The National Security Podcast

Why do Australians place peaceful and safe communities above more traditional security priorities? Why are AI-enabled attacks, economic crises, supply chain shocks and disinformation rising above more conventional threats in public concern?Why do many Australians want more transparency and information from trusted agencies, while also feeling overwhelmed by the information environment? Why do so few Australians think the country is fully prepared for major threats, and what does that preparedness gap mean for government and industry? In this episode, Rory Medcalf, Tom Rogers and Tim Wilford join Sally Bulkeley to discuss the findings of NSC’s Community Consultations Report – Australia's first comprehensive research report, examining Australian attitudes to national security, and perceptions of risk and resilience.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. Tom Rogers is the former Australian Electoral Commissioner and a Distinguished Advisor at NSC. Tim Wilford is Director, Community Consultations at NSC. Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC. TRANSCRIPTShow notes·     NSC academic programs – find out more ·     Community Consultations Findings Report·     Engagement Report·     First Nations Report·     The security gap Australia can’t afford to ignoreWe'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.

Why did the United States and Israel choose to strike Iran now – and what are the strategic consequences of that decision? What lessons have been learnt from Iran’s asymmetric response? Can Iran’s protesters realistically leverage the current crisis for meaningful political change, or has the aerial campaign by US and Israel undermined their momentum? How can Australia and other US allies balance alliance commitments with national interests in this conflict? In this episode, Beth Sanner and Dr Rodger Shanahan join Justin Burke to discuss the drivers of the Iran war, and examine the broader implications for regional and global security.Beth Sanner is a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). She is the former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence, a 35-year intelligence veteran, and now the Director of Geopolitics and Strategy for International Capital Strategies.Dr Rodger Shanahan is a former Army officer with a PhD in Arab and Islamic studies. He has previously held appointments at NSC and the Lowy Institute, with operational and diplomatic experience in the Middle East.Justin Burke is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC.TRANSCRIPTShow notes:·     NSC academic programs – find out moreWe'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.

Is there a strategic through line or an explanatory logic behind the Trump Administration’s actions in Venezuela, Greenland and Iran?What is the current state of the Transatlantic Alliance?What are the implications of cross-theatre linkages for the idea that Europe and the Indo-Pacific are separate security arenas?With rising tensions in the Middle East, what factors will most strongly influence whether tensions between the US and Iran escalate into a broader regional conflict?Are there any potentially optimistic geopolitical signals that deserve amplification?In this episode, Justin Burke speaks with Euan Graham and Gorana Grgić to discuss the through lines on the surprising geopolitical events that ushered in 2026, imagining a world without the US at its center. Dr Gorana Grgić is Head of the Global Security team at the ETH Zurich’s Center for Security Studies and holds senior affiliations in Australia and the US. Her research interests include US and EU foreign policy and NATO.Dr Euan Graham is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College. He has extensive experience as a commentator, policy analyst and former practitioner specializing in Indo-Pacific security.Justin Burke is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College.TRANSCRIPTShow notes:·     NSC academic programs – find out more·     The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact: America Needs a New Asian Alliance to Counter China·     Asia After America | Foreign AffairsWe'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.

Why do Australia’s borders require a fundamental rethink? How can Australian governments build on the vision of Australia’s borders as a national strategic asset? How can new forms of border governance, such as the use of AI and advanced data analytics, be introduced without undermining public trust? What should the border look like for industry, travellers, the pubic, international partners and those interested in conducting trade with Australia? In this episode, Mike Outram joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the need for Australia to reconceptualise its borders as strategic assets, the threats posed by transnational crime, and the economic benefits of modern border management.Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC).Mike Outram APM is a Distinguished Advisor at NSC. He was Commissioner of the Australian Border Force from 2018 to 2024. He has served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years.TRANSCRIPTShow notes Securing our Future conference – Register nowNSC academic programs – find out more Beyond the checkpoint: managing Australia’s border as a strategic economic and national security assetACIC CEO ‘opens the books’ on serious and organised crime | National Security College 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.

Why has serious and organised crime – estimated to cost Australia $82.3 billion each year – become a national security issue? How is the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) responding to this? What are the linkages between state actors and transnational and serious organised crime in Australia? What is the role of ACIC and other intelligence organisations in combating transnational crime? How does ACIC work with international partners?  In this episode, Heather Cook joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving landscape of transnational crime and its implications for national security in Australia.Heather Cook is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Director of the Australian Institute of Criminology. She is a career intelligence professional with more than 33 years' experience.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.Show notes:NSC academic programs – find out moreACIC CEO ‘opens the books’ on serious and organised crime | National Security CollegeBeyond the checkpoint: managing Australia’s border as a strategic economic and national security asset by Mike OutramImpact of organised crime on Australia laid bare in new report - ABC listenWe'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 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.  TRANSCRIPTShow 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 [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 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.TRANSCRIPTShow notesNSC academic programs – find out more Dinner Table Politics | Victoria Cooper | SubstackRecent stabbings highlight danger of online misinformation | Afeeya Akhand | The StrategistWe'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 agenciesWe'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.

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 [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 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 [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 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 [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 has Indonesia’s foreign policy evolved under President Prabowo? Is Indonesia slowly moving from being ‘non-aligned’ to being ‘multi-aligned’? How have recent US foreign and domestic policies affected its relationship with Indonesia? How can Australia and Indonesia strengthen their relationship and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific?  In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Yohanes Sulaiman join David Andrews to explore Indonesia's evolving role as a strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with major players in the region. Dr Natalie Sambhi is Founder and Executive Director, Verve Research. She is also a Senior Policy Fellow with the Asia Society Australia. Dr Yohanes Sulaiman is an Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia. He is also the Executive Editor of the Journal of Global Strategic Studies. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more   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 has strategic deterrence evolved from the Cold War to contemporary times? What is ‘strategic substitution,’ and how has China used it to craft its unique approach to deterrence? How does the ‘Golden Dome’ proposed by the US fit into today’s debates on missile defence and counter-space capabilities? Does Australia need to do more to close the capability gap in relation to China’s recent modernisation?  In this episode, Fiona Cunningham and Aaron Bateman join David Andrews to explore the evolution of strategic deterrence from the Cold War to contemporary times, with a focus on nuclear weapons, space capabilities and alternative approaches. Dr Aaron Bateman is Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University.Dr Fiona Cunningham is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes·        NSC academic programs – find out more·        Under the Nuclear Shadow: China’s Information-Age Weapons in International Security by Fiona Cunningham·        Weapons in Space: Technology, Politics, and the Rise and Fall of the Strategic Defense Initiative by Aaron Bateman·        Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on Golden Dome for America·        THAAD – The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System 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 aligned are China and Russia's strategic interests? How is this relationship playing out in relation to competing spheres of influence in Central Asia? What are the key points of friction in the China-Russia partnership? In this episode, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Graham Meehan join Sally Bulkeley to delve into the complex dynamics of the China-Russia relationship, exploring the alignment and divergence of their strategic interests.Dr Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva is a Lecturer at the ANU National Security College (NSC).Graham Meehan is a former diplomat, including having served overseas as the Australian Ambassador to Russia and Deputy Head of Mission in Beijing.Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College 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 [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 has the Australia-China relationship changed since the Prime Minister’s last visit to China in 2023? From China's perspective, how does its relationship with Australia fit into its current worldview? And how has US policy under Trump impacted that relationship? What does the future hold for the Australia-China relationship, given China’s increasingly assertive foreign and strategic policies? In this episode, Rowan Callick and Will Glasgow join Susan Dietz to unpack PM Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to China and the complexities of navigating the Australia–China relationship.Rowan Callick OBE is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is an experienced journalist with extensive China and other Indo-Pacific expertise. Will Glasgow is The Australian’s North Asia Correspondent, now based in Beijing. He has lived and reported from Beijing and Taipei since 2020. Susan Dietz is Senior Executive Advisor, China at NSC. TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – study with us 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.