On 3 and 4 December 2024, Australian and French experts and officials convened in Canberra for a major strategic dialogue to share assessments and explore convergent interests in the Indo-Pacific and globally.
Candid discussions were conducted across a range of topics including:
- major-power relations and alliance issues
- the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East
- China and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific
- security and stability in the South Pacific
- challenges and opportunities in the Indian Ocean
- critical technologies and cyber security
- economic and energy security
- and next steps in Australia-France partnership.
The dialogue was hosted by the National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University. The French convening partner was La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS). The dialogue was supported by the Australian and French governments under the Australia-France Roadmap: A New Agenda for Bilateral Cooperation.
The dialogue involved more than 50 participants, including academics, think tank analysts, and current and former security policy practitioners.
“This dynamic exchange of strategic insights reinforced the need for Australia and France to work together in a contested international order,” said Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the ANU National Security College.
“It will advance a renewed partnership with practical security objectives.”
According to his co-convener, Dr Xavier Pasco, Director of FRS: “This dialogue does not stand alone but will drive an expanded and deepened relationship between FRS and NSC.
“We will plan an actionable agenda of research, dialogue and mutual support between our institutions in the interests of both nations."
The discussion emphasised the need for this agenda of cooperation to integrate wider national efforts reaching into policy, academia and the private sector, and beyond narrow conceptions of security.
NSC hosted the dialogue under its collaboration with the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia for delivery of the Australia-France Indo-Pacific Studies Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The dialogue builds on NSC’s wider engagement with France, including a senior research fellowship sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.