Dr. Hugh White

Biography

Hugh White AO is an Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University. His work primarily focuses on Australian strategic defence policy, Asia-Pacific security issues, and global strategic affairs, particularly concerning Australia's influence in the Asia-Pacific region. He has a background as an intelligence analyst for the Office of National Assessments, journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, and served as a senior adviser to the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. White held significant positions including Deputy Secretary of Strategy and Intelligence at the Department of Defence and Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). He was a principal author of Australia’s 2000 Defence White Paper and is known for major publications including 'Power Shift: Australia’s Future Between Washington and Beijing' (2010), 'China Choice: America’s Share of Power' (2012), and 'America: Australia’s Future in the New Asia' (2017). His qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford. Throughout his career, White has contributed significantly to the discourse on Australian defence and strategic policy and has influenced key national strategies through his extensive research and leadership in the field.

Research Interests