top of page
Event Proceedings
Stay up-to-date - presentation packs, speeches and other materials from our previous events are available for download.
Conference reports: Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, and contributor for Second Line of Defense, produces a conference report highlighting the innovation, challenges and policy implications presented. He also interviews a number of senior Defence personnel to produce a series of smaller topical articles.


What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world? - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, What does a 21st century defence strategy look like for Australia in a multi-polar authoritarian world?, 16 April 2024...
Apr 16, 2024


The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Future is Now for the ADF: Shaping Space for Maritime Autonomous Systems, 15 April 2024 Link to article...
Apr 15, 2024


Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Working the Sustainability Piece in Australian Defence: The Case of Munitions, 10 April 2024 Link to article...
Apr 14, 2024


Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy: The April 2024 Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar, 13 April 2024 Link to article ( Defense.info The first of two seminars of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation in 2024 was held on 11 April 2024 at the National Gallery of Australia. The seminar was entitled, “The Multi-Domain Requirements of an Australian Maritime Strategy”, and the aim of the seminar was identified as follows: “To examine th
Apr 14, 2024


Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Managing Trade-Offs in Force Structure Development, 13 April 2024 Link to article (Defense.info) When a nation is...
Apr 14, 2024


The Strike Enterprise and the Royal Air Force - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Strike Enterprise and the Royal Air Force, 3 Oct 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) Storm Shadow – Take off Warton...
Oct 8, 2023


Preparedness and Fighting with the Force You Have Now - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence and Multi-Domain Strike: The Perspective of PACAF 8 Oct 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) I have had the...
Oct 7, 2023


Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023
Oct 7, 2023


Reshaping Australian Defence Infrastructure and Leveraging Australian Territory - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Reshaping Australian Defence Infrastructure and Leveraging Australian Territory, 7 Oct 2023 Link to article...
Oct 6, 2023


Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: The Perspective of Malcolm Davis - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: The Perspective of Malcolm Davis, 6 October 2023 Link to article...
Oct 6, 2023


Deterrence and Multi-Domain Strike: The Perspective of PACAF - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence and Multi-Domain Strike: The Perspective of PACAF 6 Oct 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) What is the...
Oct 5, 2023


ISR, Counter-ISR, C2 and Multi-Domain Strike - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, ISR, Counter-ISR, C2 and Multi-Domain Strike, 6 October 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) The featured photo is a...
Oct 5, 2023


The Multi-Domain Strike Enterprise: Building and Providing the Weapons - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Multi-Domain Strike Enterprise: Building and Providing the Weapons, 6 October 2023 Link to article (Defense.info)...
Oct 5, 2023


Deterrence by Denial, Impactful Projection, Proportionate Response - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence by Denial, Impactful Projection, Proportionate Response and Multi-Domain Strike, 5 October 2023 Link to...
Oct 4, 2023


What has Happened Since the DSR has been Published: Marcus Hellyer - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, What has Happened Since the DSR has been Published: The Perspective of Marcus Hellyer, 5 October 2023 Link to article...
Oct 4, 2023


21st Century Authoritarian Powers: Progress and Paths Forward - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Challenge of Dealing with the 21st Century Authoritarian Powers: Progress and Paths Forward, 4 Oct 2023 Link to...
Oct 3, 2023


Maritime Autonomous Systems and the Operational Force: How to Accelerate the Effort-Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Maritime Autonomous Systems and the Operational Force: How to Accelerate the Effort? 3 Oct 2023 Link to article...
Oct 2, 2023


The DSR and the Australian Strike Enterprise - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The DSR and the Australian Strike Enterprise 30 Sep 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) We need to start first with...
Oct 1, 2023


Considering the Nature of Strike and Its Role in Deterrence Strategy - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Considering the Nature of Strike and Its Role in Deterrence Strategy, 1 Oct 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) At the...
Oct 1, 2023


Summary Outcomes: Conference September 2023 - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar September 2023: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Enterprise, 29 Sep 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) On 27 September 2023, the second Williams Foundation seminar for the year was held at the National Gallery in Canberra. The first focused on deterrence and the second provided a case study of building blocks for enhanced deterrent capabilities, namely shaping a multi-domain strike
Sep 29, 2023


Conference Proceedings: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability
The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability National Gallery of Australia, 27 September 2023 Dr Robbin Laird Link to Conference summary Final Report More articles from Dr Laird are posted in Event Proceedings Synopsis and Program Conference speakers AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AO (Retd) Chair, Sir Richard Williams Foundation Host SQNLDR Sally Knox Sir Richard Williams Foundation MC Jake Campbell AM Triton Program Director Australia Northrop Grumma
Sep 28, 2023


The Role of Maritime Autonomous Systems - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Role of Maritime Autonomous Systems: Mission Thread Capabilities to Meet the Needs of Modern Warfare, 11 May 2023...
May 11, 2023


Rethinking Sustainable Defence Forces: A Discussion with Dr. Alan Dupont - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Rethinking Sustainable Defence Forces: A Discussion with Dr. Alan Dupont, 9 May 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) In...
May 9, 2023


Conference Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability
Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability National Gallery of Australia 30 March 2023 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird More articles from Dr Laird are posted in Event Proceedings Synopsis and Program
Apr 20, 2023


Deterrence in Shaping Australia’s Path in the Global Transition - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence in Shaping Australia’s Path in the Global Transition, 18 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) As global...
Apr 18, 2023


The Role of Geography in the Direct Defence of Australia - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Role of Geography in the Direct Defence of Australia, 17 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) As Australia...
Apr 17, 2023


Shaping a Nuclear Submarine Enterprise in Australia - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Nuclear Submarine Enterprise in Australia: The Perspective of Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, 13 April 2023 Link...
Apr 13, 2023


The United Kingdom and Integrated Deterrence - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The United Kingdom and Integrated Deterrence: The Perspective of Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, 12 April 2023 Link to article...
Apr 12, 2023


Agile Basing and Endurability as a Key Deterrent Capability - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Agile Basing and Endurability as a Key Deterrent Capability: A Conversation with the Air Commander Australia, 11 April...
Apr 11, 2023


Shaping the Australian Defence Base for Greater Deterrent Effect - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping the Australian Defence Base for Greater Deterrent Effect, 10 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) A major...
Apr 10, 2023


Australia and Deterrence in a Global System in Flux - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Australia and Deterrence in a Global System in Flux, 9 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) The Williams...
Apr 9, 2023


Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: A Discussion with Vice-Admiral (Retired) Barrett, 9 April 2023 Link to...
Apr 9, 2023


Australia, Deterrence and Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Australia, Deterrence and Shaping a Way Ahead for Australian Defence: The Perspective of LTGEN Simon Stuart, 8 April...
Apr 8, 2023


Triton’s Role in Australian Defense and Deterrence - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Triton’s Role in Australian Defense and Deterrence, 6 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) I have followed the...
Apr 6, 2023


Integrated Deterrence and the China Challenge: The Perspective of General Wilsbach-Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Integrated Deterrence and the China Challenge: The Perspective of General Wilsbach, the PACAF Commander, 6 April 2023...
Apr 6, 2023


ISR and Deterrence: Or How Detection is a Key Part of the Deterrence Effort - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, ISR and Deterrence: Or How Detection is a Key Part of the Deterrence Effort, 5 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info)...
Apr 5, 2023


The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman: Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman: Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF, 4 April 2023 Link to article (Defense.info) I...
Apr 4, 2023


Deterrence for a Middle Power in the Context of the Evolving Global Shift - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, Deterrence for a Middle Power in the Context of the Evolving Global Shift: The Perspective of Air Marshal Chipman, RAAF,...
Mar 31, 2023


The Strategic Shift and Australia Recasts Its Defense Policy - Dr Robbin Laird
Dr Robbin Laird, The Strategic Shift and Australia Recasts Its Defense Policy: The March Williams Foundation Seminar, 31 March 2023 Link...
Mar 31, 2023


Conference Proceedings: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability
Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability National Gallery of Australia 30 March 2023 Final Report Dr Robbin...
Mar 30, 2023


Reliable Supply Chains, Defence, Partners and Allies: Shaping a Way Ahead for Australia
Dr Robbin Laird 17 October 2022 During my September 2022 trip to Australia in my role as a Research Fellow of the Williams Foundation, I...
Oct 16, 2022


Preparing for Major Change in Australian Defence: The September 2022 Williams Foundation Seminar
Dr Robbin Laird 14 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The focus was on the challenges...
Oct 13, 2022


Re-setting the Current Force: Shaping a Way for Ahead for the ADF in the Direct Defense of Australia
Dr Robbin Laird 10 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The most recent Williams...
Oct 10, 2022


Evolving the ADF: Force Design for the Joint Force in the Direct Defense of Australia
Dr Robbin Laird 10 October 2022 With the reshaping of the ADF as a manoeuvre force operating from the continent and projecting out to...
Oct 9, 2022


The Whole of Nation Challenge: Australia Focuses on the Way Ahead for Defence, Williams Seminar Sep
Dr Robbin Laird 9 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. With the shift from a primary...
Oct 8, 2022


The Evolving Strategic Environment and Its Impact on the ADF
Dr Robbin Laird 7 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. The launch point for the...
Oct 6, 2022


Shaping a Way Ahead for the Australian Army: The Perspective of LTGEN Simon Stuart
Dr Robbin Laird 6 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. At the Williams Foundation...
Oct 5, 2022


Shaping a Way Ahead for the ADF: Meeting the Financial Challenges
Dr Robbin Laird 6 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. During my current visit to...
Oct 5, 2022


Air Marshal Robert Chipman on Shaping a Way Ahead for the RAAF within the Integrated Defence Force
Dr Robbin Laird 5 October 2022 On September 28, 2022, the Williams Foundation hosted its latest seminar. Air Marshal Robert Chipman has...
Oct 4, 2022


The Scene Setting for the Next Phase of ADF Development: The Williams Foundation Seminar, Sep 22
Dr Robbin Laird 1 October 2022 The most recent Williams Foundation Seminar was held in Canberra, Australia on September 28, 2022. The...
Oct 1, 2022
bottom of page

