Safeguarding Australia 2026 Summit
The Safeguarding Australia 2026 Summit, held in Canberra, AUS, serves as a crucial forum for discussing the nation's security landscape. This event brings together experts and policymakers to address contemporary challenges and formulate strategies for protecting national interests. The summit's focus encompasses a broad spectrum of security concerns, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of threats in the modern era.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
The summit is significant because it directly addresses the multifaceted security challenges facing AUS. In an increasingly interconnected world, national security extends beyond traditional military defense to include economic stability, critical infrastructure protection, and resilience against various forms of disruption. The discussions at this event are vital for shaping policy and operational responses to these complex issues.
The outcomes of the Safeguarding Australia 2026 Summit have implications not only for AUS but also for regional stability. By fostering dialogue and collaboration on security matters, the summit contributes to a more secure and predictable environment in the broader region. The strategies developed and shared at this event can serve as models or contribute to cooperative frameworks that benefit multiple nations.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the discussions at the Safeguarding Australia 2026 Summit, participants should undertake a comprehensive review of contemporary security doctrines and emerging threats. A strong understanding of AUS's strategic interests and its position within the global security architecture is essential. This includes familiarity with the nation's domestic security priorities and its approach to international security cooperation.
Delegates should prepare to analyze complex scenarios and contribute to solution-oriented discussions. This requires not only an understanding of the challenges but also an ability to propose practical and innovative approaches to safeguarding national interests. Engaging with materials on topics such as national resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic foresight will be particularly beneficial for maximizing participation in the summit's proceedings. Furthermore, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, as outlined in lessons like "what-is-stakeholder-mapping" and "hidden-stakeholders," can enrich contributions.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
National Defence and Australia's Strategic Environment
Key players
AustraliaSubject state setting national defence policy and force posture
United StatesPrincipal ally underwriting deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
ChinaPrimary pacing challenge driving Australia's strategic reset
IndonesiaCritical archipelagic neighbour shaping the northern approaches
JapanQuasi-ally and key regional security partner
North KoreaSource of missile and proliferation risk to the region
Collective Security and Strategic Partnerships
Key players
- Australia
Convening partner across AUKUS, Quad, and Pacific arrangements
- United States
Treaty ally and senior AUKUS partner
United KingdomAUKUS partner contributing submarine design and industrial base
- Japan
Reciprocal access partner and Quad member
IndiaQuad member shaping Indian Ocean balance
Papua New GuineaClosest Pacific partner under upgraded bilateral security treaty
Sovereign Capability and the Australian Defence Industry
Key players
- Australia
Host nation building sovereign industrial capacity
- United States
Largest defence supplier and AUKUS submarine provider
- United Kingdom
Co-designer of SSN-AUKUS and industrial partner
NorwayStrike Missile partner anchoring GWEO manufacturing
South KoreaLand systems supplier (Hanwha) deepening industrial ties
GermanySource of armoured vehicle and naval technology partnerships
Economic Security and National Resilience
Key players
- Australia
Architect of economic security and critical minerals strategy
- China
Largest trading partner and source of coercion risk
- United States
Partner under Minerals Security Partnership and IPEF
- Japan
Major LNG and critical minerals offtake partner
- South Korea
Key investor in Australian battery and minerals supply chains
- India
Trade diversification partner under ECTA
Technology and the Strategic Edge
Key players
- Australia
Investor in sovereign advanced technology under AUKUS Pillar II
- United States
Lead AUKUS Pillar II partner across AI, quantum, and undersea
- United Kingdom
AUKUS partner in advanced capability streams
- China
Principal technological competitor and source of cyber threat
- Japan
Prospective Pillar II project partner
- South Korea
Emerging technology and space cooperation partner
Whole-of-Nation Resilience and Preparedness
Key players
- Australia
Lead jurisdiction coordinating whole-of-nation resilience
- United States
Partner on critical infrastructure and cyber threat intelligence
- United Kingdom
Five Eyes partner on resilience and counter-disinformation
New ZealandClosest civil-defence and Pacific response partner
CanadaFive Eyes partner sharing critical infrastructure frameworks
SingaporeRegional partner on supply-chain and cyber resilience
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Safeguarding Australia 2026 Summit.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
AustraliaCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
IndonesiaCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
North KoreaCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
Papua New GuineaCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
South KoreaCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
New ZealandCountry dossier
CanadaCountry dossier
SingaporeCountry dossier