The National Security Podcast

How integrated is Australia’s approach to statecraft across defence, diplomacy, development and industry – and how visible is that integration to the public? What is the strategic logic behind Australia’s expanding network of Pacific partnerships and treaties? What are the details of the reforms to defence acquisition and how will this impact the future of Australia’s defence industry?  In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition.  The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and the Federal Member for Shortland. 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 academia.  TRANSCRIPTShow Notes·     NSC academic programs – find out more·  &nb

What is intergenerational security and how does it intersect with traditional concepts of national security?How do intergenerational dynamics and differing interactions with technology, social media and AI impact security and resilience?What are the security issues that young Australians care about and how do these differ from the concerns of older Australians? In this episode Sally Bulkeley is joined by Afeeya Akhand and Victoria Cooper to discuss intergenerational security and the differing perspectives across age demographics in Australia.Afeeya Akhand is an Emerging Associate with the ANU National Security College (NSC). Her research focuses on South Korean foreign policy, Indo-Pacific security, inclusion and social cohesion.Victoria Cooper is a Senior Analyst at the Development Intelligence Lab and focused on foreign policy and the interaction of socio-political trends, development and security. She is also an Emerging Associate with NSC.Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC.TRANSCRIPTShow

How is the Australian Defence Force preparing for the challenges of a changing world? Does the appointment of a naval officer as the Chief of the Defence Force signal a shift in focus to the maritime domain? What does a career in the Australian Defence Force mean in the 21st century?  In this episode, Admiral David Johnston joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the insights he has gained through his career in the Royal Australian Navy, and how he sees the future of Australia’s defence.  Admiral David Johnston AC RAN was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience across a range of leadership, maritime and joint operations, training and capability management appointments in Australia and overseas. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more

What are the origins of AGO and how has the organisation developed within the National Intelligence Community? How does AGO contribute to the broader remit of Australian statecraft, the work done by other NIC agencies, and the Five Eyes partnership? What are some of the biggest challenges in Australia’s immediate region that AGO is working towards? What role do emerging technologies play in this? What makes innovation in the geospatial intelligence space key to building resilience?  In this episode Kathryn McMullan joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the importance of geospatial intelligence, how it contributes to statecraft, and how the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) works with other partners to enhance national security and resilience.  Kathryn McMullan is the Director of AGO. Sally

What is democratic resilience and why is it a national security issue? Why is it important to preserve public trust and participation in the electoral process and what are some of the challenges to this? Apart from voting, what are some other ways that Australians can engage in the democratic process? What challenges do big tech companies, mis- and disinformation, and AI present in this digital age?  In this episode Tom Rogers joins Tim Wilford to discuss the importance of democratic resilience in Australia, the role of civic engagement, and the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age.  Tom Rogers AO is a former Australian Electoral Commissioner and a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is a member of the Advisory Committee for NSC’s Community Consultation initiative. Tim Wilford is Director of NSC’s Community Consultation Initiative. TRANSCRIPT Show Notes NSC academic programs – find out more  NSC’

Do the US and other Western allies still maintain an edge over China in defence industry and innovation? How are partnerships between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea reshaping the global balance of power? How do Australia and other US partners contribute to strengthening deterrence and industrial resilience? What are the key supply chain vulnerabilities we might face in a protracted conflict, and how can Australia and its partners mitigate them? In this episode, Seth Jones joins David Andrews to discuss the importance of alliances, defence industry coordination, and readiness to build deterrence across multiple theatres. Dr Seth G Jones is Senior Vice President and Director of the International Security Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy and Engagement at the ANU National Security College.  TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Seth’s book

How does Finland view strategic linkages between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions? What is the Finnish model of ‘Comprehensive Security’, and how does it work in practice? How does Finland communicate openly with the public about national security risks without fuelling alarm or polarisation? What lessons can Australia learn from Finland's societal-led approach to preparedness? In this episode, Pasi Rajala joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, the importance of international cooperation among democracies, and Finland's unique approach to security and resilience. Pasi Rajala is the State Secretary to Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence.  Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.   TRANSCRIPT   Show notes NSC academic

How has the terrorism threat landscape evolved since 9/11, and what makes today’s challenges more complex? How is the counterterrorism response evolving in response to today’s rapidly shifting global landscape?  How has Trump’s ‘America-First’ policy impacted the US’ relationship with the Five Eyes partners in the counterterrorism space?  What can we do at a societal and community level to counter violent extremism? In this episode, Nick Rasmussen joins Sharryn Parker to discuss the evolving landscape of terrorism and counterterrorism, focusing on the complexities introduced by technology, the shifting priorities in national security, and the importance of community resilience. Nick Rasmussen is Senior Advisor for National Security and Leadership Programs at the McCain Institute. He is also a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence. TRANSCRIPT Show

How has Indonesia’s foreign policy evolved under President Prabowo? Is Indonesia slowly moving from being ‘non-aligned’ to being ‘multi-aligned’? How have recent US foreign and domestic policies affected its relationship with Indonesia? How can Australia and Indonesia strengthen their relationship and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?  In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Yohanes Sulaiman join David Andrews to explore Indonesia's evolving role as a strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with major players in the region. Dr Natalie Sambhi is Founder and Executive Director, Verve Research. She is also a Senior Policy Fellow with the Asia Society Australia. Dr Yohanes Sulaiman is an Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia. He is also the Executive Editor of the Journal of Global Strategic Studies. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College

How has strategic deterrence evolved from the Cold War to contemporary times? What is ‘strategic substitution,’ and how has China used it to craft its unique approach to deterrence? How does the ‘Golden Dome’ proposed by the US fit into today’s debates on missile defence and counter-space capabilities? Does Australia need to do more to close the capability gap in relation to China’s recent modernisation?  In this episode, Fiona Cunningham and Aaron Bateman join David Andrews to explore the evolution of strategic deterrence from the Cold War to contemporary times, with a focus on nuclear weapons, space capabilities and alternative approaches. Dr Aaron Bateman is Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University.Dr Fiona Cunningham is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at N

How aligned are China and Russia's strategic interests? How is this relationship playing out in relation to competing spheres of influence in Central Asia? What are the key points of friction in the China-Russia partnership? In this episode, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Graham Meehan join Sally Bulkeley to delve into the complex dynamics of the China-Russia relationship, exploring the alignment and divergence of their strategic interests.Dr Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva is a Lecturer at the ANU National Security College (NSC).Graham Meehan is a former diplomat, including having served overseas as the Australian Ambassador to Russia and Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing.Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC 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

How has the Australia-China relationship changed since the Prime Minister’s last visit to China in 2023? From China's perspective, how does its relationship with Australia fit into its current worldview? And how has US policy under Trump impacted that relationship? What does the future hold for the Australia-China relationship, given China’s increasingly assertive foreign and strategic policies? In this episode, Rowan Callick and Will Glasgow join Susan Dietz to unpack PM Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to China and the complexities of navigating the Australia–China relationship.Rowan Callick OBE is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is an experienced journalist with extensive China and other Indo-Pacific expertise. Will Glasgow is The Australian’s North Asia Correspondent, now based in Beijing. He has lived and reported from Beijing and Taipei since 2020. Susan Dietz is Senior Executive Advisor, China at NSC. TRANSCRIPT  Show notes 

What are some of the key mechanisms for avoiding conflict? Why is ASEAN a key player in preventive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region? What challenges are faced in trying to prevent conflict in the region? And what role does Australia play? In this episode, Bec Strating, Huong Le Thu and Collin Koh join Rory Medcalf to delve into the complexities of conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the role of ASEAN, Australia and other partners.Rebecca (Bec) Strating FAIIA is the Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).Dr Huong Le Thu is Deputy Director of Asia at the International Crisis Group – a conflict prevention organisation. She is also an Expert Associate at NSC.Dr Collin Koh is Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies and an Expert Associate at NSC.Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than th

Is America retreating from global leadership? Is this just a temporary wave of tension in the bilateral relationship, or might it signal a broader, long-term shift? Are the current AUKUS debates in Australia cutting through in the US?  In this episode, John Blaxland joins David Andrews to discuss Australia’s relationship with the US, and why he believes we’re well placed to withstand the instabilities of Trump’s second term in office.  John Blaxland is Director of the North America Liaison Office and Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies at The Australian National University. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security CollegeTRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcast The Secret Cold War: The Official History of ASIO, 1975-1989 by John Blaxland and Rhys Crawley Australia’s American Alliance edited by Peter J Dean, Stephan Frühling & Brendan Taylor More from the National Security

How has Australia’s security landscape changed over the last decade? How was the Indo-Pacific concept born, and how has it evolved? What are the biggest threats facing Australia right now?  In this episode, Rory Medcalf joins David Andrews to look back on the past decade in which he has served as Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC). They discuss the evolution of global threats over this period and how NSC has shifted its work to respond.  Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.  David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSC  TRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcast ANU National Security College initiatives NSC Community Consultations Contest for the Indo-Pacific: Why China Won’t Map the Future Senator the Hon Marise Payne, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, an

What impact will US and Israeli air strikes on Iran have on global non-proliferation efforts? How is Trump reshaping the US's leadership in nuclear non-proliferation? Could shifting international security dynamics encourage countries like South Korea or Japan to pursue nuclear weapons programs? In this episode, Michael Cohen and Maria Rost Rublee join David Andrews to discuss how recent strikes on Iran have brought nuclear non-proliferation back to the forefront of international policy debates.Michael Cohen is Associate Professor and Academic Director at the ANU National Security College (NSC)Maria Rost Rublee is Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne and an Executive Committee member of Women in Nuclear-AustraliaDavid Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSCTRANSCRIPTShow notes   Nuclear Matters podcastTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)International Atomic Energy AgencyNu

What are some of the challenges societies face because of mis- and disinformation during disaster response? How can Australia adapt to deal with these challenges? What lessons can we learn from incidents around the world? What does the future look like if we don't adapt to this changing environment? In this episode, Jodie Wrigley, Anthony Bradstreet, and Allison Curtis join David Andrews to discuss the evolving challenges posed by mis- and disinformation in crisis response scenarios.Jodie Wrigley is Partner and Head of Social Change at SenateSHJ.Anthony Bradstreet is the Chief Customer Officer at Safe365 Global.Allison Curtis is the Deputy Executive Director of the Strong Cities Network.David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcastCommunity Consultations 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

Where do the other Middle East countries and the Gulf nations stand on the Iran-Israel conflict? How do they view the US’ changing foreign policy? What were the motivations behind the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran? Was it preventive or pre-emptive action? Is regime change in Iran a realistic objective by Israel/US? Could Australia be asked to support future US military or strategic actions in the region? In this episode, Jessie Moritz and Ian Parmeter join David Andrews in discussion about the unfolding conflicts in the Middle East and their consequences for the future of regional and global security. Dr Jessie Moritz is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies.Ian Parmeter is a research scholar and PhD candidate at the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies.David Andrews is the Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College.  TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more   Ia

What is the ‘foreign policy reset’ undertaken by New Zealand’s National government, and how does it differ from the previous Labour government’s approach?  How can New Zealand and Australia strengthen their alliance to face shared security challenges, amidst US uncertainty and strategic competition with China?  How have recent Chinese activities in the Tasman Sea and the wider Pacific been viewed in New Zealand compared to Australia? What impact are these activities having on New Zealanders’ perceptions of China?  In this episode, David Capie and Nicholas Khoo join David Andrews to unpack New Zealand’s shifting foreign and defence policy, its approach to China, AUKUS, and its relationship with Australia. Professor David Capie is Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Professor of International Relations. Dr Nicholas Khoo is an Associate Professor of International Politics at the University of Otago. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the AN

Why is the Indo-Pacific of importance to Canada? Will it have a more consistent presence in the region in the future? How is Canada adapting its defence capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscape? What lessons has Canada drawn from the war in Ukraine, and how are these shaping the future of its armed forces and military operations?  In this episode, General Jennie Carignan joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss Canada’s evolving defence posture amid a shifting strategic landscape, with a focus on interoperability with partners like Australia, its Indo-Pacific commitments, and lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine.  General M.A. Jennie Carignan, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff.  Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at the ANU National Security College, on secondment from the Department of Defence. TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Canada boosts