The prospects for Australian foreign policy in the next 18 months.
Australia sits among a number of international circles: it has been a partner in global alliances operating in Afghanistan and Iraq; a junior partner within the US-led Asia-Pacific security community; and a lead nation among South-east Asia and Pacific island security issues. Australia's conservative Coalition government, led by vulnerable Prime Minister Tony Abbott, has prioritised domestic issues thus far in its term, but may increasingly turn abroad as it anticipates a difficult election in late 2016.
Threats against Australia from ISG will not deter participation in campaigns in Iraq.
Closer economic ties with India will be pursued as a way to balance the slowdown in the Chinese economy.
Foreign investment in the Australian housing market may attract government attention.
