A Research Tradition
The SDSC
The GSSD Program is part of the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), Australia's first centre for the study of strategic, defence and wider security issues. During its 40 year history, the SDSC has been home to such internationally renowned scholars as Professor Robert O’Neill, Dr Coral Bell, Professor Paul Dibb, Professor Desmond Ball and Professor Hugh White. Through both their own research and contributions to the wider policy debate, GSSD academics aspire to continue the SDSC’s long and distinguished tradition of scholarship.
The SDSC aims to apply the rigour and discipline of good scholarship to the key public policy questions concerning Australia's security and broader regional and global security questions. The key priorities of the SDSC are to:
- Contribute to the national public debate on strategic, defence and wider security issues
- Foster regional dialogue and interactions on security questions
- Publish top quality scholarly research
- Deliver high-quality teaching
Please visit the SDSC at http://rspas.anu.edu.au/sdsc/
Research Supervision
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Strategic Studies (MA(SS)) degree write a 24 unit 10,000 to 15,000 word sub-thesis on a specialized research topic. The sub-thesis experience provides students with an opportunity to work individually under the supervision of a SDSC academic. MA(SS) candidates are also provided with small-group instruction on research methodologies. This qualification is therefore highly recommended for students intending to pursue higher research degrees, particularly doctoral study.
In developing a research topic for the sub-thesis, GSSD students are encouraged to align their project as closely as possible with the expertise of a GSSD or SDSC academic. In 2008, the following academics are available to supervise sub-thesis projects in the areas identified.
Dr Robert Ayson, Director of Studies, GSSD program
Supervisory areas: Strategic Concepts; Nuclear proliferation; Asia-Pacific security; Australia/New Zealand defence and security issues.
Professor Hugh White, Head, SDSC
Supervisory areas: Australian Strategic and Defence policy.
Professor Desmond Ball, Special Professor, SDSC
Supervisory areas: Asia-Pacific security; Nuclear strategy; Australian defence.
Dr Ron Huisken, Senior Fellow, SDSC
Supervisory areas: East Asian security; alliance politics; arms control; nuclear weapons; missile defence.
Dr Stephan Frühling, Lecturer, GSSD program
Supervisory areas: Missile defence; nuclear strategy;
technology and strategy; Australian defence planning; European
security; and Strategic Concepts
Dr Brendan Taylor, Lecturer, GSSD program
Supervisory areas: Asia-Pacific security; American foreign policy; Economic statecraft/sanctions; alliance politics.
Dr Taylor coordinates the sub-thesis component of the MASS qualification. For further information, including on the identification and assignment of a sub-thesis supervisor, please contact Dr Taylor directly on brendan.taylor@anu.edu.au or (02) 6125-9928.
Publishing Student Research
As is to be expected in a program with highly competitive entry levels, the best student work is typically at publishable standard. GSSD students have the opportunity to submit their work for publication in both the SDSC’s in house publications series, as well as to refereed journals. Below is a sampling of published work by GSSD students.
Raoul E. Heinrich, "Australia's Nuclear Dilemma: Dependence, Deterrence or Denial", Security Challenges, Vol 4, No. 1, Autumn 2008.
James D. Stratford, “Strategic Culture and the North Korean Nuclear Crisis: Conceptual Challenges and Policy Opportunities”, Security Challenges, Vol.1, No.1, November 2005.
James Stratford, ‘Assisting the Solomon Islands: Implications for Regional Security and Intervention’, Working Paper No. 398, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra 2005.
Matt Weiner, An Afghan ‘Narco-State’?: Dynamics, Assessment and Security Implications of the Afghan Opium Industry, Canberra Paper No.158, Strategic and Defence Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, 2004.
Gavin Keating, ‘Opportunities and Obstacles: Future Australian and New Zealand Cooperation on Defence and Security Issues’, Working Paper No.391, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, 2004.
Brek Batley, ‘The Justifications for Jihad, War and Revolution in Islam’, Working paper No.375, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, 2003.