Stephan Fruehling

Professor Stephan Frühling is a leading academic in strategic and defence studies at The Australian National University's (ANU) Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. He specialises in Australian defence policy, nuclear weapons, NATO, and alliance dynamics. His research bridges academic analysis and policy impact, contributing to national security strategies such as the 2016 Defence White Paper. He has held key administrative roles, including Acting Head of his Centre (2022), Associate Dean (2016–2022), and inaugural Director of the ANU Master in Military Studies program (2011–2013). His international experience includes a Fulbright Fellowship at Georgetown University (2017) and research roles at NATO's Defence College (2015).

His research focuses on deterrence theory, Indo-Pacific security, and alliance resilience, with a particular emphasis on Australia's strategic position amid rising great power competition. Recent work examines NATO-Asia partnerships, extended nuclear deterrence, and the evolving role of Australia-US alliances in regional stability.

Professor Frühling's projects include

• Pathways of Deterrence: Causal Chains of 21st Century Signalling (2024–2027)
• History of Strategic Policy since 1976 (ongoing)
• AusCSCAP DFAT-funded diplomacy initiatives

His 146+ publications span books, policy papers, and peer-reviewed articles, addressing topics such as force development in small/middle powers, nuclear strategy, and regional security dynamics. His work is cited widely in policy circles and academia, reflecting its practical relevance to contemporary strategic challenges.