Parliamentary Scrutiny of the Military in Australia: A Comparative Perspective

War Studies Seminar Series is co-hosted by the ANU School of Law and the Coral Bell School's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre.


Drawing on his recent published co-authored book, Overseen or Overlooked: Legislatures, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability (Stanford University Press, 2025), Philippe Lagassé will discuss how parliamentary scrutiny of defence and military affairs in Australia compares with other Westminster-style systems, European parliaments, and presidential republics. He will highlight why Australia has one of the strongest means of conducting effective parliamentary oversight, and identify ways that it could be improved. 

About the speaker

Philippe Lagassé is associate professor and the Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada). Lagassé’s research focuses on foreign and defence policy, executive power, and constitutional affairs and public law in Westminster states. His recent articles have appeared in International Relations, Foreign Policy Analysis, West European Politics, Public Law, The Political Quarterly, and Parliamentary Affairs. In addition to his academic work, Lagassé has served as an advisor and consultant to the Canadian government, including as an independent reviewer of major defence procurements from 2012-2022. In 2025, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service for his “exceptional contribution to Canadian defence policy” by the Chief of the Defence Staff.

This is a hybrid seminar. Zoom details will be sent upon registration.

Additional information:

Registration is required for this event. Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C

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