Blaxland holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Arts in History from the Australian National University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

[3] Blaxland's research interests include Australian military history and strategy, public policy, security, defence, international relations, South East Asia (Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, East Timor), North America (Canada), the Australian Flag, and military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He stepped down from leading the ANU's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre to work on the official history.

[5] ASD Director-General Rachel Noble cancelled the ANU's contract in August or September 2020.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Noble's decision was motivated by a desire to exercise greater control over the official history project.