Kate Clayton

Kate's research focuses on security and climate change in the Indo-Pacific. At La Trobe Asia, Kate supports the university’s Asia engagement, the Blue Security program and researches Australia and Asia. For Blue Security, Kate coordinates regional dialogues, publications and early career research programs.

Her work has been published in The Conversation, Lowy Institute Interpreter, Council of Geostrategy, UWA Defence & Security Institute, 9Dash Line, Perth USAsia Centre, Pacific Forum, Crikey, Kubernein Initiative, The Canberra Times and more. Kate has been interviewed by Australian and global media outlets on Indo-Pacific security issues. She has also presented at Asia Society, The Diplomatic Academy Vietnam, The Institute of International & European Affairs and more. In 2023, Kate participated in the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program on Enhancing Regional Maritime Governance and Cooperation in the Quad.

Passionate about increasing diversity in international relations, Kate was formally Chief Operations Officer at Young Australians in International Affairs. She has led youth engagement programs with the U.S. Embassy Canberra, U.K. High Commission Canberra, Young Australians in International Affairs, La Trobe University, La Trobe Asia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Kate was formerly a sessional academic in International Relations at the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University. She holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of International Relations from La Trobe University has studied at Chongqing University in China.