Our understanding of national security is constantly evolving. For half a century, the Developed World faced a military threat that was both evident and credible. Today, countries face a much more diverse range of threats to their national interests and way of life in a world which seems less certain, increasingly volatile, complex and ambiguous. This has forced governments to radically change their understanding of national security: what it is and how it can be achieved.

In December 2008, in his first national security statement to Parliament, Kevin Rudd defined the security of Australia and its people in a broad sense to include threats to human security as well as attacks from foreign states and terrorist acts. This view is reflected in recent national security strategies developed by France, the UK and US. All four governments have redefined their countries’ national interests in a more enlightened way, and have introduced the concept of resilience into their contemporary definitions of national security, albeit with different emphasis and understanding on what resilience is, and how it should be applied.

The three day course provides a framework which enables students to define and describe how societies agree to protect their national interests, and to recover when their national interests have been harmed or compromised. The course examines national interests in a world where people and organisations are increasingly interconnected and inter-dependent, and where national borders seem less important; participants discuss the role and responsibilities of governments, the military, law enforcement agencies and the private sector in countering the threats to national interests. Using case studies, the course explores the concepts of national security and resilience in protecting the interests of Australia and its citizens.

The course is delivered at postgraduate level and instruction is provided by faculty staff from Cranfield University, with visiting lecturers from government departments, law enforcement agencies and the private sector.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Understand the concepts of national security, societal security, human security and resilience
• Articulate the form, scale and diversity of Australia’s national interests
• Assess the global and local threats to Australia’s national interests
• Understand the role and responsibilities of governments, the military, law enforcement agencies and the private sector in countering threats to Australia’s national interests
• Understand how the concepts of security and resilience can be used to protect Australia’s national interests
• Draw on international experience to enhance Australia’s national security and resilience.

Course narrative

At the start of the course, students consider the concept of ‘national interest’ in a contemporary world of multi-national companies, global supply chains, international markets and non-state actors. In groups, students then explore the form, scale and diversity of Australia’s national interests.

Students consider the threats to Australia’s national interests, and assess the likelihood and impact of such threats, and assess who and what may be affected.

The concept of security is explored in its many forms and manifestations, and contemporary thinking such as the Copenhagen School and its securitisation model are discussed. Definitions of societal security and national security are proposed and debated. The expectation of ‘absolute’ security is considered in the light of society’s growing intolerance of risk and harm.

Students explore the meaning of resilience, its origins and its development as a concept which goes beyond our traditional understanding of security. They examine why the concept of resilience is attractive to policy makers, practitioners and academics. Students also consider the concept’s limitations.

On Day 2, students discuss the role and responsibilities of governments, the military, law enforcement agencies and the private sector in countering threats to national interests. The role of the Australian Attorney-General’s Department in promoting national resilience and security is considered, in particular the contribution of the Trusted Information Sharing Network in building the resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure. The course reviews the actions being taken to reinforce Australia’s critical infrastructure against possible attacks, and assesses whether such actions are consistent with the government’s stated all-hazards approach to national security and resilience.

Case studies are used to consider lessons learned from terrorist threats to Australia’s national interests and from terrorist attacks in the US, UK and Spain. From the case studies, students examine the common features of such threats and attacks, review the effectiveness of the CT responses, and assess the security and resilience of democratic societies to such attacks.

More Information:

This program will be run by the TRI in cooperation with Cranfield University as a 3 day intensive at a cost of $1800 (including GST).

Dates: 28^th - 30^th of August 2012 (3 day course)

To apply for enrolment in course or for further information email Glen Varona at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +61 8 82215440