱-🇮🇷 conflict, the prospects for a popular uprising and the role of 🇮🇷's nuclear program in politics and society.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4lgJ5Gv
In the latest episode of Stop the World, Kylie Moore-Gilbert joined David Wroe to discuss the political shifts taking place in 🇮🇷 amid the 🇮🇱-🇮🇷 conflict, the prospects for a popular uprising and the role of 🇮🇷's nuclear program in politics and society.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4lgJ5Gv
June 22, 2025 at 10:33 PM
NEW PODCAST 🎤
In the latest episode of Stop the World, Kylie Moore-Gilbert joined David Wroe to discuss the political shifts taking place in 🇮🇷 amid the 🇮🇱-🇮🇷 conflict, the prospects for a popular uprising and the role of 🇮🇷's nuclear program in politics and society.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4lgJ5Gv
In the latest episode of Stop the World, Kylie Moore-Gilbert joined David Wroe to discuss the political shifts taking place in 🇮🇷 amid the 🇮🇱-🇮🇷 conflict, the prospects for a popular uprising and the role of 🇮🇷's nuclear program in politics and society.
🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4lgJ5Gv
ASPI USA joined #DIBCon25 to help chart the future of defense innovation. Dr. Nishank Motwani spoke on AUKUS surge readiness and Exec. Dir. Adam Leslie closed with a keynote: “Deterrence begins not on the battlefield, but in the boardroom, the lab, and the production line.”
2025 Defense Industrial Base Conference (DIBCon) — ASPI USA
ASPI USA was proud to take part in the 2025 Defense Industrial Base Conference (DIBCon), where allied industry stakeholders and policymakers gathered to chart the future of defense innovation and in...
bit.ly
June 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
ASPI USA joined #DIBCon25 to help chart the future of defense innovation. Dr. Nishank Motwani spoke on AUKUS surge readiness and Exec. Dir. Adam Leslie closed with a keynote: “Deterrence begins not on the battlefield, but in the boardroom, the lab, and the production line.”
Reposted by ASPI USA
NEW PUBLICATION 🔊
In 'Mapping India-Pakistan military power', Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan and Linus Cohen examine the India–Pakistan military balance, including defence spending, capabilities and personnel, in the wake of recent clashes between the two nations.
📚 Read it now ➡️ bit.ly/4kJZB1W
In 'Mapping India-Pakistan military power', Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan and Linus Cohen examine the India–Pakistan military balance, including defence spending, capabilities and personnel, in the wake of recent clashes between the two nations.
📚 Read it now ➡️ bit.ly/4kJZB1W
June 15, 2025 at 11:27 PM
NEW PUBLICATION 🔊
In 'Mapping India-Pakistan military power', Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan and Linus Cohen examine the India–Pakistan military balance, including defence spending, capabilities and personnel, in the wake of recent clashes between the two nations.
📚 Read it now ➡️ bit.ly/4kJZB1W
In 'Mapping India-Pakistan military power', Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan and Linus Cohen examine the India–Pakistan military balance, including defence spending, capabilities and personnel, in the wake of recent clashes between the two nations.
📚 Read it now ➡️ bit.ly/4kJZB1W
Dr. Nishank Motwani in the @washingtonpost.com: “The U.S. is not building enough submarines as per its own needs ... let alone [to] hand over Virginia-class submarines to Australia.”
Despite 🇦🇺 funding, 🇺🇸 shipyards still face major capacity shortfalls.
Read ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Despite 🇦🇺 funding, 🇺🇸 shipyards still face major capacity shortfalls.
Read ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Pentagon review rattles submarine deal amid fears of China’s naval edge
The Trump administration says its reviewing a deal to sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia over concerns that the U.S. is not producing enough of its own.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 13, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Dr. Nishank Motwani in the @washingtonpost.com: “The U.S. is not building enough submarines as per its own needs ... let alone [to] hand over Virginia-class submarines to Australia.”
Despite 🇦🇺 funding, 🇺🇸 shipyards still face major capacity shortfalls.
Read ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Despite 🇦🇺 funding, 🇺🇸 shipyards still face major capacity shortfalls.
Read ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
In the Australian Financial Review, ASPI USA's Executive Director Adam Leslie discusses the Trump administration's review of AUKUS, why the 🇦🇺-🇺🇸 alliance will “remain steadfast,” and US efforts to get allies to spend more on defense.
Read the full piece here⬇️
www.afr.com/policy/forei...
Read the full piece here⬇️
www.afr.com/policy/forei...
‘Beijing would rejoice’: AUKUS in jeopardy as US reviews its role
Defence Minister Richard Marles downplayed a US review into AUKUS which threatens Australia’s $300 billion-plus plans to build and acquire nuclear submarines.
www.afr.com
June 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
In the Australian Financial Review, ASPI USA's Executive Director Adam Leslie discusses the Trump administration's review of AUKUS, why the 🇦🇺-🇺🇸 alliance will “remain steadfast,” and US efforts to get allies to spend more on defense.
Read the full piece here⬇️
www.afr.com/policy/forei...
Read the full piece here⬇️
www.afr.com/policy/forei...
Reposted by ASPI USA
On the US review of the AUKUS submarine pact, Sophia Gaston tells The Sydney Morning Herald: “We can never be certain of where another government’s review will take them, but Britain and Australia must be confident in the rationale behind AUKUS and its alignment with America’s core goals.”
Read 👇
Read 👇
‘Time to wake up’: Turnbull, opposition seize on Trump’s AUKUS review
The snap review comes just days before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Donald Trump attend a world leaders’ meeting in Canada.
www.smh.com.au
June 12, 2025 at 2:08 AM
On the US review of the AUKUS submarine pact, Sophia Gaston tells The Sydney Morning Herald: “We can never be certain of where another government’s review will take them, but Britain and Australia must be confident in the rationale behind AUKUS and its alignment with America’s core goals.”
Read 👇
Read 👇
In his latest piece in @thediplomat.com, Dr. Nishank Motwani examines how India is redefining the rules of engagement with Pakistan, "This is the new normal: a posture of controlled escalation under a nuclear overhang–neither war nor peace, but deterrence by resolve."
Read the full article ⬇️
Read the full article ⬇️
No War, No Peace: India’s Limited War Strategy of Controlled Escalation
By asserting that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal no longer provides blanket immunity for cross-border terrorism, India is discarding old constraints.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/no-war-no-peace-indias-limited-war-strategy-of-controlled-escalation/"
June 11, 2025 at 8:01 PM
In his latest piece in @thediplomat.com, Dr. Nishank Motwani examines how India is redefining the rules of engagement with Pakistan, "This is the new normal: a posture of controlled escalation under a nuclear overhang–neither war nor peace, but deterrence by resolve."
Read the full article ⬇️
Read the full article ⬇️
Thanks to all who attended our panel "AI, Alliances, and Action" at #SCSPAIExpo25, exploring how AI, quantum & cloud are reshaping influence, innovation, and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
Shoutout to Dr. Nishank Motwani, Peter Barrett, and Mark Stewart!
bit.ly/4dZowvQ
Shoutout to Dr. Nishank Motwani, Peter Barrett, and Mark Stewart!
bit.ly/4dZowvQ
June 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Thanks to all who attended our panel "AI, Alliances, and Action" at #SCSPAIExpo25, exploring how AI, quantum & cloud are reshaping influence, innovation, and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
Shoutout to Dr. Nishank Motwani, Peter Barrett, and Mark Stewart!
bit.ly/4dZowvQ
Shoutout to Dr. Nishank Motwani, Peter Barrett, and Mark Stewart!
bit.ly/4dZowvQ
🚨EVENT🚨
On 3 June, we will host a panel, "AI, Alliances, and Action: Advancing Tech-Enabled Influence in the Indo-Pacific," at @scsp.bsky.social's #SCSPAIExpo25!
Nishank Motwani will chat with @playgroundglobal.bsky.social's Peter Barrett &
@microsoft.com's Mark Stewart.
🔗 expo.scsp.ai/register/
On 3 June, we will host a panel, "AI, Alliances, and Action: Advancing Tech-Enabled Influence in the Indo-Pacific," at @scsp.bsky.social's #SCSPAIExpo25!
Nishank Motwani will chat with @playgroundglobal.bsky.social's Peter Barrett &
@microsoft.com's Mark Stewart.
🔗 expo.scsp.ai/register/
May 30, 2025 at 5:52 PM
🚨EVENT🚨
On 3 June, we will host a panel, "AI, Alliances, and Action: Advancing Tech-Enabled Influence in the Indo-Pacific," at @scsp.bsky.social's #SCSPAIExpo25!
Nishank Motwani will chat with @playgroundglobal.bsky.social's Peter Barrett &
@microsoft.com's Mark Stewart.
🔗 expo.scsp.ai/register/
On 3 June, we will host a panel, "AI, Alliances, and Action: Advancing Tech-Enabled Influence in the Indo-Pacific," at @scsp.bsky.social's #SCSPAIExpo25!
Nishank Motwani will chat with @playgroundglobal.bsky.social's Peter Barrett &
@microsoft.com's Mark Stewart.
🔗 expo.scsp.ai/register/
Reposted by ASPI USA
The EU just hit TikTok over transparency failures but still hasn't acted on X.
If Brussels wants the DSA to have teeth, it can't keep stalling.
My latest in The Strategist: www.aspistrategist.o...
If Brussels wants the DSA to have teeth, it can't keep stalling.
My latest in The Strategist: www.aspistrategist.o...
Regulating X isn’t censorship. It’s self-defence | The Strategist
In 2024, during the fiercely fought US presidential election campaign, current US Vice President JD Vance made an extraordinary ultimatum: if Europe wanted the United States to remain committed to NATO, it should stop regulating ...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
May 23, 2025 at 4:54 AM
The EU just hit TikTok over transparency failures but still hasn't acted on X.
If Brussels wants the DSA to have teeth, it can't keep stalling.
My latest in The Strategist: www.aspistrategist.o...
If Brussels wants the DSA to have teeth, it can't keep stalling.
My latest in The Strategist: www.aspistrategist.o...
On 19 May, ASPI USA was delighted to host the 4th annual AUKUS Dialogue in DC—bringing together MPs, Congressional staff, industry leaders, academics, and government officials for a half-day conference filled with lively discussion on moving AUKUS Pillars 1 and 2 forward 🧵
May 27, 2025 at 4:34 PM
On 19 May, ASPI USA was delighted to host the 4th annual AUKUS Dialogue in DC—bringing together MPs, Congressional staff, industry leaders, academics, and government officials for a half-day conference filled with lively discussion on moving AUKUS Pillars 1 and 2 forward 🧵
"Until Putin is shown that he cannot continue fighting in Ukraine without unacceptable losses he won't stop fighting," Eric Lies told @newsweek.com on the state of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Read the full story⬇️
www.newsweek.com/zelensky-tru...
Read the full story⬇️
www.newsweek.com/zelensky-tru...
Zelensky issues defiant three-word response to Trump-Putin call
"It's our land", the Ukrainian president told reporters on Monday, according to the local media.
www.newsweek.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:38 PM
"Until Putin is shown that he cannot continue fighting in Ukraine without unacceptable losses he won't stop fighting," Eric Lies told @newsweek.com on the state of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Read the full story⬇️
www.newsweek.com/zelensky-tru...
Read the full story⬇️
www.newsweek.com/zelensky-tru...
“For China, India is a very important relationship, even though they’re competitors. It does not want to push India further into the U.S. orbit,” Dr. Nishank Motwani told the @washingtonpost.com.
Read the full story ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Read the full story ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
China’s warplane combat debut over Kashmir riles tense geopolitics
Chinese officials are balancing nationalistic fervor and diplomatic restraint amid Pakistani claims that Chinese jets downed five Indian warplanes. And Washington is watching.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
“For China, India is a very important relationship, even though they’re competitors. It does not want to push India further into the U.S. orbit,” Dr. Nishank Motwani told the @washingtonpost.com.
Read the full story ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Read the full story ⬇️
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
"Focusing on AUKUS’s future deterrence potential is insufficient...But as AUKUS expands, so will its economic benefits and its ability to bolster civilian technology innovation," argues Cameron Hendrix in the Strategist.
Read the full story⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/showcasing-t...
Read the full story⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/showcasing-t...
Showcasing the economic benefits of AUKUS—today | The Strategist
To convince the public of AUKUS’s value, government and industry messaging should focus on how the program can provide benefits in the near term—not in 20 years. AUKUS is a megaproject that will defin...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
May 19, 2025 at 8:54 PM
"Focusing on AUKUS’s future deterrence potential is insufficient...But as AUKUS expands, so will its economic benefits and its ability to bolster civilian technology innovation," argues Cameron Hendrix in the Strategist.
Read the full story⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/showcasing-t...
Read the full story⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/showcasing-t...
“A new long-range shipbuilding program... could provide the jump-start needed to reinvigorate the US maritime industry while also bolstering military readiness,” writes Austin Wu in RealClearDefense.
Read the full story⬇️
www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202...
Read the full story⬇️
www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202...
www.realcleardefense.com
May 19, 2025 at 8:45 PM
“A new long-range shipbuilding program... could provide the jump-start needed to reinvigorate the US maritime industry while also bolstering military readiness,” writes Austin Wu in RealClearDefense.
Read the full story⬇️
www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202...
Read the full story⬇️
www.realcleardefense.com/articles/202...
“Skill-based immigration can help the United States fill its severe shortage of shipbuilding workers…Bolstering the labour pool would help the US and its allies match the Chinese maritime pacing threat and specifically benefit the AUKUS submarine program,” writes Austin Wu.
Read below⬇️
Read below⬇️
'Bolstering the labour pool would help the US and its allies match the Chinese maritime pacing threat and specifically benefit the AUKUS submarine program,' writes Austin Wu.
Shipbuilding to Citizenship: solving the US skills shortage with immigration | The Strategist
Skill-based immigration can help the United States fill its severe shortage of shipbuilding workers, for both naval and civilian construction. Bolstering the labour pool would help the US and its alli...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
May 15, 2025 at 7:54 PM
“Skill-based immigration can help the United States fill its severe shortage of shipbuilding workers…Bolstering the labour pool would help the US and its allies match the Chinese maritime pacing threat and specifically benefit the AUKUS submarine program,” writes Austin Wu.
Read below⬇️
Read below⬇️
"AUKUS has rightly been framed as a long-term bet on peace through strength. But strength without strategic focus risks becoming blunt," argues Nishank Motwani in the Strategist.
Read here⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-and-de...
Read here⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-and-de...
'Delivering effects requires more than intent. It demands cohesion. It requires a shared understanding of how individual investments and actions combine to influence adversary decision-making,' writes Nishank Motwani.
AUKUS and deterrence: what, exactly, are we trying to deter? | The Strategist
AUKUS is one of the most ambitious allied defence undertakings in decades. But for all the high-end platforms and advanced capabilities it promises, a fundamental question remains underexplored: what,...
www.aspistrategist.org.au
May 14, 2025 at 6:56 PM
"AUKUS has rightly been framed as a long-term bet on peace through strength. But strength without strategic focus risks becoming blunt," argues Nishank Motwani in the Strategist.
Read here⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-and-de...
Read here⬇️
www.aspistrategist.org.au/aukus-and-de...
“The United States’ engagement with the Pacific Islands represents a crucial opportunity to align its foreign policy goals with the region’s priorities, while addressing broader strategic concerns,” write Jonah Bock and Kaitlyn Flynn in the Pacific Forum.
Read more ⬇️
pacforum.org/publications...
Read more ⬇️
pacforum.org/publications...
pacforum.org
May 12, 2025 at 11:40 PM
“The United States’ engagement with the Pacific Islands represents a crucial opportunity to align its foreign policy goals with the region’s priorities, while addressing broader strategic concerns,” write Jonah Bock and Kaitlyn Flynn in the Pacific Forum.
Read more ⬇️
pacforum.org/publications...
Read more ⬇️
pacforum.org/publications...
ASPI USA joined the Australian and New Zealand embassies to host Pacific Islands’ Heads of Mission for a roundtable on private sector engagement and the evolving US regional strategy under Trump. Grateful to our Pacific partners and co-hosts for fostering inclusive Indo-Pacific dialogue.
May 9, 2025 at 9:29 PM
ASPI USA joined the Australian and New Zealand embassies to host Pacific Islands’ Heads of Mission for a roundtable on private sector engagement and the evolving US regional strategy under Trump. Grateful to our Pacific partners and co-hosts for fostering inclusive Indo-Pacific dialogue.
Dr. Nish Motwani, quoted in The Washington Post on 🇮🇳's deterrence strategy:
“By showing it has the ‘capability to strike by air from within its own borders deep inside 🇵🇰,’ New Delhi may be trying to ‘create a strategic space’ and ‘rewrite the deterrence playbook in South Asia.’”
bit.ly/3ENX72W
“By showing it has the ‘capability to strike by air from within its own borders deep inside 🇵🇰,’ New Delhi may be trying to ‘create a strategic space’ and ‘rewrite the deterrence playbook in South Asia.’”
bit.ly/3ENX72W
Pakistan and India accuse each other of drone attacks as tensions mount
Amid fears of further escalation, Pakistan said it shot down 16 drones Thursday, while India said it targeted an air defense system in Lahore.
bit.ly
May 9, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Dr. Nish Motwani, quoted in The Washington Post on 🇮🇳's deterrence strategy:
“By showing it has the ‘capability to strike by air from within its own borders deep inside 🇵🇰,’ New Delhi may be trying to ‘create a strategic space’ and ‘rewrite the deterrence playbook in South Asia.’”
bit.ly/3ENX72W
“By showing it has the ‘capability to strike by air from within its own borders deep inside 🇵🇰,’ New Delhi may be trying to ‘create a strategic space’ and ‘rewrite the deterrence playbook in South Asia.’”
bit.ly/3ENX72W
📢 One week to go!
Join us for a timely ASPI USA webinar on the evolving security dynamics between the U.S., Indonesia, and Australia.
🗓️ May 13, 7PM EDT | May 14, 9AM AEST
🔗 Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3a79db...
#IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #ASPIUSA
Join us for a timely ASPI USA webinar on the evolving security dynamics between the U.S., Indonesia, and Australia.
🗓️ May 13, 7PM EDT | May 14, 9AM AEST
🔗 Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3a79db...
#IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #ASPIUSA
May 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
📢 One week to go!
Join us for a timely ASPI USA webinar on the evolving security dynamics between the U.S., Indonesia, and Australia.
🗓️ May 13, 7PM EDT | May 14, 9AM AEST
🔗 Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3a79db...
#IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #ASPIUSA
Join us for a timely ASPI USA webinar on the evolving security dynamics between the U.S., Indonesia, and Australia.
🗓️ May 13, 7PM EDT | May 14, 9AM AEST
🔗 Register here: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3a79db...
#IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #ASPIUSA
🚨New Publication🚨
Agenda for Change 2025 lays out bold, practical recommendations to help Australia's next government prepare for a world of rising instability, tech disruption, and contested power.
📘 Read the report: www.aspi.org.au/report/agend...
Agenda for Change 2025 lays out bold, practical recommendations to help Australia's next government prepare for a world of rising instability, tech disruption, and contested power.
📘 Read the report: www.aspi.org.au/report/agend...
Agenda for change 2025: Preparedness and resilience in an uncertain world - ASPI
By Raelene Lockhorst, Chris Taylor, Marc Ablong PSM, Bethany Allen, Justin Bassi, Dr Alex Bristow, Henry Campbell, Danielle Cave, Michael Copage, James Corera, Dr John Coyne, Dr Malcolm Davis, Dr Fitriani, Andrew Henderson, Jocelinn Kang, Nerida King, Dr Rajeswari (Raji) Pillai Rajagopalan, Ian SatchwellFor more than a decade, which has included the 2013, 2016, 2019 […]
www.aspi.org.au
April 30, 2025 at 3:44 PM
🚨New Publication🚨
Agenda for Change 2025 lays out bold, practical recommendations to help Australia's next government prepare for a world of rising instability, tech disruption, and contested power.
📘 Read the report: www.aspi.org.au/report/agend...
Agenda for Change 2025 lays out bold, practical recommendations to help Australia's next government prepare for a world of rising instability, tech disruption, and contested power.
📘 Read the report: www.aspi.org.au/report/agend...
Reposted by ASPI USA
As the political scene in the 🇺🇸 becomes increasingly influenced by personal connections, @bassijustin.bsky.social writes in the Canberra Times on why 🇦🇺 must identify more influential figures in government, academia, business and think tanks who can ensure our voice is heard in Washington.
Read ⤵️
Read ⤵️
Rudd and Shearer aren't enough. Washington needs to see more Australian heavy hitters
There are people in the public service with potential
www.canberratimes.com.au
April 28, 2025 at 12:26 AM
As the political scene in the 🇺🇸 becomes increasingly influenced by personal connections, @bassijustin.bsky.social writes in the Canberra Times on why 🇦🇺 must identify more influential figures in government, academia, business and think tanks who can ensure our voice is heard in Washington.
Read ⤵️
Read ⤵️