This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Australia's defence and foreign policy and develops insight and skills relevant to responding to current and prospective challenges. It traces the evolution of policy, identifies its fundamental elements, and reviews the international and domestic imperatives shaping its future. Australia's strategic relationships are considered in depth as are the factors shaping defence capability and operations. Particular attention is given to contemporary planning challenges including regional and alliance engagement, stability operations, homeland security, and capability planning amid uncertainty. Specific issue studies introduce students to Australian decision making processes and the dynamics of policy in action.