The National Security Podcast

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 International Peace where she directs the Indian Ocean Initiative. David Brewster is a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC) and focuses on security in India and the Indian Ocean region, and Indo-Pacific maritime affairs. Shafqat Munir is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three de

As Indonesian’s 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 with Australia and security in the region.  Dr Natalie Sambhi is a Senior Policy Fellow with Asia Society Australia and the Founder and Executive Director of Verve Research. Her research focuses on Indonesian military affairs, Indonesian defence policy and Southeast Asian security. Gary Quinlan AO is a former diplomat and public servant who served as Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, High Commissioner to Singapore and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Professor

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 Tim Watts MP is the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is the Federal Member for Gellibrand. Brendan Dowling is Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.  Olivia Shen is a Director at the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs.   Show notes:  Securing our Future – national security conference, 9-10 April, 2024: secure your tickets  Australian Cyber Secu

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 Emerging Technology Program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Ben Scott is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College, and has over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, intelligence and think tanks, including stints at the Lowy Institute and the Office of National Intelligence.Olivia Shen is a Director at NSC on secondment from the Department of Home Affairs. Show notes: Securing our Future – national security conference, 9-10 April, 2024: secure your tickets ‘Adapting Aus

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 the government of France.  Justin Burke is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Centre for Maritime Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University.  Jennifer Parker is an Expert Associate at NSC and an Adjunct Fellow in Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra.  Show notes: Securing our Future – a national security conference: secure your tickets National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): find out more IUU Fishing: find out mor

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 industry? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Bec Shrimpton from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, joins Katherine Mansted in conversation to explore the rapidly changing landscape of big tech. Bec Shrimpton is the Director, Defence Strategy and National Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.Katherine Mansted is a Senior Fellow at the ANU National Security College, and the Executive Director, Cyber Intelligence at CyberCXShow notes:  National Int

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

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 University and Associate Professor Will Grant from ANU, join David Andrews in conversation to discuss the state of disinformation and misinformation on social media. Dr Darren Linvill is a Professor and Co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. He studies state-affiliated social media information operations. Dr Will J Grant is Associate Professor at The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, where he researches the interaction of science and politics.

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 School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania. He is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Antonia Finnane is an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne. Susan Dietz-Henderson is a Senior Executive Adviser at NSC, currently on secondment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more&nb

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 is an Associate Professor and Academic Director at the ANU National Security College. Kieran Pender is a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre. He is also an honorary lecturer at the ANU College of Law. Dr Dominique Dalla-Pozza is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU College of Law and has also recently joined the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:    ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more   The National Anti-Corruption Commission: find out mo

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.&