

The National Security Podcast
ANU National Security College
Expert analysis, insights and opinion on the national security challenges facing Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 10, 2025 • 35min
Nuclear flashpoint: Iran strikes, non-proliferation, and future threats
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 AgencyNuclear Suppliers Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 48min
Disasters, distrust, and disinformation
Join Anthony Bradstreet, a seasoned expert in Australian emergency management, Jodie Wrigley, a strategic communication advisor with the UN, and Allison Curtis from the Strong Cities Network as they delve into the disruptive role of misinformation during crises. They explore how disinformation complicates disaster response, sharing global examples like the Greece wildfires. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for community resilience and emphasizes the need for effective communication to rebuild trust in times of chaos.

Jun 26, 2025 • 53min
Iran, Israel and the future of Middle East security
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 Ian Parmeter: The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen nextIan Parmeter: Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable?Jessie Moritz: A shaky ceasefire; where now for Iran's leadership? And Stan Grant's new life on countryJessie Moritz: Australia's Iran fallout warning despite uneasy truceAbraham AccordsUSAIDUNRWA – United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near EastJCPOA – Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 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 episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 19, 2025 • 45min
The trans-Tasman alliance: strengthening Australia-NZ security ties
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 at Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Nicholas Khoo is an Associate Professor of International Politics at the University of Otago. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more NZ 2025 Defence Capability Plan New Zealand's National Security Strategy FPDA – Five Power Defence Arrangements CPTPP – The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership 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 episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 12, 2025 • 30min
In conversation with Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff
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 defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP amid growing threats Australia's JORN defence radar is being bought by Canada, the decision is part of a wider shift North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au.You can contact us on X (formerly Twitter) @NSC_ANU and Bluesky @nscanu.bsky.social, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 43min
AI, rights and rules: who’s accountable in an automated world?
Sarah Vallée, an AI policy specialist from the UTS Human Technology Institute, and Maria O'Sullivan, an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School, delve into the complexities of AI regulation. They discuss the risks of fragmented global governance and the need for international cooperation, particularly in developing nations. Maria highlights concerns over mass surveillance and the implications of AI on human rights. They emphasize the necessity for human oversight in AI decisions and advocate for Australia to adopt a federal Human Rights Act to protect citizens.

May 29, 2025 • 46min
Australia decides 2025: national security priorities
David Andrews, a senior manager at the ANU National Security College, discusses the Albanese government’s continuity and its focus on the National Defence Strategy 2026. Will Leben highlights the importance of planning for uncertainties due to climate shocks and US policy disruptions. Bec Strating advocates for a pragmatic approach to balancing relationships with China and the US while addressing AUKUS challenges. Together, they explore Australia’s independent defense obligations and the need for cohesive political leadership in national security planning.

May 22, 2025 • 56min
Transatlantic security crisis? NATO and Europe's strategic dilemma
Is Europe ready to defend itself without the United States? What roles do major countries like France, Germany, the UK, and partners like Australia play in this equation? How is the European defence industry responding to the war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical uncertainty? Are the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres now fully integrated in an era of global strategic competition? In this episode, Thorsten Benner and Bruno Tertrais join Rory Medcalf to explore the evolving landscape of European security in the context of global challenges, particularly the impact of the Trump administration, the China-Russia dynamic, and the potential responses of countries like France and Germany. Thorsten Benner is Co-founder and Director of the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) in Berlin.Bruno Tertrais is Deputy Director of the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), a leading French think-tank on international security issues.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. 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 contact us on X (formerly Twitter) @NSC_ANU and Bluesky @nscanu.bsky.social, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 • 44min
Insidious and underappreciated? The impact of gender-based violence on national security
What is the link between gender and extremism? What makes it a national security issue? Can domestic violence act as a ‘comorbidity’ for extremism and radicalisation? Should the Australian Government consider following the lead of other countries and classifying misogyny as a form of extremism? In this episode, Elise Stephenson and Pascale Taplin join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss the complex relationship between extremism, gender and national security.Dr Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at ANU and Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Pascal Taplin is an anthropologist and PhD candidate at NSC. Associate Professor Danielle-Ireland Piper is Academic Director at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Misogyny to be treated as extremism by UK government From home to horror: the association between domestic violence and terrorism See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill – book See What You Made Me Do – miniseries, documentary National Security Law in Australia – chapter 8 Gender and National Security by Susan Harris Rimmer & Elise Stephenson We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au.You can contact us on X (formerly Twitter) @NSC_ANU and Bluesky @nscanu.bsky.social, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 8, 2025 • 44min
Why Taiwan’s security matters to Australia and the world
What kind of external pressures and foreign interference is Taiwan facing? How does Taiwan balance its status as a global tech giant with its regional security vulnerabilities? In what ways are Australia’s interests intertwined with the security and resilience of Taiwan? In this episode, Ketty Chen and Mark Harrison join Susan Dietz to discuss Taiwan's national security challenges, focusing on the influence of China, the complexities of Taiwan's domestic politics, and the implications of its role in the global tech supply chain. Dr Ketty Chen is Advisor for the National Bureau of Asian Research and an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Dr Mark Harrison is Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Tasmania and an Expert Associate at NSC. Susan Dietz is Senior Executive Advisor, China at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more. Revolutionary Taiwan: Making Nationhood in a Changing World Order President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats faced by Taiwan Disinformation in Taiwan – report We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au.You can contact us on X (formerly Twitter) @NSC_ANU and Bluesky @nscanu.bsky.social, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


