Technological innovation is now one of the most consequential realms of geopolitical contestation. And in the era of big tech, the private sector has assumed power that once resided with governments. In response, we’ve seen a reassertion of industry policy, with governments trying to re-establish control. What happens to Australia’s national security when private companies, such as TikTok, are in the geopolitical driver’s seat? And how can policymakers keep up with this ever-changing industry? I...
Jan 11, 2024•47 min
How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades? Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much? And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threats in the digital age? In this episode, Dr Emily Corner, Lydia Khalil, and Professor Michele Grossman join Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of violent extremism, and how these changes create new challenges for policymakers. Dr Emily Corner is an Associate Professor at the A...
Jan 04, 2024•59 min
While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of users – both human and machine – spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks. What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? How do different actors – both state and non-state – affect society and geopolitics using social media? And what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Professor Darren Linvill from Clemson University ...
Dec 28, 2023•46 min
As Taiwan’s 2024 elections draw near, who are the key candidates and what are they offering? How might China respond to a change of government? And what are the main risks and opportunities for Australia? In this episode, China experts Mark Harrison and Antonia Finnane join Susan Dietz-Henderson to discuss the upcoming Taiwan elections, and how the results will have implications not only for Taiwan, but for the region too. Mark Harrison is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the School of So...
Dec 21, 2023•42 min
How can whistle-blowers contribute to Australia’s national security? What roles do parliamentary committees and the courts play in national security oversight? And how should national security and secrecy be balanced with human rights and transparency? In this episode, Kieran Pender and Dominique Dalla-Pozza join Danielle Ireland-Piper to talk about the importance of accountability, and mechanisms of oversight, in Australia’s national security ecosystem. Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper is an Associate...
Dec 14, 2023•39 min
What was achieved at the recent AI Safety Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom? How do the geopolitics of technology now impact economies and societies? And how can governments equip themselves better to handle these complex changes? In this episode, senior UK public servant Jonathan Black joins Jennifer Jackett to talk about AI, and the policy responses to it from governments across the globe. Jonathan Black is a Heywood Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Prior ...
Dec 08, 2023•40 min
What prompted New Zealand (NZ) to develop its inaugural National Security Strategy? Will NZ’s change of government mean a change of strategy? And can increasing alignment between NZ and Australia be expected on key security issues? In this episode, Anna Powles and Suzannah Jessep join Jennifer Parker to talk about New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy and what it means for the region, Australia and New Zealand itself. Suzannah Jessep is the Director of Research and Engagement at the Asi...
Nov 30, 2023•54 min
What are the common myths around the security clearance vetting process? How has the process changed over the years, and what reforms have ASIO undertaken to ensure fairness? And how will a more diverse workforce help the national security community? In this episode, Caroline van Heuzen and Carl Chang talk to Ewan Macmillan and Vanessa from ASIO about the highest-level security clearance vetting process and how it is changing to be more inclusive. Vanessa is a Vetting Analyst at the Australian S...
Nov 23, 2023•39 min
What changes should the national security community be focused on? What do whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approaches to change look like? And how can national security objectives integrate with these efforts to drive change? As part of the annual Women in National Security event, the ANU National Security College had the pleasure of hosting over 250 attendees for a live podcast recording at the National Gallery of Australia. In this episode Kathryn McMullan, Kim Brennan and Nu Nu Win, j...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min
What is the difference between open-source intelligence (OSINT) and publicly available information? How can the private sector help intelligence agencies maintain their edge in a world saturated with data? And how can AI contribute to the operations and effectiveness of these agencies? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Barbara Stevens joins Ben Scott to discuss open-source intelligence and how intelligence agencies are navigating rapid technological advancements. Dr Barbara Steve...
Nov 02, 2023•30 min
What is the significance of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcoming visit to Beijing? What outcomes can realistically be achieved, given the turbulent Australia-China relationship? And can Australia-China relations continue to stabilise into the future? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Rowan Callick and Richard Maude join Rory Medcalf to discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcoming visit to China, what will be on the agenda, and how this visit might shape the bilateral ...
Oct 26, 2023•46 min
How can Australia’s social cohesion be maintained, against a global backdrop of conflict, foreign interference and economic coercion? Is the nation's security architecture fit for purpose? And how can the political class develop public awareness of national security challenges, without being alarmist? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Senator James Paterson joins Rory Medcalf to discuss some key security issues and policy issues that Australia is facing, both, domestically and at...
Oct 19, 2023•39 min
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to visit President Joe Biden later this month, what priorities will be on his agenda? Is AUKUS at risk of overshadowing other parts of the US-Australia relationship? And what confidence can the Australian government have in the stability and reliability of the United States amid ongoing political turmoil? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcomin...
Oct 12, 2023•42 min
How can governments keep up with the lightning pace of technological change? Is there a 'right' model for tech regulation? And what role can Australia play in this dynamic digital ecosystem? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Anu Bradford and Johanna Weaver join Jennifer Jackett to discuss the global impact of technological advances, the challenges and opportunities they bring, and the evolving landscape of tech regulation. Anu Bradford is a Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and Int...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Why are critical and emerging technologies at the forefront of geopolitical competition? Can the Quad play a part in standard setting without stifling innovation? And how can the Quad help diversify technology supply chains without creating an ‘international cartel’? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Raji Rajagopalan, Dr Akira Igata and Dr John Hemmings join David Andrews to discuss one of Quad’s central pillars – critical and emerging technologies. Dr Raji Rajagopalan is the ...
Sep 28, 2023•58 min
Why is biotechnology so strategically important? How can the Quad successfully compete with China to harness the opportunities it presents? And what is at stake if ethical leadership in this field falters? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dirk van der Kley joins David Andrews to discuss the strategic importance of biotechnology and tangible ways the Quad can deliver collaborative leadership in this crucial area. Dr Dirk van der Kley is a Research Fellow at the ANU National Secur...
Sep 21, 2023•45 min
How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades? Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much? And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threats in the digital age? In this episode, Dr Emily Corner, Lydia Khalil, and Professor Michele Grossman join Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of violent extremism, and how these changes create new challenges for policymakers. Dr Emily Corner is a Senior Lecturer of Criminolog...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr
How did a Sri Lankan migrant go from new arrival to Chief Technology Officer in Australia’s secret intelligence service? What barriers can migrants and members of ethnically diverse communities face while trying to forge a career in Australian intelligence? What steps are being taken to create more opportunities for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds at ASIS, and in the National Intelligence Community more broadly? In this first-of-its kind interview with an unidentified...
Sep 06, 2023•39 min
What is quantum science and why does it matter? How is Australia performing in the “quantum race”? What are some of the ethical, societal and security implications that need to be considered, as the world rushes to get this technology off the ground? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Cathy Foley and Professor Michelle Simmons join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s quantum strategy, the technology’s relationship to national security and its ethical and social implic...
Aug 31, 2023•37 min
What major trends will shape the next two decades? How can futures analysis be used to manage risk and harness opportunities? And how can governments better integrate futures thinking into public administration? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Joseph Voros, Odette Meli and Dr Ryan Young join Dayle Stanley to discuss the intricacies and applications of future analysis. Dr Joseph Voros is a physicist and futurist with over 25 years of experience in futures analysis. Odette Mel...
Aug 24, 2023•54 min
How has rapid technological advancement influenced the way the Australian Federal Police approaches forensic science? What is the difference between forensics conducted at a national level and that of state police forces? And how does the AFP proactively use forensics to protect and serve Australians? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Simon Walsh joins David Andrews to discuss the evolving world of forensic science and its implications for policing and national security. Dr Si...
Aug 17, 2023•52 min
Kevin Yam has a bounty on his head. The Australian citizen, who lived in Hong Kong for 20 years, is accused of breaching the infamous national security law China imposed on Hong Kong three years ago. In this episode of the National Security Podcast, he joins Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss the future of Hong Kong, lessons from his experience inside its pro-democracy movement, and his concerns about Australian judges serving in its judicial system. Kevin Yam is an Australia-based lawyer, presen...
Aug 10, 2023•42 min
What are the common misconceptions some Americans have about Australia? How has the Australia-United States alliance been affected by the changing international order? And what might the future of this relationship hold, given increasing collaboration between the two nations? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Charles Edel joins David Andrews to examine the Australia-United States relationship. Charles Edel is a senior adviser and the inaugural Australia Chair at the Center for St...
Aug 03, 2023•46 min
How can cyber capabilities be used in atrocity prevention? What role could AI and machine learning play in humanitarian interventions? And how has the proliferation of social media contributed to violence against minorities? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Associate Professor Cecilia Jacob and Dr Rhiannon Neilsen join Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper to shed light on the role of cyber and social media in humanitarianism. Dr Rhiannon Neilsen is a Cyber Security Postdoctoral Fellow in ...
Jul 27, 2023•50 min
Is Australia’s Chinese diaspora misunderstood? What challenges do Chinese Australians face when trying to establish a career in the Australian Public Service? And how can the national security community increase pathways for this community to enter, and stay, in this field of work? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Jennifer Hsu and Yun Jiang join Olivia Shen to unpack the diverse experiences of Chinese Australians and explore how these perspectives can enrich Australia's natio...
Jul 20, 2023•38 min
What does South Korea see as its role in the Indo-Pacific? How does it view the nuclear threat from North Korea? And what are the opportunities that the Australia-Korea relationship presents for regional security and stability? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Dr Go Myong-Hyun and Dr Lee Jaehyon from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for regional security and stability. Dr Go My...
Jul 13, 2023•49 min
What is the Australian Army doing to develop its robotic and autonomous systems capabilities? How likely is the prospect of autonomous 'killer robots' taking to the battlefield? And can the Australian Defence Force partner with industry for technical solutions while maintaining sovereign capability? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Colonel Robin Smith joins Olivia Shen to shed light on the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy, and how the team he leads is i...
Jul 06, 2023•47 min
How can a better understanding of the Islamic faith help strengthen social cohesion? What steps can national security agencies take to ensure diverse communities feel valued? And how can the public service more effectively attract and retain staff from these communities? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Islamic scholar and community leader Shaykh Ahmed Abdo, along with former Commonwealth Counter Terrorism Coordinator Tony Sheehan, join Olivia Shen to discuss how Australian gove...
Jun 29, 2023•53 min
What are the pathways for the United States and China to improve their bilateral relationship? What might catalyse conflict between the two great powers? Is Australia prepared for this scenario – and will it take a crisis to find out? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Dr Fiona Cunningham joins Gai Brodtmann to unpack the state of US-China relations and each country’s ability and willingness to resolve conflict through open communication. Dr Cunningham also explains how Australia...
Jun 22, 2023•37 min
Why are Australia’s intelligence agencies growing their public engagement? How are these agencies responding to an increasingly complex, challenging and dynamic strategic environment? And what are intelligence leaders doing to future-proof their organisations, workforces and capabilities? In this episode of the National Security Podcast , Director-General of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, and Director-General of Security, Mike Burgess, join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss the state of ...
Jun 15, 2023•59 min
