Australians Increasingly Concerned About Military Threat, Study Shows

Australians are becoming increasingly concerned about the prospect of a foreign military attack on their country, according to a new study from the Australian National University's National Security College. The report found that nearly half of those polled in 2026 believe a foreign military will attack Australia within the next five years, as anxiety over national security issues continues to rise sharply across all age groups.

The study, which included both polling and focus groups, revealed that two-thirds of Australians are now worried about national security matters - a significant increase from previous years. Notably, the sharpest rise in security concerns was seen among the 18 to 24 age cohort, suggesting that younger Australians are particularly anxious about potential threats to their country's safety and stability.

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According to the report, the heightened sense of vulnerability among Australians stems from a complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, perceived military buildups in the region, and uncertainty around the future strategic landscape. The ANU researchers found that many Australians are closely tracking developments in areas like the South China Sea and are concerned about the potential for conflict to spill over into their own backyard.