Join the Intelligence Project on Wednesday, February 25th, for a seminar that examines the evolution of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cyber capabilities as core pillars of the Five Eyes intelligence partnership. Tracing developments from early cryptology and wartime SIGINT cooperation to contemporary cyber operations, it highlights how technological change, alliance trust, and shared operational experience shaped enduring intelligence integration among Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. Case studies from the Second World War, the Cold War, and post–Cold War operations illustrate continuity and adaptation in intelligence practice. The lecture concludes by assessing contemporary challenges—from cyber vulnerability to alliance strain—and explores future trajectories for Five Eyes cooperation in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific environment.
This session is open to Harvard ID holders and will be held under the Chatham House rules. Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.
John Blaxland is Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies in the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. He is also currently Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office, based in Washington DC. He is the author, co-author and editor of a number of books on military history, international security affairs and intelligence, including: Revealing Secrets: An Unofficial History of Australian Signals Intelligence and the Advent of Cyber (UNSW Press, 2023), The Secret Cold War: the official history of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Vol. III (Allen & Unwin, 2016), and The Protest Years: the official history of ASIO, Vol., II (Allen & Unwin, 2015).
