The National Security Podcast

ANU National Security College
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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.

  1. JAN 22

    Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific

    How integrated is Australia’s approach to statecraft across defence, diplomacy, development and industry – and how visible is that integration to the public? What is the strategic logic behind Australia’s expanding network of Pacific partnerships and treaties? What are the details of the reforms to defence acquisition and how will this impact the future of Australia’s defence industry?   In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition.   The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and the Federal Member for Shortland. 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 ·     Press Conference, Parliament House | Defence Ministers ·     Government unveils Department of Defence overhaul amid delays and cost blowouts - ABC News ·     Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty   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.

    42 min

  2. 12/04/2025

    The future will thank us: an intergenerational approach to security

    What is intergenerational security and how does it intersect with traditional concepts of national security? How do intergenerational dynamics and differing interactions with technology, social media and AI impact security and resilience? What are the security issues that young Australians care about and how do these differ from the concerns of older Australians?   In this episode Sally Bulkeley is joined by Afeeya Akhand and Victoria Cooper to discuss intergenerational security and the differing perspectives across age demographics in Australia. Afeeya Akhand is an Emerging Associate with the ANU National Security College (NSC). Her research focuses on South Korean foreign policy, Indo-Pacific security, inclusion and social cohesion. Victoria Cooper is a Senior Analyst at the Development Intelligence Lab and focused on foreign policy and the interaction of socio-political trends, development and security. She is also an Emerging Associate with NSC. Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Dinner Table Politics | Victoria Cooper | SubstackRecent stabbings highlight danger of online misinformation | Afeeya Akhand | The Strategist 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.

    47 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force: reflections on half a century of service

    How is the Australian Defence Force preparing for the challenges of a changing world?  Does the appointment of a naval officer as the Chief of the Defence Force signal a shift in focus to the maritime domain?  What does a career in the Australian Defence Force mean in the 21st century?    In this episode, Admiral David Johnston joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the insights he has gained through his career in the Royal Australian Navy, and how he sees the future of Australia’s defence.    Admiral David Johnston AC RAN was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience across a range of leadership, maritime and joint operations, training and capability management appointments in Australia and overseas.  Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of NSC. 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 CDF Speaking at the ASPI 2025 Defence Conference: National preparedness and national support for defence CDF Podcast on Australia’s defence strategy in the indo-pacific    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.

    44 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    Seeing the unseen: why geospatial intelligence is important

    What are the origins of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO), and how has the organisation developed within the National Intelligence Community?  How does AGO contribute to the broader remit of Australian statecraft, the work done by other NIC agencies, and the Five Eyes partnership?  What makes innovation in the geospatial intelligence space key to building resilience?    In this episode Kathryn McMullan joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the importance of geospatial intelligence, how it contributes to statecraft, and how the AGO works with other partners to enhance national security and resilience.    Kathryn McMullan is the Director of AGO.  Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College.    TRANSCRIPT  Show Notes:   AGO | National Intelligence Community  Five Eyes wide shut: now is the wrong time to pause in shaping Australia’s intelligence agencies 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.

    42 min

  5. 10/23/2025

    Democratic resilience in the digital age

    What is democratic resilience and why is it a national security issue?  Why is it important to preserve public trust and participation in the electoral process and what are some of the challenges to this?  Apart from voting, what are some other ways that Australians can engage in the democratic process?  What challenges do big tech companies, mis- and disinformation, and AI present in this digital age?    In this episode Tom Rogers joins Tim Wilford to discuss the importance of democratic resilience in Australia, the role of civic engagement, and the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age.    Tom Rogers AO is a former Australian Electoral Commissioner and a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is a member of the Advisory Committee for NSC’s Community Consultation initiative.  Tim Wilford is Director of NSC’s Community Consultation Initiative.  TRANSCRIPT   Show Notes  NSC academic programs – find out more  NSC’s Community Consultations initiative Judith Brett's book: From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage   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.

    26 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    Sustaining deterrence and building defence industrial resilience

    Do the US and other Western allies still maintain an edge over China in defence industry and innovation?  How are partnerships between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea reshaping the global balance of power?  How do Australia and other US partners contribute to strengthening deterrence and industrial resilience?  What are the key supply chain vulnerabilities we might face in a protracted conflict, and how can Australia and its partners mitigate them?  In this episode, Seth Jones joins David Andrews to discuss the importance of alliances, defence industry coordination, and readiness to build deterrence across multiple theatres.  Dr Seth G Jones is Senior Vice President and Director of the International Security Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC.  David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy and Engagement at the ANU National Security College.    TRANSCRIPT    Show notes  NSC academic programs – find out more Seth’s book – The American Edge: The Military Tech Nexus and the Sources of Great Power Dominance THAAD – The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System    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.

    46 min

  7. 09/25/2025

    What Finland can teach Australia about national security

    How does Finland view strategic linkages between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions?  What is the Finnish model of ‘Comprehensive Security’, and how does it work in practice?  How does Finland communicate openly with the public about national security risks without fuelling alarm or polarisation?  What lessons can Australia learn from Finland's societal-led approach to preparedness?  In this episode, Pasi Rajala joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, the importance of international cooperation among democracies, and Finland's unique approach to security and resilience.  Pasi Rajala is the State Secretary to Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence.   Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA 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  North star: why Australia should look to Finland on resilience and preparedness   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.

    28 min

  8. 09/11/2025

    Evolving lessons in counterterrorism from 9/11 to 2025

    How has the terrorism threat landscape evolved since 9/11, and what makes today’s challenges more complex?  How is the counterterrorism response evolving in response to today’s rapidly shifting global landscape?   How has Trump’s ‘America-First’ policy impacted the US’ relationship with the Five Eyes partners in the counterterrorism space?   What can we do at a societal and community level to counter violent extremism?  In this episode, Nick Rasmussen joins Sharryn Parker to discuss the evolving landscape of terrorism and counterterrorism, focusing on the complexities introduced by technology, the shifting priorities in national security, and the importance of community resilience.  Nick Rasmussen is Senior Advisor for National Security and Leadership Programs at the McCain Institute. He is also a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence.  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 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.

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    ANU National Security College
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    282
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ANU National Security College
  • Show Website
    The National Security Podcast

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