AI, Economic Shocks, and Disinformation Top Security Fears, ANU Finds

National security concerns among Australians have escalated significantly over the past year, with artificial intelligence emerging as the nation’s most feared security threat, according to comprehensive new research released today.

Two large-scale surveys conducted by the National Security College (NSC) at The Australian National University reveal a population increasingly anxious about a range of potential threats to national stability and safety. The studies, which gathered responses from over 12,000 Australians between November 2024 and July 2025, paint a picture of rising public concern across multiple security domains.

The weaponization of artificial intelligence topped the list of perceived threats, with 77 percent of respondents expressing worry about AI being used to attack Australian citizens or businesses. This finding reflects growing global concerns about the dual-use nature of advanced AI technologies and their potential for malicious deployment.

Disinformation campaigns ranked as the second most significant concern, with 73 percent of Australians worried about the deliberate spread of false information designed to mislead and harm the public. This reflects the heightened awareness of information warfare tactics that have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.

Foreign interference also registered strong concern among respondents, with 72 percent expressing anxiety that a foreign country might attempt to meddle in Australia’s politics, government, economy, or society within the next decade. This aligns with increased government attention to foreign influence operations and espionage activities targeting Australian institutions.

Economic vulnerabilities remain a significant source of anxiety. Three-quarters of respondents identified the prospect of a severe economic crisis as a moderate to major threat, while 74 percent worried about potential disruptions to critical supplies caused by overseas crises. These concerns reflect Australia’s position in global supply chains and trade networks that have experienced significant disruptions in recent years.

The research indicates a notable increase in overall security anxiety. By July 2025, half of all respondents reported being worried about Australia’s national security—representing an eight percentage point jump from just eight months earlier.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM, Head of the National Security College, interpreted the findings as evidence that “Australians generally have a sound and responsive understanding of the worsening security landscape we find ourselves in.”

When asked about government priorities for the next five years, Australians ranked “safe and peaceful communities” as their top national goal (35 percent), followed by economic prosperity (26 percent), protection of democratic rights (23 percent), and strengthening national security (15 percent).

Professor Medcalf noted that this emphasis on community safety offers “a valuable point of national convergence in confronting times.” The prioritization suggests Australians are seeking security solutions that directly impact their daily lives and local environments rather than abstract geopolitical concepts.

The surveys form part of a broader NSC Community Consultations project that includes nationwide interviews and public submissions. Complete findings will be released at the NSC’s “Securing our Future: a ready and resilient Australia” conference scheduled for March 2026 at the Australian National University.

These rising security concerns come amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region and growing global tensions between major powers that have direct implications for Australia’s strategic positioning. The emphasis on technological threats, particularly from AI, reflects the emergence of new security frontiers that extend beyond traditional military or territorial concerns.

The research provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to address public concerns while developing national security frameworks that balance defense capabilities, economic resilience, and social cohesion in an increasingly complex threat environment.