The National Security Podcast

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

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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 | Substack
Recent 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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]. 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.