Michael Cohen

Dr Michael Cohen is a Senior Lecturer at the National Security College, Australian National University (ANU), where he convenes the PhD program. His expertise spans International Security with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly nuclear proliferation dynamics, deterrence theory, and foreign policy decision-making. He holds qualifications including a B.Ec. (Hons I) from the University of Sydney, and MA and PhD from the University of British Columbia.

Research interests include the impact of nuclear weapons on interstate conflict, US alliances (especially with Australia and South Korea), and leadership decision-making processes. His notable works include When Proliferation Causes Peace (2017) and co-edited North Korea and Nuclear Weapons (2017). Recent publications analyze ANZUS origins, post-WWII alliance formation, and strategic risks in the Asia-Pacific.

Cohen has contributed to policy discussions on North Korean nuclear threats, US extended deterrence, and Southeast Asian threat perceptions. His research has been published in journals such as European Journal of International Security and International Security. Current projects include examining Australian strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the implications of emerging technologies for security alliances.

His work frequently bridges academic analysis and practical policy advice, addressing contemporary challenges such as autocratic leadership behavior, nuclear modernization, and alliance cohesion in the Indo-Pacific.