Defending Democracy with Malcolm Turnbull

Episode 3: Do we need a Plan B to AUKUS?

18 snips
Apr 2, 2025
Joining Malcolm Turnbull are Rear Admiral Peter D Briggs, a seasoned submarine operator with 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy, along with Jennifer Parker, a Principal Warfare Officer and HMAS Darwin's second-in-command for two decades, and Dennis Richardson, former Secretary of Defence and Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. They tackle the viability of AUKUS, questioning its current strategy. The need for a practical submarine design and Australia’s military sovereignty takes center stage, emphasizing the importance of strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing global landscape.
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INSIGHT

Sovereignty Trade-offs

  • Sovereignty in defense acquisition involves trade-offs for middle powers.
  • Complete control over technology is unrealistic without domestic development of all capabilities.
ANECDOTE

AUKUS Progress

  • AUKUS was not a coffee shop plan; the French submarine project was deemed problematic.
  • Despite perceived failures, AUKUS has made substantial progress in a short time, including agreements, treaties, and workforce development.
INSIGHT

Policy Contradictions

  • Policy contradictions are inevitable; consistency is a myth.
  • Focus on practical outcomes rather than striving for unattainable consistency.
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