How does China’s leadership view the relationship with the US, and how has that perspective evolved over the years? How might China seek to take advantage of recent actions by the Trump Administration that have destabilised the international order? How should Australia respond to shifting US-China dynamics in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Chris Buckley joins Susan Dietz to discuss the evolving relationship between China and the US, including the implications for economic and bilateral ties,...
May 01, 2025•36 min
Is Australia doing enough to make intelligence useful for policymakers, parliamentarians, and cabinet ministers? How can Australia build an intelligence workforce with a diverse range of skills, interests and backgrounds, and reflective of our society? How should Australia balance its intelligence independence with alliance integration? In this episode Chris Taylor and Miah Hammond-Errey join Rory Medcalf to delve into the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review, discussing the role of intelligence...
Apr 17, 2025•49 min
What impact will cuts to foreign aid have on security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific? Why is international development essential to Australia’s diplomacy and security outlook? Do the recent Trump tariffs and withdrawal of aid demand a more active role for Australia and other middle powers? In this episode Melissa Conley Tyler and Mira Sulistiyanto join David Andrews to unpack the current state of foreign aid and international development, with a focus on cuts to USAID, its implications, and A...
Apr 10, 2025•48 min
What are the biggest contemporary threats to food security? How do global shocks affect supply chains? How will the Trump tariffs impact Australian and global food security? How can Australian research help bolster food security in other regions? In this episode, Alison Bentley and Dirk van der Kley join David Andrews to share insights into the current state of food security, contemporary threats, and the need for research and innovation to ensure sustainable food systems. Dr Alison Bentley is D...
Apr 03, 2025•40 min
Was China's live fire exercise off Australia's coast permissible under international law? What might have been the rationale behind this exercise? Does this fit into a bigger pattern of Chinese maritime coercion, or was it a standalone incident? What are the strategic implications for Australia of China's growing blue water naval capabilities? How should Australia respond? In this episode Jennifer Parker and Douglas Guilfoyle join David Andrews to discuss China's recent naval operations off Aust...
Mar 27, 2025•50 min
What parallels can be drawn between Russia’s democratic decline and challenges facing the US and other Western democracies? What are the prospects for genuine peace after Putin's invasion of Ukraine? With the US’ shifting priorities, how does Europe’s response to Russian aggression inform Australia’s own security outlook? In this episode, Peter Tesch and Mikhail Zygar join Rory Medcalf for a discussion on the evolving role and influence of Russia in the global order, the impending challenges of ...
Mar 20, 2025•50 min
How is the shift in foreign policy under Donald Trump reshaping US alliances, and what does this mean for global security? To what extent is the US still a force for global stability? Could the new direction in US foreign policy under Donald Trump succeed in pulling Russia away from its partnership with China? In this episode, Beth Sanner joins Rory Medcalf to explore the Trump administration's approach to global issues – particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the evolving dynamics of US a...
Mar 13, 2025•43 min
How does the exercise of judicial power shape national security law and policymaking in Australia? What legal safeguards exist to balance civil liberties and national security? Why do the principles of citizenship matter in Australia’s legal system and national security decisions? In this episode, Rebecca Ananian-Welsh and Sangeetha Pillai join Danielle Ireland-Piper to explore the separation of powers in national security law in Australia, the role of courts, and the challenges surrounding citi...
Mar 06, 2025•43 min
Why is everyone suddenly talking about Greenland? How will Arctic security be impacted by rising great power competition? How have US neighbours and allies responded? In this episode, Iselin Németh Winther and Heather Exner-Pirot join David Andrews to explore the evolving significance of Arctic security, the uncertainties for Greenland under Donald Trump, and the potential impact of Arctic power dynamics on global governance. Iselin Németh Winther is a researcher at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute...
Feb 27, 2025•46 min
Is BRICS primarily a challenge to Western-led institutions, or does it serve a broader purpose in global governance? How effective has BRICS been at pursuing its objectives? Does BRICS membership provide newer states with greater strategic influence through engagement with major economies like China, India, and Russia? In this episode, Flavia Zimmermann and Fitriani join David Andrews to explore the evolving role of BRICS, its effectiveness, and its potential influence on global governance and p...
Feb 20, 2025•47 min
How should Australia strengthen engagement with Africa? How do perceptions of Africa influence Australia’s approach to bilateral and regional partnerships, and what opportunities might we be overlooking? How do African nations view China? And how does China shape the dynamics of African geopolitics? In this episode, Babatunde Obamamoye, Matthew Neuhaus and Lisa Filipetto join David Andrews and Melissa Permezel to discuss opportunities and barriers to Africa–Australia relations and the role of pe...
Feb 13, 2025•47 min
How can fiction and storytelling effectively engage the public with the complex challenges of national security? How does storytelling bridge gaps in historical narratives and deepen our understanding of contemporary conflicts? How can fiction help project future scenarios and explore potential outcomes? In this episode, Misha Zelinsky and Mick Ryan join David Andrews to explore the intersection of fiction and national security – sharing personal experiences on how storytelling can shape public ...
Feb 06, 2025•43 min
Only three percent of Australian adults were able to demonstrate the ability to verify information online, in a recent study. How can media literacy help inoculate citizens against mis- and disinformation? Why are critical thinking and media skills essential in a thriving democracy? And how can best-practice examples from around the globe and leading domestic research help shape the recently announced National Media Literacy Strategy? In this episode, Tanya Notley and Sora Park join Tim Wilford ...
Dec 19, 2024•42 min
How can Australia continue to champion the rules-based order, while balancing its strategic relationships and defence priorities? How is the government modernising the Australian Defence Force to address evolving challenges? What is Australia doing to ensure it remains the partner of choice in the Pacific? And how does the NRL deal with PNG impact security in the region? In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his strategic worldview, Australia’s ties with the Pacific and the A...
Dec 12, 2024•58 min
As the notion of a single ‘global theatre of struggle’ gains traction, what are the major challenges that Australia currently faces? How has Australia’s defence investment evolved over the years, and is the nation equipped to address today’s pressing challenges? What steps can Australia take to strengthen social cohesion while navigating political compromise and disruptive forces? In this episode, Andrew Hastie joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his formative influences, strategic worldviews, and Aus...
Dec 05, 2024•40 min
How does the United States' presidential transition process work, and how does it compare to the Australian electoral system? How might the election of Donald Trump impact US foreign and security policies? How can Australia best engage with a new Trump administration on critical issues like AUKUS, defence strategy, and tariffs? In this episode, Charles Edel joins Bianca Birdsall to discuss the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency, his proposed cabinet and staff nominees, and the securit...
Nov 28, 2024•49 min
How does our strategic environment inform leadership in intelligence and national security? How do partnerships assist intel collection in an increasingly complex world? What are the foundations of trust in a leader? This episode is a panel discussion, hosted by Meg Tapia at the 2024 Women in National Security LIVE, features Kerri Hartland, Heather Smith, and Heather Cook. They explore leadership in a complex strategic environment, being a 'first,' and the importance of relationships in national...
Nov 21, 2024•58 min
What is the relationship between national security and politics? How does national security policymaking differ from other areas of public policy? And how might the decline of major parties in Australia impact the national security policymaking process? In this episode, George Brandis – Australia's former Attorney-General and High Commissioner to the United kingdom – joins David Andrews to discuss the politics of national security policymaking. Professor The Honourable George Brandis KC is a Pro...
Nov 14, 2024•36 min
What is the role of the Army in an era shaped by strategic competition? How is the Army adapting for wars of the future? Why is it important to build trust between the Army and Australian society? In this episode, Simon Stuart joins Rory Medcalf discuss the changing nature of warfare, and how the Australian Army is positioned to succeed in facing future challenges. Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC is Chief of the Australian Army. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Securi...
Nov 07, 2024•53 min
How will automated systems and artificial intelligence change the nature of weaponry? What ethical issues are at play when we discuss lethal autonomous weapons? Can weapons be programmed to follow the laws of armed conflict? How does public literacy influence perceptions of weapons systems? In this episode, Zena Assaad and Lauren Sanders join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss weapons regulation, and how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems changes the arms landscape. Dr Zena Assaad is ...
Oct 31, 2024•37 min
How do electoral commissions balance public trust with the growing role of technology (like Artificial Intelligence) in electoral processes? Can AI be a democratic tool? How are the electoral commissions in Australia and UK dealing with threats like misinformation and foreign interference? Why is absolute independence important for the Australian and UK electoral commissions? In this episode, Tom Rogers and Vijay Rangarajan join Rory Medcalf to discuss congruent and colliding features of the Aus...
Oct 24, 2024•48 min
How do negative portrayals of migrants and refugees impact social cohesion within a society? What is "crimmigration," and what are the issues with using criminal law frameworks in immigration contexts? Do political incentives shape the discourse on migration and distract from other security threats? In this episode, Alan Gamlen, Kate Ogg, and Dorota Gozdecka join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss "crimmigation”, why migration is a politically charged issue, and discuss High Court cases that have...
Oct 17, 2024•52 min
Collective mobilisation is needed for an adequate response to climate change. How do we get there? How does climate change affect militaries? What role can technology play in mitigating the risks? What challenges does federalism pose in the effort to address climate change? In this episode, Tom Middendorp, Chris Barrie, Cheryl Durrant, and Sophie Lewis join Danielle Ireland-Piper to examine the critical link between climate change and national security, and what action is needed to mitigate the ...
Oct 10, 2024•59 min
What is the significance of rare earths and critical minerals for Australia and its partners? How does Australia’s conception of critical minerals differ from its partners? How do critical minerals lists reflect how those states view resource supply chains and vulnerabilities? With China currently dominating the rare earths value chain, how can Australia protect its interests in this space? In this episode, Hayley Channer and John Mavrogenes join David Andrews to discuss critical minerals and ra...
Oct 03, 2024•46 min
What are the key takeaways from the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit? The Quad has helped its members to align and coordinate key policies, but what more needs to be done to improve its ability to deliver on major initiatives? Would the Quad benefit from pursuing a foundational treaty, agreement, or common branding, or is it better served by retaining its current, flexible approach? In this episode, Gaurav Saini and Kate Clayton join David Andrews to discuss the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit, and what the ...
Sep 26, 2024•50 min
How can public policy better reflect the humanity and vulnerability of citizens? How can government leaders remain mindful of individuals within broader systems, and how does this approach improve public policy outcomes? How can governments foster ethical leadership and accountability while balancing political pressures and systemic challenges? In this episode, Mark Crosweller and Margaret Moreton join David Andrews to discuss compassion, ethical leadership, resilience, and the tensions between ...
Sep 19, 2024•54 min
What is the central logic of AUKUS from a UK perspective? How does AUKUS contribute to European security? How does AUKUS fit into UK defence interests and strategies in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Damian Parmenter joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the UK perspective on AUKUS: the strategic environment, Pillar One operational specifics, diplomatic engagement and legislation, and progress on Pillar Two. Damian Parmenter CBE is Director General AUKUS at the UK Ministry of Defence. Professor Rory...
Sep 12, 2024•42 min
Considering new contributions to the Pacific Resilience Fund, is the global community doing enough to support Pacific Island countries? How has the Falepili Union between Australia and Tuvalu been received more broadly across the region? Will it be replicated? How does the Pacific Policing Initiative fit within the Pacific approach to collective security? How can the Pacific balance the pros and cons of the PALM scheme? In this episode, Maima Koro, Henritta McNeil and Joel Nilon join Bianca Bird...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min
What is sports diplomacy and why is it important to Australia’s foreign policy? What is the rationale behind the PNG-Australia rugby league deal? How are sporting events being weaponised to undermine social cohesion or reflect geopolitical tensions? In this episode, Bianca Birdsall and Stuart Murray join David Andrews to discuss the role of sport as it relates to Australia’s national security – in diplomacy, foreign policy, and as a vector for insecurity, violence, crime, and societal unrest. Bi...
Aug 22, 2024•49 min
What makes the space domain critical to Australia’s defence and security? What is our constellation of defence partners in space? What assets does Australia bring to these relationships? What are the challenges and opportunities in the space domain? Is Australia contributing to what some critics call the “militarisation of space”? In this episode, Greg Novak joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the importance of space to Australia’s national interest, collaboration with industry and the civilian space ...
Aug 15, 2024•39 min
