Mick Ryan
Mick Ryan is a retired major general who served in the ADF for more than 35 years and was commander of the Australia Defence College. He is the author of War Transformed: The Future of 21st Century Great Power Competition and Conflict.
Opinion
Ukraine must maintain Western attention to win this war
At some point, Russia’s size, brutality and relative wealth will begin to crush the Ukrainians without ongoing Western assistance.
- by Mick Ryan
Latest
Opinion
Humiliation in Ukraine is the price Russia must pay for its brutality
French President Emmanuel Macron believes Russia must not be humiliated if Ukraine wins the war. But such an intervention is strategically bankrupt and unhelpful.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
‘Strong willed and militarily capable’: World prepares for a long war in Ukraine
As horrific a prospect that a long war may be, a Russian victory that would encourage further aggression in the future is much, much worse.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
What the Albanese government can learn from Ukraine
Our nation is not facing imminent invasion, but our new leaders should learn the lessons of Ukraine, and use them to address Australia’s national security challenges.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
The ingenious strategy that could win the war for Ukraine
The consistent Ukrainian military campaign is successfully corroding the Russian offensive and may deliver an unlikely, but historic, victory.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
Why Putin didn’t declare war as Russia marked Victory Day
Western analysts had pegged May 9 as the day when Russia’s leader would step up his “special operation” in Ukraine. It didn’t happen.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
China’s deal with the Solomons is an act of colonisation
China has wrong-footed Australia with its Solomon Islands pact. Regardless of who wins the federal election, a rapid strategic assessment will be needed to adjust our national security priorities.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
China’s transformed military must not be underestimated
China, like Russia, has transformed its military in recent years. But unlike Russia, China is investing in new thinking, as well as hardware.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
Fate of Mariupol one of many factors set to influence the new Russian offensive
If the Russians capture the city, it will release resources to their new push on the east.
- by Mick Ryan
Opinion
What China is learning from the Russo-Ukraine war and what it means for the West
As it contemplates when and how to seize Taiwan, China will be learning from Putin’s horrific debacle in Ukraine.
- by Mick Ryan
Hypersonic missiles are just the start if Australia is to secure its sovereignty
Australia must acquire more missiles with greater range and better launch platforms to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- by Mick Ryan