The National Security Podcast

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 episode, Elizabeth Buchanan and Andrew Carr join David Andrews to analyse the merits and shortcomings of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Dr Elizabeth Buchanan is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). She is also an Associate Researcher with the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ Institute for Strategic Research, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and was previously Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea Power Centre.Dr Andrew Carr is a Senior Lec

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 guiding Australia’s strategic priorities.Zoe McKenzie MP is the Federal Member for Flinders Allegra Spender MP is the Federal Member for Wentworth Wesa Chau is the Director of Public Policy at the Multicultural Leadership Initiative Professor Asmi Wood is a Professor at the ANU College of Law and Sub-Dean (Indigenous) Afeeya Akhand is a Youth Council Member at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Ian Kemish AM is a Distinguished Advisor at NSC.  Show notes: Keynote address

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 Wales and is a member of the ANU National Security College (NSC) Futures Council. Caitlin Figueiredo is the 2024 ACT Young Australian of the Year and the former co-chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition. Dayle Stanley is the Chief Futures Officer at the NSC Futures Hub. Show notes:  Sophie Howe Ted Talk  How did there come to be a Future Generations Commissioner in Wales? UN Summit for the Future National Emergency Management Agency&nb

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 discuss how intelligence and statecraft interact and look at some key events to analyse the role of intelligence. Beth Sanner is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University Belfer Center and the former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration. Peter Ford is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  Ben Scott is a Senior Advisor at NSC.  Show notes:  Opinion piece by Beth Sanner on 'Truth to Power': A Former Pres

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: Solomon Islands and the China Switch. Edward Cavanough is the Chief Executive Officer at The McKell Institute, an Australian think-tank. He is also an experienced analyst and journalist.Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College (NSC). His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. Show notes:·      Securing our Future – national security conference, 9–10 April,

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 Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific.  Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College (NSC). His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.  Show notes:  Securing our Future – national security conference, 9–10 April, 2024: secure your ticketsEU Indo-Pacific Forum 2024: address from Richard Tibbels, EU Special Envoy to the Indo-PacificEU Special Envoy

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 the opportunities and challenges facing deeper engagement.  Dr Pichamon Yeophantong is Head of Research and Associate Professor at the Centre for Future Defence and National Security, Deakin University at the Australian War College. Dr Huong Le Thu is the Asia Deputy Director at the International Crisis Group. Don McLain Gill is a Lecturer and a geopolitical analyst at the Department of International Studies, De La Salle University. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is H

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 Australian National University Institute for Space (InSpace).Dr Elise Stephenson GAICD is a Gender, Space and National Security Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC) and the Deputy Director at the ANU Global Institute for Women's Leadership.Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper is an Associate Professor and Academic Director at NSC.  Show notes:  Securing our Future – national security conference, 9–10 April, 2024: secure your tickets Australia’s National A

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 global conflicts, and what may be in store for the Australia-UK relationship, following the UK’s upcoming general election.Sophia Gaston is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). She is also the Head of Foreign Policy and UK Resilience at the leading Westminster think tank, Policy Exchange. Gideon Rachman is the Chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades acr

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 episode, Ian Kemish, Oliver Nobetau and Nayahamui Rooney join Rory Medcalf to delve into the dynamics of Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relations, and explore how the two nations can strengthen their bond. Dr Nayahamui Rooney is a Lecturer with the School of Culture, History & Language in the College of Asia & the Pacific at the Australian National University (ANU).  Ian Kemish AM is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC), and the former Austral

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 where she directs the Indian Ocean Initiative. David Brewster is a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC) and focuses on security in India and the Indian Ocean region, and Indo-Pacific maritime affairs. Shafqat Munir is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three de

As Indonesian’s 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 Australia and security in the region.  Dr Natalie Sambhi is a Senior Policy Fellow with Asia Society Australia and the Founder and Executive Director of Verve Research. Her research focuses on Indonesian military affairs, Indonesian defence policy and Southeast Asian security. Gary Quinlan AO is a former diplomat and public servant who served as Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, High Commissioner to Singapore and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Professor

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 the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is the Federal Member for Gellibrand. Brendan Dowling is Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.  Olivia Shen is a Director at the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs.   Show notes:  Securing our Future – national security conference, 9-10 April, 2024: secure your tickets  Australian Cyber Secu

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 Technology Program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Ben Scott is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College, and has over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, intelligence and think tanks, including stints at the Lowy Institute and the Office of National Intelligence.Olivia Shen is a Director at NSC on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs. Show notes: Securing our Future – national security conference, 9-10 April, 2024: secure your tickets ‘Adapting Aus

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 government of France.  Justin Burke is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Centre for Maritime Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University.  Jennifer Parker is an Expert Associate at NSC and an Adjunct Fellow in Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra.  Show notes: Securing our Future – a national security conference: secure your tickets National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): find out more IUU Fishing: find out mor

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? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Bec Shrimpton from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, joins Katherine Mansted in conversation to explore the rapidly changing landscape of big tech. Bec Shrimpton is the Director, Defence Strategy and National Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.Katherine Mansted is a Senior Fellow at the ANU National Security College, and the Executive Director, Cyber Intelligence at CyberCXShow notes:  National Int

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 Australian National University and has worked extensively on projects examining terrorism, radicalisation, and the mental disorders associated with terrorist behaviour.  Lydia Khalil is a Research Fellow on transnational challenges at the Lowy Institute and manages the Digital Threats to Democracy Project. Professor Michele Grossman AM is the Research Chair, Diversity and Community Resilience at Deakin University. She is a renowned expert in the areas of violent extremism, radica

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 and Associate Professor Will Grant from ANU, join David Andrews in conversation to discuss the state of disinformation and misinformation on social media. Dr Darren Linvill is a Professor and Co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. He studies state-affiliated social media information operations. Dr Will J Grant is Associate Professor at The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, where he researches the interaction of science and politics.

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 Social Sciences, University of Tasmania. He is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Antonia Finnane is an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne. Susan Dietz-Henderson is a Senior Executive Adviser at NSC, currently on secondment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more&nb

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 Professor and Academic Director at the ANU National Security College. Kieran Pender is a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre. He is also an honorary lecturer at the ANU College of Law. Dr Dominique Dalla-Pozza is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU College of Law and has also recently joined the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:    ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more   The National Anti-Corruption Commission: find out mo