The National Security Podcast

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 National Security College who specialises on technology competition and innovation between the US and China, with a particular interest in biological technologies. David Andrews is Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.   Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more A strategy for Quad biotechnology collaboration by Dirk van der Kley and Daniel Pavlich: read more Quad Tech Network: find out more   We’d love to hear

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

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 unidentified Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) officer, Carl Chang and Caroline van Heuzen talk to Raj about his journey of migrating to Australia and finding his place working with Australia's overseas secret intelligence agency. Raj shares the impacts of work ASIS is doing to improve CALD representation within intelligence organisations, and what this means for Australia’s national security. While the name and voice of this ASIS officer has been changed to protect their identify, their story

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 implications.  Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM is Australia’s Chief Scientist, providing authoritative and independent science advice on whole-of-Government science and technology priorities. She is the author for a message of introduction to Australia’s National Quantum Strategy.Professor Michelle Simmons AO is Director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. She was also named as the 2018 Australian of the Year for her work and dedication to quantum information scien

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 analysis. Odette Meli has more than 25 years of professional experience at the Australian Federal Police, where she established and led the Strategic Insights Centre.  Dr Ryan Young is the Director, Research & Methods at the NSC Futures Hub. Dayle Stanley is the Director, Strategy and Engagement at the NSC Futures Hub.  Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more FuturePod: find out more Future Shock by Alvin Toffler: find out more Wh

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 security.  Dr Simon Walsh is the Chief Scientist, Forensics at the Australian Federal Police.  David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:    ANU National Security College 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 future episo

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, presently pursuing his Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. A Senior Fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Asian Law and an Editor-at-Large at Mekong Review, Yam is a prominent commentator on China and Hong Kong affairs. Notably, he is one of the eight activists targeted by Hong Kong's arrest warrant.  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 ac

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 the Center for Strategic and International Studies.  David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Australia can be America’s green power hub in the Indo-Pacific, James Carouso and Charles Edel: read 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

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 Postdoctoral Fellow in the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University.  Dr Cecilia Jacob is an Associate Professor and Fellow in the Department of International Relations at the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia and the Pacific.  Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper is Associate Professor and Academic Convenor at the ANU National Security College.  Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more   Read the GAAMAC Re

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 Australia's national security community.  Dr Jennifer Hsu is the author of the Lowy Institute’s 2023 Being Chinese in Australia: Public Opinion in Chinese Communities. She is Visiting Senior Fellow at the Social Policy and Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and most recently, Research Fellow and Project Director of the Multiculturalism, Identity and Influence Project at the Lowy Institute. Yun Jiang is the Australian Institute of International Affairs China Matters Fellow. She was

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 stability.  Dr Go Myong-Hyun is a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.  Dr Lee Jaehyon is a research fellow and director of the Center for ASEAN and Oceanian Studies at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.   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.  Show notes: Asan Institute for Policy

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 leads is implementing the plan.  Colonel Robin Smith is the inaugural Director of the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) within Future Land Warfare Branch of the Australian Army HQ. Olivia Shen is Director in the Executive and Professional Development Program at the ANU National Security College. Show notes: Robotic & Autonomous Systems Strategy Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordina

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 Australian governments can lay the groundwork of community engagement outside of crisis, in order to grow resilience and trust among diverse communities.  Shaykh Ahmed Abdo is an Islamic scholar and community leader in Sydney, as well as being a teacher and a mentor. Ahmed advises a range of government agencies on Islam and interfaith dialogue.  Tony Sheehan is a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College. He spent 32 years in government, including as

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 Australia could manage these challenges.Dr Fiona Cunningham is an Assistant Professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studies technology and conflict in East Asia. Her research focuses on how countries leverage nuclear space, cyber and missile technology for coercion, with a focus on China.Gai Brodtmann is a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College, having previously served as a diplomat, defence consultant, Member of Parliament, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security

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 of Australian intelligence.Andrew Shearer is Director-General of National Intelligence and head of the Office of National Intelligence.Mike Burgess is Director-General of Security and head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. 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.Show notes: Director-General's Annual Threat Asse

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 intelligence & the advent of cyber.Clare Birgin is a former Australian diplomat and former Visiting Fellow at The Australian National UniversityJohn Blaxland is a Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies at the ANU Strategic and Defence Studies CentreDr Will Stoltz is Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College and Senior Manager at CyberCXShow notes: Revealing Secrets: An unofficial history of Australian Signals intelligence & the advent of cyberANU National Security College academic

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 Director-General of the Office of National Assessments.Dr Carolyn Bull is Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College, seconded from the Office of National Intelligence, Australia’s peak intelligence agency.Richard Maude is Senior Fellow at Asia Society Australia, and former Director-General of the Office of National Assessments.Dr Euan Graham is a Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).Professor Rory Medcalf AM

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 defence document. Show notes:  Defence Strategic Review 2023 Australian interests in a regional balance of power, National Press Club Address, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong The Defence Strategic Review: a revolution in Australian defence planning?, Stephan Fruehling, The Strategist ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Professor Peter J. Dean PhD SFHEA was co-lead of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) Secretariat where he served as

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 diplomacy. Darshana M. Baruah is a Fellow with the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where she directs the Indian Ocean Initiative.Lisa Curtis is Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.Nobukatsu Kanehara is Professor of Political Science at Doshisha University. He was previously Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans

How important is Korea to Australia’s regional outlook? What elements of the Australia-South Korea relationship should be strengthened? And can South Korea continue to effectively juggle the competing security priorities of a rising China and a belligerent North Korea? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Lauren Richardson and Dr Michael Cohen join David Andrews to examine the Korean peninsula in the context of Australian foreign and security policy. Dr Lauren Richardson is a Lecturer in the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU. Dr Michael Cohen is a Senior Lecturer and the PhD Convenor at the ANU National Security College.David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College. Show notes: Rethinking the Potential for Australia-ROK Relations, AsiaLink, Lauren Richardson: read now ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and sugge