Policy, Guns & Money

Today is an important day for Ukraine, as the country marks the 31st anniversary of independence from Soviet rule. It is also six months since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, with no end in sight. In this special episode, ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi asks Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko about the current situation in the conflict, shifts in momentum, international support for Ukraine and the country’s successes in the cyber domain. They also discuss Russia’s ambitions - and its progress in achieving its goals - and Ukraine’s economic situation. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko: https://australia.mfa.gov.ua/en/governance/vasyl-myroshnychenko Music: "Daylight Rising" by Brylie Christopher Oxley - via the FreeMusicArchive.org

Katja Theodorakis speaks to Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at FDD, about Iran’s military power and how the country is investing in asymmetric capabilities. They also discuss the challenges posed by anti-status quo powers and Iran’s deterrence strategy. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Marles announced that there would be a Defence Strategic Review focused on ‘force structure, force posture and preparedness, and investment prioritization to ensure Defence has the right capabilities to meet our growing strategic needs.’ Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Michael Shoebridge about some of the challenges for the review, including its short timeline for delivery. Baani Grewal speaks to Dr Teesta Prakash about the relationship dynamics between India and Southeast Asia and their growing strategic convergence as they tackle shared challenges. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI report ‘Marles’s Defence Strategic Review—an exploding suitcase of challenges to resolve by March 2023’: htt

This week marks a significant milestone for the Policy, Guns & Money team - our 150th episode! We'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback via podcast@aspi.org.au, thanks! As Australia’s space sector grows and continues to build significant sovereign capabilities, optimising the links between commercial and national security space is critical. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Adam Gilmour, CEO and Founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, about the need for greater collaboration between the private sector and government to support Australia’s space industry. It's been more than two years since the deadly clashes on the India-China border in 2020, and despite many rounds of consultations between the two countries, the situation at the border shows no signs of improving. Baani Grewal speaks to Dr Tanvi Madan, senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy in the Foreign Policy program and director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution, about the trajectory of the India-China relationship in

On 13 July, Australia’s Deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles formally opened the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Washington DC office. In what is Australia’s first defence and national security think tank to open an overseas office, we were thrilled to have Minister Marles join ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi and the inaugural Washington DC director Mark Watson for the official launch. In this special episode, Justin and Mark share their views on the launch and the critical role that ASPI DC will play in informing security, defence and foreign policy debates in Washington. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI Washington DC: https://www.aspi.org.au/washingtondc Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Mark Watson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mark-r-watson Music: "Ten Petal Rose" by Ketsa - via the FreeMusicArchive.org

In this episode, ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton speaks to Admiral Mike Rogers, former Director of the U.S. National Security Agency and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and current member of CyberCX’s Global Advisory Board. They consider how the U.S. and its allies have progressed in addressing cyber challenges, and the need for increased industry and government collaboration to solve the problems that technology presents. They also discuss the lessons being learned from Russia’s war on Ukraine, China’s approach to cyber and technology development, and the future of the internet. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Admiral Mike Rogers (ret.) Music: "You Vintage" by Ketsa, via the FreeMusicArchive.org

Recently, we saw the third and final launch of a NASA rocket from Australia’s Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory – the first successful sub-orbital rocket launch from an Australian commercial centre, and the first commercial launch ever by NASA outside of the United States. ASPI’s resident space-wonks Bec Shrimpton and Dr Malcolm Davis discuss the significance of these launches, what it means for the Australian space industry, and how the Australian government can support this industry’s development into an international and national asset. Recently, the Lowy Institute released its annual poll, which captures Australian views of the world and current global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China and climate. Fergus Ryan speaks to the author of the 2022 Poll, Natasha Kassam about the notable shifts in this year’s poll and what surprised her in the polling results. China’s recent security agreement with Solomon Islands gives Beijing the ability to send police and military forces to

Last week, it was the 25th anniversary of the British handover of Hong Kong, and China’s President Xi Jinping travelled to Hong Kong to mark the occasion. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Primrose Riordan about the significance of the anniversary, the changes she has seen in Hong Kong over her time reporting from the city and the continuing impacts of the crackdown on dissent and the Hong Kong National Security Law. In a letter to the CEOs of Apple and Google, the Commissioner for the United States Federal Communications Commission has called for TikTok to be removed from app stores, citing security concerns. Baani Grewal speaks to Fergus Ryan to discuss TikTok’s owner ByteDance, its ties to the Chinese government and the accessibility of users’ data by Chinese staff. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Nathan Ruser has been mapping the movements on the ground, including changes in territorial control. Late last month, we asked Nathan about how he approaches mapping these movements, including challen

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, we are delighted to be joined by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former President of Estonia, for a conversation on Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi asks Toomas about Western and NATO unity in support of Ukraine and the implications of the war for democracies and global security, including in the Indo-Pacific. They also discuss cyber challenges, lessons to be learned from the war and the long-term trajectory of the conflict. Guest bio: Toomas Hendrik Ilves served as the fourth President of Estonia from 2006 until 2016. Ilves worked as a diplomat and journalist, and he was the leader of the Social Democratic Party in the 1990s. He served in the government as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 1998 and again from 1999 to 2002. Later, he was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2006. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Toomas Hendrik Ilves: https://www.presidentilves.ee/bio

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, Brendan Nicholson speaks to Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Cambodia’s Minister delegate attached to the PM for Foreign Affairs and ASEAN. They discuss ASEAN’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, Australia’s relationship with Cambodia, ASEAN’s stance on Myanmar and the expansion of the Ream naval base. This week, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was in India to meet his counterpart. Karly Winkler and Baani Grewal reflect on how the India-Australia relationship has evolved and highlight the importance of focusing the relationship in on defence and security. Energy security is front and centre in Australia, with issues around supply and costs. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Ulas Yildirim about the Australian Defence Force’s energy supplies and the need to grow the alternative fuels sector in Australia to futureproof the ADF. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Australian Defence Force and its future energy requirements’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/au

To kick off the episode, Dr Alex Bristow speaks to ASPI newcomer Bec Shrimpton, who will head up this year’s Sydney Dialogue. They discuss the strategic threats Australia faces, including the challenges posed by emerging tech, and the Australia-China relationship. With so much of our data online, and a growing reliance on technology in our daily lives, we are left vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Karly Winkler speaks to Google’s Shane Huntley about the work of the Google Threat Analysis Group and the current cyber threat landscape. In the Integrated Review 2021, the UK Government detailed its vision of the UK’s role in the world over the next two decades, outlining a tilt to the Indo-Pacific. Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Professor Alessio Patalano about the Indo-Pacific tilt, the UK’s naval strategy and defence capability priorities. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Bec Shrimpton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-shrimpton-09233265/?originalSubd

This week, ASPI released the 21st edition of its annual ‘Cost of Defence’ budget brief, which is Australia’s most comprehensive analysis of Defence spending. Michael Shoebridge speaks to the report’s lead author Dr Marcus Hellyer about the biggest areas of spending for Defence and challenges for the Department, as well as the difficult choices the new government faces given supply chain disruptions, inflation and the conflict in Ukraine. Mentioned in this episode: The Cost of Defence – 2022-2023 Defence budget brief: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-aspi-defence-budget-brief-2022-2023 Guests: Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer

Anastasia Kapetas and Kyle Wilson take a look at Russia’s history, use of propaganda and how Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was consistent with the evolution of his rule over the past two decades. Dr Jacob Wallis and Dr Samantha Hoffman discuss China’s messaging around the conflict in Ukraine. They consider the messaging by China’s diplomats and Chinese state media at different stages of the conflict, something they explored in their recent report ‘China's messaging on the Ukraine conflict’. Mentioned in this episode: ‘China's messaging on the Ukraine conflict’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/chinas-messaging-ukraine-conflict Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Kyle Wilson: https://ces.cass.anu.edu.au/people/mr-kyle-wilson Dr Jacob Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman

The floods in South-East Queensland and New South Wales earlier this year were some of the most extreme disasters in Australian history, with the Insurance Council of Australia highlighting the event as the country’s costliest flood ever. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Dr Annika Dean about recent analysis by the Climate Council on the links between climate change and extreme weather events and insurability risks across Australia. Baseline data for the report Uninsurable Nation: Australia's Most Climate Vulnerable Places and the Climate Risk Map was provided by Climate Valuation. All reproduction, aggregations and conclusions drawn from the data are the work of the Climate Council. In September last year, the Australian Government announced it would enter into a trilateral security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom – AUKUS. As part of that partnership, Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Anastasia Kapetas is joined by John Carlson for a conversation on nuclear non-prolifer

With the Quad Leaders set to meet in Tokyo next Tuesday, this episode explores the security and foreign policies of Australia’s Quad partners, India and Japan. Justin Bassi speaks to India expert Dr Tanvi Madan about India’s perspectives on key strategic issues, including the China-Russia partnership and regional security challenges in South Asia. The conversation highlights opportunities for the Quad to ensure stability and security in the region. Shifting focus to Japan, Dr Malcolm Davis speaks to Dr Stephen Nagy about Japan’s foreign and security policy. They discuss Japan’s relationship with China, the importance of multilateralism and the potential for increased technology cooperation. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Fateful Triangle - How China Shaped U.S.-India Relations During the Cold War’: https://www.brookings.edu/book/fateful-triangle/ Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Dr Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Dr Malco

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Dr Alex Bristow, Deputy Director of Defence, Strategy & National Security at ASPI, speaks to Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies about the security pact between China and Solomon Islands. Their conversation considers China’s strategic objectives, the different responses to the agreement and its implications for security in the South Pacific. Mentioned in this episode: Assessing the Solomon Islands’ new security agreement with China: https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2022/05/china-solomon-islands Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Dr Euan Graham: https://www.iiss.org/people/asia-pacific/euan-graham

In April this year, a coalition of over 60 countries released ‘A Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, a joint partnership that aims to actively support the internet as an open, free, global digital ecosystem. Karly Winkler, Jocelinn Kang and Bart Hogeveen discuss what the declaration means for human rights, sustainable development and the democratic systems of countries. On 12th and 13th May, ASEAN Leaders will meet U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington DC for a special summit. Ahead of the summit, Dr David Engel speaks to Dr Huong Le Thu about the latest news from ASEAN, including Indonesia’s decision to keep Russia on the G20 invitation list and political stability in Southeast Asia. Recently, the Taliban announced a ban on the cultivation of opium poppy in Afghanistan. Dr Teagan Westendorf and Dr John Coyne discuss the political, cultural and economic ramifications of the new ban and how its impact will be felt locally and internationally. Guests (in order of appearance): Karly Winkler: https:

This is Policy, Guns and Money, the ASPI podcast, with me, Olivia Nelson. As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, ASPI’s Dr David Engel and Radityo Dharmaputra, PhD researcher at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, consider the public response to the conflict in Indonesia and how anti-Western sentiment and Russian propaganda have shaped people’s views. Now to a different aspect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict – the information domain. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Carl Miller, Research Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media (CASM) at Demos, about the effectiveness of Russia’s information operations outside of Western countries and who is winning the information war. Finally, Bart Hogeveen speaks to Trisha Ray, Associate Fellow with ORF’s Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, about Australia and India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and opportunities to support inclusive digital development in the region. Guests (in order of appearance

Recently, Peter Jennings spoke to Victorian Senator James Paterson, who Chairs the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. They discuss the Committee's recent inquiry into national security risks affecting Australia's higher education and research sectors, the Senator's role as Chair, and Australia's foreign interference laws. Dr John Coyne and Gill Savage from ASPI’s Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre sat down to discuss what the latest Budget holds for Northern Australia. They discuss the disconnect between decisions made in southern Australia for initiatives in the north, the limitations of siloed policy approaches and the need for cohesive ‘bigger picture’ planning. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Collaborative nation building: Port of Townsville case study’ by Gill Savage and Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/collaborative-nation-building-port-townsville-case-study Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Senator

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Dr David Kilcullen, Professor of International and Political Studies at UNSWCanberra. They discuss the global implications of the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the state of Afghanistan since the withdrawal of international forces, and the future of Australia’s defence capability versus meeting its current short-term demands. Dr David Kilcullen is a former soldier and diplomat, and a scholar of guerrilla warfare, terrorism, urbanisation and the future of conflict, who served 25 years for the Australian and United States governments. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr David Kilcullen: https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/david-kilcullen

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Fergus Hanson speaks to India’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant. They discuss the evolution of Australia-India cyber partnership, the cybersecurity threat landscape in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and India’s national security policies on 5G. Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant is India’s National Cybersecurity Coordinator. He is responsible for overseeing the development of India’s first national cybersecurity strategy. Previously, he was the head of the Indian Army’s cyber training establishment for three years and served in the Indian Army Signals Corps for 41 years. Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant