Deterrence Down Under

Carl and Christine explore how Australia can strengthen deterrence through air power—its challenges, strategic options, and evolving force structure. They’re joined by Chris McInnes, Executive Director of the Air Power Institute, to discuss the unique role of air power in securing Australia’s vast maritime environment and examine how emerging technologies like drones and long-range strike platforms might fit into the strategy.Chris McInnes is Executive Director at the Air Power Institute. He is an air power and national security expert with 25 years of experience in the military, government, and industry and is also a frequent commentator and speaker at defence seminars here in Australia. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: 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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In this episode, Carl and Christine examine the role of public debate in Australia’s defense and national security. They discuss alliances—especially Australia’s link to the US—recent Indo-Pacific developments, and the need to explain strategies like AUKUS to the public using Simon Sinek’s Start with Why approach. The episode highlights the importance of open discussion and a whole-of-nation approach in shaping policy.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: 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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

Carl and Christine discuss how Australia’s history influences its worldview, its alliances, and its approach to national security strategy. Over the past 80 years, Australia’s contributions to the U.S. alliance have weighed heavily on strategic thought. A new approach, focused on the maritime domain, is needed to effectively shape, deter, and respond to challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and maximise new capabilities from AUKUS.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: 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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Carl, Christine, and Natalie are joined by Bob Peters to discuss the implications of the recent NATO summit for Australia, the concept of Golden Dome as a new missile defense strategy, and the evolving threats from global adversaries like China and Russia. The conversation also explores the role of AUKUS in enhancing missile defense capabilities, the importance of technological innovations, and the historical context of missile defense in relation to strategic stability.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us –The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xmlLinkedIn: 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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, the Carl, Christine, and Natalie discuss the complexities of extended nuclear deterrence in Australia, tracing its historical roots and examining the current strategic environment. They explore the evolution of Australia's nuclear policy, the changing threat landscape from 2012 to today, and the public perception of nuclear deterrence. The conversation also delves into the differences between nuclear strategy in the Pacific and Europe, and the future of deterrence, weighing the merits of nuclear weapons against missile defense systems.Australia and the Bomb: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137477392Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ 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/

In this conversation, Natalie and Siddhant Hira explore the role of irregular warfare within a broader deterrence strategy, particularly from an Indian perspective. They discuss the challenges of defining irregular warfare, the importance of national security strategies, and how these concepts relate to deterrence in the context of India-China relations. The dialogue also touches on the need for hybrid models of deterrence and the implications of nuclear strategy in modern warfare. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us – 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/

In this solo podcast, Carl has thoughts on the recently released ASPI Cost of Defence report and the discussions in Canberra about its findings. He also shares some insights into who’s advocating for increased defence spending and what new capabilities Australia should be investing in.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us –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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Natalie discusses the complexities of nuclear proliferation with Christine and Dr. Peter Layton. The conversation explores whether the US should abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in light of recent global changes, the historical context of nuclear stances, and the implications of nuclear sharing among allies and delves into the normalization of nuclear threats and the need for trust in international alliances.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Listen to our Podcasts https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/ Like and follow us –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/

In this episode, Carl and Natalie discuss Russia's military activities in the Indo-Pacific, Australia's national security strategies, and the contrasting approaches to deterrence between the Biden and Trump administrations. They explore the implications for Australia and the role of whole-of-government coordination when working with partners and allies to enact deterrence in the region. Note - Indonesia signed up to the TPNW with the Solomon Islands as of Sep. 2024. This was after Russia flew two nuclear-capable bombers on a patrol mission out of the Manuhua Air Force Base, Indonesia, on what appeared to be an intelligence gathering exercise in 2017. But, prior to news that Russia was seeking to base Russian nuclear-capable bombers in February 2024. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Like and follow us –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.comOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In today’s bonus episode, Carl goes solo to discusses the deployment of Chinese warships to Australia, their live fire exercise and what it means about deterrence and messaging for China and Australia.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Like and follow us – 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/

This episode discusses the mission and importance of the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) with director Dr. Deaile. We also explore ways to ensure extended deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and Europe given the growing capabilities of our adversaries.Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ Like and follow us –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/ X.com: https://x.com/security_wonk Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

This conversation delves into the significance of wargaming in enhancing defence strategies in Australia. The hosts and guests discuss the definitions, types, and structures of wargames, their target audiences, and the emotional engagement they foster in decision-making. They also compare Australia's wargaming practices with those of other countries, emphasizing the role of think tanks and the need for more resources and commitment to wargaming in defence planning.Brought to you by the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS) https://thinkdeterrence.com/ https://globalsecurityreview.com/Get Involved with more of NIDS Programs https://thinkdeterrence.com/outreach/Deterrence Education at NIDS Education - Education - National Institute for Deterrence StudiesSocial Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrenceX.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrenceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkdeterrenceRumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrenceGlobal Security Review LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalsecurityreview X.com: https://x.com/security_wonkOur Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/

In this episode, Christine and Natalie engage with Dr. Mariana Budjeryn, a nuclear historian, to discuss her book 'Inheriting the Bomb' and the complexities surrounding Ukraine's nuclear disarmament. They explore the historical context of Ukraine's nuclear arsenal, the narratives surrounding its disarmament, and the implications of security assurances from major powers. Mariana shares her personal reflections on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the challenges faced by nuclear facilities under occupation, and the lessons learned for international security and cooperation.

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, the hosts engage with Anum A Khan, an expert on Pakistan's nuclear strategy. The conversation explores Pakistan's historical context in nuclear deterrence, its strategic responses to India, and the complexities of its geopolitical relationships, particularly with China and India. The discussion also delves into the effectiveness of nuclear weapons in maintaining peace, the importance of communication and confidence-building measures, and the need for dialogue in resolving conflicts.