Overview
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank established by the Australian Government in 2001. Its purpose is to provide independent research and alternative policy advice on defence, national security and strategic affairs.
ASPI aims to inform public debate and support evidence-based decision-making among government, industry and civil society, particularly concerning Australia’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Mission and focus areas
ASPI researches defence strategy, regional security, cyber security, critical technologies, foreign interference, intelligence and national resilience. Its work examines emerging geopolitical threats, technological competition, supply chain vulnerabilities and the security implications of climate change.
Although sustainable finance and ESG integration are not primary objectives, its research informs assessments of geopolitical, environmental and governance risks. These insights are relevant to financial institutions evaluating climate-related security risks, technology dependencies, critical infrastructure and investment exposure to strategic uncertainty.
Structure and governance
ASPI operates as a Commonwealth-owned company limited by guarantee, governed by a board of directors and led by an Executive Director. Its research is organised into specialist programmes covering defence, national security, cyber and technology, intelligence and climate security.
The institute receives funding from the Australian Department of Defence, other governments, industry and civil society organisations. It maintains editorial independence and applies internal and external peer review to its research publications.
Programs and offerings
ASPI publishes policy reports, strategic analyses, commentary and data-driven research, alongside convening conferences, workshops and professional development activities. Its programmes include the Defence Strategy Program, Cyber, Technology and Security Program, and Climate and Security Policy Centre.
Its Critical Technology Tracker examines international research and patent activity across emerging technologies, including energy, environmental technologies and artificial intelligence. For finance and sustainability practitioners, ASPI’s publications and datasets provide contextual intelligence on geopolitical exposure, technology competition, climate security and supply chain resilience.
Our mission is to provide independent and non-partisan analysis to inform and enhance public debate, generate new ideas for policymakers and develop the next generation of security professionals.
