Deterrence Down Under

Kimberly Cherington

Deterrence Down Under is a production of the NIDS Broadcasting Network and is focused on Australia and deterrence challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

  1. 1d ago

    Ukraine’s Resilience in War: Lessons for the Future with Dr. Viktoriya Fedorchak

    What enables a nation to endure years of war and continue fighting effectively? In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Dr. Viktoriya Fedorchak explores the remarkable resilience of Ukraine throughout the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Drawing on her research, she examines the interconnected concepts of preparedness, mobilization, and resilience, highlighting how military and societal factors have enabled Ukraine to adapt and persevere under extraordinary pressure. The conversation explores key lessons from Ukraine’s long-term conflict, including the importance of national preparedness, the ability to recover and adapt in wartime, and the role of public support in sustaining military effectiveness. Dr. Fedorchak also discusses how these lessons may apply to other nations, particularly Australia, as they confront evolving security challenges. The episode concludes with an examination of modern warfare’s rapidly changing character, including the growing impact of drones and the continued importance of air power. Dr. Fedorchak offers insights into how military organizations can adapt their doctrines and force structures to address emerging threats while maintaining operational effectiveness. Dr. Viktoriya Fedorchak is a Senior lecturer and Docent\Associate Professor in War Studies, Air Operations Division, at the Swedish Defence University. Previously, she taught courses in Air Power, Security and Strategic Studies, International Relations in Norway, Ireland, and the UK. She has widely published on air power and security studies, multi-domain aspects of the Russia-Ukraine war. Her books are the monograph ‘British Air Power: The Doctrinal Path to Jointery’ (Bloomsbury Academic, 2018), and the textbook ‘Understanding Contemporary Air power’ (Routledge, 2020). Her most recent monograph, ‘The Russia-Ukraine War: towards Resilient fighting Power’ (Routledge), was published in Spring 2024 and is available online in open access. Her current research interests include air power, Nordic aerial cooperation, multi-domain operations, professional military education, and Sweden’s NATO membership. www.thinkdeterrence.com

    Ukraine’s Resilience in War: Lessons for the Future with Dr. Viktoriya Fedorchak
  2. Aug 24

    Alliances, Burden Sharing, and Security in the Indo-Pacific

    How should allies share the burden of defense in an increasingly contested security environment? In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Christine and Carl unpack the strategic implications of a recent speech by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby and explore what it means for the future of the U.S.-Australia alliance. The discussion examines alliance responsibilities, deterrence strategies, and the challenges of maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. From Australia's growing military capabilities and strategic partnerships to debates over burden sharing, missile defense, and military readiness, the conversation highlights how allies can strengthen deterrence while navigating complex geopolitical realities. Christine and Carl also compare NATO's evolution with security arrangements in the Asia-Pacific, discussing how different threat environments shape alliance structures, defense investments, and strategic decision-making. Along the way, they explore the concepts of strategic depth, forward basing, escalation dynamics, and the economic benefits that underpin enduring security partnerships. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how allies can strengthen deterrence, adapt to evolving threats, and maintain stability in one of the world's most strategically important regions. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

    Alliances, Burden Sharing, and Security in the Indo-Pacific
  3. Aug 10

    SLCM-N, Missile Defense, and the Future of Indo-Pacific Deterrence

    In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Carl Rhodes and Christine Leah examine one of the most debated developments in modern nuclear strategy: the United States' Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) program. As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, policymakers and defense planners are reassessing how nuclear and conventional capabilities contribute to deterrence, assurance, and regional stability. Carl and Christine break down what SLCM-N is, why the United States is pursuing the capability, and how it fits into the broader framework of extended nuclear deterrence. They explore the historical role of sea-launched nuclear weapons, the legacy of the nuclear Tomahawk missile, and the strategic arguments both for and against deploying nuclear-armed cruise missiles aboard naval platforms. The discussion also examines Australia's evolving missile defense capabilities, including recent testing at Woomera, and considers what these developments mean for allies and partners throughout the region. Along the way, they address the perspectives of Japan and South Korea, command and control challenges, signaling and escalation risks, and Australia's longstanding nuclear policy commitments. From tactical nuclear weapons and maritime deterrence to alliance assurance and Indo-Pacific security, this episode provides a timely and accessible look at the complex strategic questions shaping the future of nuclear deterrence. Resources: Hiroshi Nakatani thesis on Japan https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/86467/2/23871021_Nakatani_thesis.pdf Desmond Ball http://www.jstor.org/stable/2538940?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents Linton Brooks http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/ins/summary/v013/13.3.brooks.html David Lange https://www.amazon.com.au/Nuclear-Free-New-Zealand-Way/dp/0140145192 www.thinkdeterrence.com

    SLCM-N, Missile Defense, and the Future of Indo-Pacific Deterrence
  4. Jul 27

    China's Nuclear Missile Test: Signaling or Routine?

    In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Carl and Christine examine China's recent submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test and what it reveals about Beijing's evolving approach to nuclear deterrence in the Asia-Pacific. Was the launch a routine military activity, a strategic signal, or both? Carl and Christine explore the role of transparency, nuclear signaling, and strategic communication among major powers, while discussing the implications for Australia, the United States, and regional allies. They also unpack the diplomatic dynamics unfolding across the Pacific, the challenges posed by emerging missile technologies, and the growing importance of credible deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:28 China tests submarine-launched missile in the Pacific 02:22 Timing of the test and regional signaling 04:22 Interpretation of routine vs. provocative testing 08:12 Transparency and nuclear signaling 11:27 Missile testing and international norms 14:38 Cruise missiles and nuclear deterrence 16:15 Warning time and strategic preparedness 20:22 Australia’s response and regional security 22:48 Nuclear free zones and regional treaties 24:55 Diplomatic strategies in the Pacific 27:00 The evolving strategic landscape in Asia-Pacific 30:12 Future challenges and the role of transparency https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

    China's Nuclear Missile Test: Signaling or Routine?
  5. Jun 15

    Strategic Reality Check: Australia, AUKUS, and Modern Deterrence with Stephen Kuper

    In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, defense analyst Steven Kuper joins the conversation to examine Australia’s evolving strategic posture in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. The discussion centers on the implications of AUKUS—the trilateral security partnership reshaping defense cooperation, advanced capabilities, and undersea power in the region—and what it means for Australia’s long-term security and strategic independence. Cooper explores the tension between Australia’s historic reliance on allies and the growing need for greater self-reliance, highlighting how resilience—across defense, industry, and the economy—has become a core component of national security. From submarine capabilities to supply chain strength, the conversation underscores the interconnected nature of modern deterrence. The episode also unpacks strategic stability in a complex environment, where technological change, regional competition, and military modernization are reshaping how nations prepare for and prevent conflict. As Cooper notes, deterrence is not just about capability—it’s about adaptability, mobilization, and making critical choices today that shape tomorrow’s security landscape. With insights on mobilization challenges, defense industry capacity, and geopolitical risk, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the realities facing Australia—and why building a resilient, integrated strategy is essential for navigating the future of deterrence. Listen now to explore how Australia is positioning itself for the next era of strategic competition. www.thinkdeterrence.com Follow us on YouTube and Linkedin

    Strategic Reality Check: Australia, AUKUS, and Modern Deterrence with Stephen Kuper

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Deterrence Down Under is a production of the NIDS Broadcasting Network and is focused on Australia and deterrence challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

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