What is the likelihood of the AUKUS partnership expanding to include Japan, Korea, Canada, and New Zealand? How would this impact the strategic objectives of AUKUS?  Should AUKUS be formally separated, and the partners instead manage nuclear submarines and advanced capabilities under different agreements?  What are some challenges and risks to the future success of AUKUS?   In this episode, Justin Burke and Jada Fraser join David Andrews to explore the evolving dynamics of the AUKUS...

How does distrust in democratic institutions and political leaders affect social cohesion in Australia?   Is the rise of authoritarianism within democracies a symptom of broader systemic problems?   How can democratic institutions in Australia counter challenges like terrorism, radical extremism, and threats to cybersecurity?  In this episode, Misha Zelinsky, Lydia Khalil, and James Paterson join Jane Halton to discuss the current challenges and threats to democracy and its institutions,...

What is the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor? How does it differ from other oversight bodies?  And what are the legal and policy issues we are grappling with that have prompted a Secrecy Review?  In this episode, Jake Blight joins Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss secrecy laws, how they fit into the national security landscape, and his organisation's recent review. Jake Blight is the current Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, and previously an Associate...

Note: This episode was recorded during NSC’s Securing our Future conference on 9 April 2024.   How can deterrence and diplomacy be integrated to preserve peace, stability, and the conditions for prosperity in the Indo Pacific?  Is development assistance a tool of strategic competition, or is it a tool for deterrence?  What does effective deterrence look like for Australia and its allies in the Indo-Pacific?  In this episode, Richard Maude, Greg Moriarty, Huong Le Thu, and Richard Fontaine...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

As Indonesian 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....