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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

What does South Korea see as its role in the Indo-Pacific?  How does it view the nuclear threat from North Korea? And what are the opportunities that the Australia-Korea relationship presents for regional security and stability?    In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Go Myong-Hyun and Dr Lee Jaehyon from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy and its implications for regional security and...

What is the Australian Army doing to develop its robotic and autonomous systems capabilities?    How likely is the prospect of autonomous 'killer robots' taking to the battlefield?    And can the Australian Defence Force partner with industry for technical solutions while maintaining sovereign capability?    In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Colonel Robin Smith joins Olivia Shen to shed light on the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Strategy, and how the team he...

How can a better understanding of the Islamic faith help strengthen social cohesion?    What steps can national security agencies take to ensure diverse communities feel valued?    And how can the public service more effectively attract and retain staff from these communities?    In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Islamic scholar and community leader Shaykh Ahmed Abdo, along with former Commonwealth Counter Terrorism Coordinator Tony Sheehan, join Olivia Shen to discuss how...

What are the pathways for the United States and China to improve their bilateral relationship?  What might catalyse conflict between the two great powers? Is Australia prepared for this scenario – and will it take a crisis to find out? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Fiona Cunningham joins Gai Brodtmann to unpack the state of US-China relations and each country’s ability and willingness to resolve conflict through open communication. Dr Cunningham also explains how...

Why are Australia’s intelligence agencies growing their public engagement?  How are these agencies responding to an increasingly complex, challenging and dynamic strategic environment? And what are intelligence leaders doing to future-proof their organisations, workforces and capabilities? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Director-General of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, and Director-General of Security, Mike Burgess, join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss the state...

How have historical intelligence organisations evolved into the national security agencies we know today? Who were Australia’s early intelligence professionals? And how has this rich history contributed to the formation of key signals intelligence agreements such as Five Eyes? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Clare Birgin and Professor John Blaxland join Dr Will Stoltz to discuss their recently released book, Revealing Secrets: An unofficial history of Australian Signals...

What challenges does China pose to Australia’s security? And have the recent policy responses from Australian Governments been effective?  In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Euan Graham, IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow, discusses his new book, Australia's Security in China's Shadow, with Professor Rory Medcalf in front of a live audience. The conversation follows insightful opening remarks delivered by Richard Maude, Senior Fellow at Asia Society Australia, and former...

What is the Defence Strategic Review, and why does it matter? What does it mean for Australian strategy and defence in this contested era? And how will it shape the way the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence adapt to the risks facing the nation? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, co-lead of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) Secretariat, Professor Peter Dean, joins Professor Rory Medcalf to provide an insider's analysis of the government’s latest strategic...

How is the Quad navigating China’s growing power and influence in the region? How do the four countries balance their domestic security priorities with their commitments under the partnership? And does India’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine create compatibility challenges? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Darshana Baruah, Lisa Curtis and Professor Nobukatsu Kanehara join Professor Rory Medcalf to discuss the Quad partnership at a key time for Indo-Pacific...