The National Security Podcast

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 to this appointment he was the UK Prime Minister’s representative for the recent AI Safety Summit, G7 and G20 Sherpa and Deputy National Security Advisor. Jennifer Jackett is a Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at the ANU National Security College. Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  AI Safety Summit 2023: find out more The Bletchley Declaration: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your quest

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 Asia New Zealand Foundation. Dr Anna Powles is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University. Jennifer Parker is Director, Defence Policy at the ANU National Security College Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  Aotearoa's National Security Strategy: find out more NZ Defence Policy and Strategy Statement 2023: find out more  Asia NZ Foundation repor

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 Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Ewan Macmillan is the Deputy Director General for vetting at ASIO. Caroline van Heuzen is a Deputy Head at the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Carl Chang is co-leader of the Mission Management Division at the Office of National Intelligence (ONI) and is ONI's Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Champion.  Show notes:   ANU National Security College

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, join Olivia Shen to  discuss the changes that will shape Australia’s national security community. Questions from the audience had the panel addressing issues of cultural representation, intersectionality and social cohesion in national security.  Kathryn McMullan is Director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation. Kimberly Brennan is a Partner at Ernst & Young.  Nu Nu Win is a Sir Roland Wilson PhD Scholar, on leave from the Treasury. Olivia Sh

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 Stevens is a current member of the Board of Directors at Hexagon US Federal and a former CIA executive who has previously led numerous groups of data scientists and analysts. Ben Scott is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College. He has over 25 years’ experience in diplomacy, think tanks, intelligence and international development.  Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Office of the Director of National I

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 relationship. Rowan Callick is an Industry Fellow at Griffith University's Asia Institute and an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College. Richard Maude is Executive Director, Policy at Asia Society Australia, and a Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.&nb

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 an international stage.  Senator James Paterson is a Liberal Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security. He is also the Australian co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.  Show notes:  ANU National Security C

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 upcoming trip to Washington DC and the future of the Alliance.  The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO is a Partner and Chair of the Australia Practice of The Asia Group and a distinguished advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He was also the Australian Ambassador to the United States from February 2020 to March 2023.Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tan

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 International Organization at the Columbia Law School. She is also the author of ‘Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology’.  Professor Johanna Weaver is the founding Director of the Tech Policy Design Centre (TPDC) at the Australian National University and a regular guest lecturer at the ANU National Security College. Jennifer Jackett is a Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:  ANU National Security Colleg

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 Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation. Professor Akira Igata is a Project Lecturer and the Director of the Economic Security Research Program at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo. Dr John Hemmings is the Senior Director of the Indo-Pacific Foreign and Security Policy Program at the Pacific Forum. David Andrews is Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.&

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 Security College who specialises on technology competition and innovation between the US and China, with a particular interest in biological technologies. David Andrews is Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.   Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more A strategy for Quad biotechnology collaboration by Dirk van der Kley and Daniel Pavlich: read more Quad Tech Network: find out more   We’d love to hear

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 Criminology 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. Michele Grossman AM is a Professor and Research Chair, Diversity and Community Resilience at Deakin University. She is a renowned expert in the areas of violent extr

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 Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) officer, Carl Chang and Caroline van Heuzen talk to Raj about his journey of migrating to Australia and finding his place working with Australia's overseas secret intelligence agency. Raj shares the impacts of work ASIS is doing to improve CALD representation within intelligence organisations, and what this means for Australia’s national security. While the name and voice of this ASIS officer has been changed to protect their identify, their story

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 implications.  Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM is Australia’s Chief Scientist, providing authoritative and independent science advice on whole-of-Government science and technology priorities. She is the author for a message of introduction to Australia’s National Quantum Strategy.Professor Michelle Simmons AO is Director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. She was also named as the 2018 Australian of the Year for her work and dedication to quantum information scien

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 Meli has more than 25 years of professional experience at the Australian Federal Police, where she established and led the Strategic Insights Centre.  Dr Ryan Young is the Director, Research & Methods at the NSC Futures Hub. Dayle Stanley is the Director, Strategy and Engagement at the NSC Futures Hub.  Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more FuturePod: find out more Future Shock by Alvin Toffler: find out more Wh

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 Simon Walsh is the Chief Scientist, Forensics at the Australian Federal Police.  David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:    ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more    We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episo

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, presently pursuing his Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. A Senior Fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Asian Law and an Editor-at-Large at Mekong Review, Yam is a prominent commentator on China and Hong Kong affairs. Notably, he is one of the eight activists targeted by Hong Kong's arrest warrant.  Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and ac

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 Strategic and International Studies.  David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Australia can be America’s green power hub in the Indo-Pacific, James Carouso and Charles Edel: read more   We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and

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 the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University.  Dr Cecilia Jacob is an Associate Professor and Fellow in the Department of International Relations at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia and the Pacific.  Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper is Associate Professor and Academic Convenor at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more   Read the GAAMAC Re

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 national security community.  Dr Jennifer Hsu is the author of the Lowy Institute’s 2023 Being Chinese in Australia: Public Opinion in Chinese Communities. She is Visiting Senior Fellow at the Social Policy and Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and most recently, Research Fellow and Project Director of the Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project at the Lowy Institute. Yun Jiang is the Australian Institute of International Affairs China Matters Fellow. She was