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Peter Layton

Peter Layton

The Conversation

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The new National Defence Strategy feels written for a bygone era – and ignores the elephant in the room

The new National Defence Strategy feels written for a bygone era – and ignores the elephant in the room

In a time of global crisis, the strategy fails to tackle the thorniest of issues – including Trump’s America – with much clarity.

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The Conversation

Peter Layton

Australia is sending an aircraft and personnel to the Middle East. Does this mean we are entering the war?

Even though the deployment is defensive in nature, it could still be seen by Iran as support for the US-Israeli air offensive.

10.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Peter Layton

Australia is sending an aircraft and missiles to the Middle East. Does this mean we are entering the war?

Even though the deployment is defensive in nature, it could still be seen by Iran as support for the US-Israeli air offensive.

10.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Peter Layton

A visual guide to 14 of the drones wreaking havoc in Ukraine, Russia and beyond

Drones are the signature weapons of 21st century war – and they come in a lot of shapes and sizes.

11.11.2025 10

The Conversation

Peter Layton

Time to change Australia’s grand strategies

20.05.2025 30

Pearls and Irritations

Peter Layton

Labor’s second-term defence priorities – could they include a pact with Europe?

The AUKUS sub project is crowding out other priorities across all three arms of the defence force. What does this mean for the proposed defence pact...

20.05.2025 10

The Conversation

Peter Layton

Australia needs bold ideas on defence. The Coalition’s increased spending plan falls disappointingly short

The Coalition’s long-awaited defence plan is a ‘steady-as-she-goes’ approach in a world of increasing volatility.

23.04.2025 10

The Conversation

Peter Layton