What can we expect from Indian foreign and security policy under a third Modi government? How does the India-Russia relationship impact India’s foreign policy and cooperation with Western partners? How can India manage its strategic ambitions amidst region instability – including its deteriorating relationship with China? How do Australia and other Western powers balance their interests in strategic cooperation with India alongside challenges to political trust that have emerged recently? In thi...
Aug 08, 2024•59 min
How have alliances and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific evolved in recent years? What trends can be identified? How does the current security environment compare to previous eras of alliance formation? What lessons can we draw? Are we seeing a strategic convergence between the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific? Between NATO and the network of US bilateral alliances in Asia? In this episode, Alexander Lanoszka and Susannah Patton join David Andrews to discuss the evolving role of allian...
Aug 01, 2024•32 min
What are the priorities of the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and how have they evolved to reflect our strategic environment? What is the importance of and strategic reasoning for AUKUS Pillar Two? What misconceptions exist about defence research at universities? How does industry, policy, and research intersect to contribute to deterrence and generating an asymmetric technological advantage? In this episode, Tanya Monro joins Rory Medcalf to discuss innovation, science and technolo...
Jul 25, 2024•48 min
What is Australia’s concept of ‘National Defence’ and where does AUKUS fit into it? What misconceptions exist about AUKUS Pillar One? What progress has been made to realise the potential of AUKUS Pillar Two? In this episode, Hugh Jeffrey joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s current strategic landscape, the Defence Strategic Review, National Defence Strategy, and AUKUS. Hugh Jeffrey is Deputy Secretary Strategy, Policy, and Industry at the Department of Defence. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is ...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min
How is ‘stabilisation’ of the Australia-China relationship being viewed in Brussels, and other European capitals? How could Australia and Europe better work together to limit China’s global influence? And what lessons can Canberra learn from Brussels' approach to economic security – particularly with regard to electric vehicles? In this episode, Janka Oertel joins Rory Medcalf to discuss how Europe is approaching the ‘China challenge’. Dr Janka Oertel is Director of the Asia Programme and a Seni...
Jul 11, 2024•47 min
Why is the resilience of Australia’s democracy critical to our freedom and privilege? What challenges does social media pose to the functioning of our democracy? How do tears in our social fabric exacerbate anti-democratic behaviour? In this episode, Tom Rogers and Clare O’Neil discuss the importance of, and challenges facing, elections and democracy. With framing introductions from Rory Medcalf and Genevieve Bell. Note: This episode was recorded from a public session, ‘The Future of Elections,’...
Jul 04, 2024•42 min
Is terrorism becoming a more prevalent threat in Western societies, or are we getting better at identifying potential terrorists and extremists? How are terrorist and extremist groups taking advantage of a new, more connected world to further their objectives? Has there been a shift towards embracing the role of women in both terrorist organisations and the intelligence community? In this episode, Bruce Hoffman, Amira Jadoon, and Aaron Zelin join Bianca Birdsall to discuss international terroris...
Jun 27, 2024•54 min
What are the dynamics behind the sudden raft of economic security challenges Australia is confronting? What policy and institution settings need to be redesigned for the new world we find ourselves in? How can Australia look to diversify its trade and resources in order to steer clear of global supply chain tensions? In this session, Jeffrey Wilson, Tania Constable, Swati Dave, Darren Lim, Helen Mitchell, and Christopher Flynn assess Australia’s economic readiness to deal with future strategic s...
Jun 20, 2024•52 min
What is social licence a licence for? What are the public signing up to? How do other nations restructure the national security discussion to involve people, rather than just informing them? As a diverse and multicultural nation, how can we use technology to broaden public consultation? In this episode, James Brown, Dai Le, Christian Fjäder, Lisa Singh, and James Mortensen join Duncan Lewis to discuss the role of social licence, how it is generated, and how much licence is enough. They explore l...
Jun 13, 2024•49 min
What are the objectives of China’s foreign and security policies under Xi Jinping? What is the role of Australia and other middle powers in responding to Chinese actions in the Indo-Pacific? Are the United States’ China policies set to change with future shifts in the international order? In this episode, Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Dan Blumenthal join David Andrews to discuss the drivers of the China and the United States’ security policies, the role of China in the international order, middle...
Jun 06, 2024•46 min
Is the decline of democracy being overblown? How has social media reshaped democracy, for better and for worse? How can the next generation of leaders sustain and strengthen democracy? In this episode, George Brandis, Tom Rogers, Atul Sharma, and Ketty Chen join Janine O’Flynn to discuss elections, institutions, opportunities, and challenges for democracy in the coming years. Professor The Hon George Brandis KC is a Professor in the Practice of National Security, Policy and Law at the ANU Nation...
May 30, 2024•52 min
What is the likelihood of the AUKUS partnership expanding to include Japan, Korea, Canada, and New Zealand? How would this impact the strategic objectives of AUKUS? Should AUKUS be formally separated, and the partners instead manage nuclear submarines and advanced capabilities under different agreements? What are some challenges and risks to the future success of AUKUS? In this episode, Justin Burke and Jada Fraser join David Andrews to explore the evolving dynamics of the AUKUS agreement, the p...
May 23, 2024•58 min
How does distrust in democratic institutions and political leaders affect social cohesion in Australia? Is the rise of authoritarianism within democracies a symptom of broader systemic problems? How can democratic institutions in Australia counter challenges like terrorism, radical extremism, and threats to cybersecurity? In this episode, Misha Zelinsky, Lydia Khalil, and James Paterson join Jane Halton to discuss the current challenges and threats to democracy and its institutions, particularly...
May 16, 2024•49 min
What is the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor? How does it differ from other oversight bodies? And what are the legal and policy issues we are grappling with that have prompted a Secrecy Review? In this episode, Jake Blight joins Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss secrecy laws, how they fit into the national security landscape, and his organisation's recent review. Jake Blight is the current Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, and previously an Associate Professor i...
May 09, 2024•37 min
Note: This episode was recorded during NSC’s Securing our Future conference on 9 April 2024. How can deterrence and diplomacy be integrated to preserve peace, stability, and the conditions for prosperity in the Indo Pacific? Is development assistance a tool of strategic competition, or is it a tool for deterrence? What does effective deterrence look like for Australia and its allies in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Richard Maude, Greg Moriarty, Huong Le Thu, and Richard Fontaine join Rory M...
May 02, 2024•37 min
How does Australia’s recently released National Defence Strategy (NDS) differ from a Defence White Paper? What are the merits of having a bipartisan approach to defence policymaking? How important is it to clearly communicate these concepts to the public? Is the NDS’ focus on deterrence and denial well-suited to today’s geopolitical landscape? Should Australia have an unclassified National Security Strategy and National Military Strategy to complement the National Defence Strategy? In this episo...
Apr 24, 2024•58 min
Why is it important to consider Australia's national identity when discussing matters related to national security? What does a shared sense of national identity look like for Australia today? What are some of the frailties and risks that Australia faces when it comes to maintaining social cohesion? In this episode, Zoe McKenzie, Allegra Spender, Wesa Chau, Asmi Wood and Afeeya Akhand join Ian Kemish to discuss the importance of Australian values, national identity, and social cohesion in guidin...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Why is it important to include young voices in policymaking? Would commitments to long-term policymaking at a multilateral level push Australia and other countries to apply these principles domestically? Can state-based wellbeing frameworks guide national decision-making in Australia? In this episode, Sophie Howe and Caitlin Figueiredo join Dayle Stanley to for a future-focused discussion on the importance of long-term policy making. Sophie Howe was the first Future Generations Commissioner for ...
Apr 11, 2024•52 min
What is the role of intelligence with respect to policy-making and national security? What is the concept of ‘truth to power’ and is it the right approach for intelligence assessment? Should intelligence agencies to be more public and open about their threat assessments? What is the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in the intelligence community (IC)? And would the Australian IC stand to benefit from a standalone OSINT agency? In this episode, Beth Sanner joins Peter Ford and Ben Scott to...
Apr 04, 2024•53 min
Why is the 2024 election so important for the Solomon Islands and what is the future of democracy in the country? What is the state of the Australia-Solomon Islands relationship in a post-RAMSI era? Can Australia be more ambitious in its provision of development assistance to the Solomon Islands? In this episode, Edward Cavanough joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the upcoming Solomon Islands election, the future of Australia’s relationship with the Solomon Islands and Edward’s new book Divided Isles...
Mar 28, 2024•50 min
Why is the EU stepping up its engagement in the Indo-Pacific? In what ways does the EU collaborate with sub-regions within the Indo-Pacific? How can it diversify its relationship with Australia? And how does the EU reconcile with perceptions of it as a neo-colonial character in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Richard Tibbels joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the Europe Union’s engagement, challenges, and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific, and what it means for Australia. Richard Tibbels is the EU...
Mar 21, 2024•36 min
In a world of geopolitical uncertainty, what is the significance of the recent ASEAN-Australia Special Summit? What realistically can be achieved between Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)? And what are the diplomatic and security challenges facing ASEAN nations? In this episode, Pichamon Yeophanton, Huong Le Thu and Don McLain Gill join Rory Medcalf on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to assess the state of ASEAN-Australia relations, and explore ...
Mar 14, 2024•49 min
How does the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda apply to space policy? Why is better integration of the WPS agenda into the space sector crucial for Australia? And how does Australia compare to its international peers in this area? In this episode, Cassandra Steer and Elise Stephenson join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss the importance of incorporating the Women, Peace, and Security agenda into the Australian space sector. Dr Cassandra Steer is Deputy Director (Mission Specialists) at the ...
Mar 07, 2024•43 min
How could global politics shift, with more than half the world's population voting in elections this year? How should Australia – and other liberal democracies – navigate a path forward amid growing geopolitical tension and conflict? And what opportunities exist for Australia to deepen ties with its longstanding partners, despite increasing uncertainty and complexity? In this episode, Sophia Gaston and Gideon Rachman join Rory Medcalf to discuss upcoming elections around the world, escalating gl...
Feb 29, 2024•55 min
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Faith Medcalf (1935-2023), who devoted much of her life to school education and teacher training in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Have Australians lost sight of the importance of the Australia-PNG relationship? What impact has Prime Minister Marape’s address to the Australian Parliament, and the new security agreement had on public perceptions? And how can a shared history help to further develop this complex and critical relationship? In this epis...
Feb 22, 2024•50 min
What is the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean to Australia? What challenges and opportunities does the region present for Australia and its partners? And how much can Australia realistically achieve in such a vast region? In this episode, Darshana Baruah, David Brewster and Shafqat Munir join Rory Medcalf to discuss the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean to Australia and the region. Darshana Baruah is a Fellow with the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace...
Feb 15, 2024•46 min
As Indonesian head to the polls on 14 February, what’s important to know about the nation’s conception of democracy and its political ecosystem? Who are the key candidates in the presidential election — what do they represent? And what could be the implications of a change of government for security and diplomacy in the region? In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Gary Quinlan join Rory Medcalf to discuss the upcoming Indonesian elections, and how the outcome might impact bilateral ties with Aust...
Feb 08, 2024•41 min
What is the nexus between domestic and regional cyber security? How does Australia help regional neighbours manage and respond to cyber threats? And how will shield six of the Australian government’s new cyber strategy change the domestic cyber agenda? In this episode, the Hon Tim Watts MP and Brendan Dowling join Olivia Shen to discuss Australia’s path towards becoming a world leader in cyber security by 2030, and its capacity-building role in the Indo-Pacific region. The Hon Tim Watts MP is th...
Feb 01, 2024•37 min
What is open-source intelligence (OSINT)? How does big data influence our understanding of “good” intelligence? And does Australia need a dedicated OSINT agency in the National Intelligence Community? In this episode, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey and Ben Scott join Olivia Shen to discuss the increasing importance of open-source intelligence and big data in intelligence analysis, and the evolution required from intelligence agencies to keep up. Dr Miah Hammond-Errey is the Director of the Emerging Techn...
Jan 25, 2024•53 min
What is the significance of the Indian Ocean in Indo-Pacific security? Is it useful to distinguish between traditional and non-traditional maritime threats? And how might the AUKUS agreement reshape maritime security in the region? In this episode, Frédéric Grare and Justin Burke join Jennifer Parker to tackle the maritime challenges facing Australia and the region. Dr Frédéric Grare is a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC) in an expert program sponsored by the gove...
Jan 18, 2024•47 min
