The National Security Podcast

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

What are some of the key mechanisms for avoiding conflict? Why is ASEAN a key player in preventive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region? What challenges are faced in trying to prevent conflict in the region? And what role does Australia play? In this episode, Bec Strating, Huong Le Thu and Collin Koh join Rory Medcalf to delve into the complexities of conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the role of ASEAN, Australia and other partners.Rebecca (Bec) Strating FAIIA is the Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).Dr Huong Le Thu is Deputy Director of Asia at the International Crisis Group – a conflict prevention organisation. She is also an Expert Associate at NSC.Dr Collin Koh is Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies and an Expert Associate at NSC.Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.TRANSCRIPTShow notes·      NSC academic programs – study with us·      Preventing conflict in our region: options for Australian statecraft·      ASEAN Community Vision 2045·      COLREGSWe'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.

Is America retreating from global leadership? Is this just a temporary wave of tension in the bilateral relationship, or might it signal a broader, long-term shift? Are the current AUKUS debates in Australia cutting through in the US?  In this episode, John Blaxland joins David Andrews to discuss Australia’s relationship with the US, and why he believes we’re well placed to withstand the instabilities of Trump’s second term in office.  John Blaxland is Director of the North America Liaison Office and Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies at The Australian National University. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security CollegeTRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcast The Secret Cold War: The Official History of ASIO, 1975-1989 by John Blaxland and Rhys Crawley Australia’s American Alliance edited by Peter J Dean, Stephan Frühling & Brendan Taylor More from the National Security Podcast on this topic: Security in transition: Trump’s America, alliances, and global stability  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.

How has Australia’s security landscape changed over the last decade? How was the Indo-Pacific concept born, and how has it evolved? What are the biggest threats facing Australia right now?  In this episode, Rory Medcalf joins David Andrews to look back on the past decade in which he has served as Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC). They discuss the evolution of global threats over this period and how NSC has shifted its work to respond.  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.  David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSC  TRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcast ANU National Security College initiatives NSC Community Consultations Contest for the Indo-Pacific: Why China Won’t Map the Future Senator the Hon Marise Payne, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Senator the Hon Penny Wong, then Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs launch Contest for the Indo-Pacific Professor Medcalf’s first speech at NSC, March 2015 Speech: Mapping our Indo-Pacific future, June 2018 Speech: Making sense of national security, December 2022 Speech: Australian resilience and preparedness in the new world disorder, May 2025  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.

What impact will US and Israeli air strikes on Iran have on global non-proliferation efforts? How is Trump reshaping the US's leadership in nuclear non-proliferation? Could shifting international security dynamics encourage countries like South Korea or Japan to pursue nuclear weapons programs? In this episode, Michael Cohen and Maria Rost Rublee join David Andrews to discuss how recent strikes on Iran have brought nuclear non-proliferation back to the forefront of international policy debates.Michael Cohen is Associate Professor and Academic Director at the ANU National Security College (NSC)Maria Rost Rublee is Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne and an Executive Committee member of Women in Nuclear-AustraliaDavid Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSCTRANSCRIPTShow notes   Nuclear Matters podcastTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)International Atomic Energy AgencyNuclear Suppliers Group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are some of the challenges societies face because of mis- and disinformation during disaster response? How can Australia adapt to deal with these challenges? What lessons can we learn from incidents around the world? What does the future look like if we don't adapt to this changing environment? In this episode, Jodie Wrigley, Anthony Bradstreet, and Allison Curtis join David Andrews to discuss the evolving challenges posed by mis- and disinformation in crisis response scenarios.Jodie Wrigley is Partner and Head of Social Change at SenateSHJ.Anthony Bradstreet is the Chief Customer Officer at Safe365 Global.Allison Curtis is the Deputy Executive Director of the Strong Cities Network.David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT Show notes Nuclear Matters podcastCommunity Consultations 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.

Where do the other Middle East countries and the Gulf nations stand on the Iran-Israel conflict? How do they view the US’ changing foreign policy? What were the motivations behind the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran? Was it preventive or pre-emptive action? Is regime change in Iran a realistic objective by Israel/US? Could Australia be asked to support future US military or strategic actions in the region? In this episode, Jessie Moritz and Ian Parmeter join David Andrews in discussion about the unfolding conflicts in the Middle East and their consequences for the future of regional and global security. Dr Jessie Moritz is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies.Ian Parmeter is a research scholar and PhD candidate at the ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies.David Andrews is the Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College.  TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more   Ian Parmeter: The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen nextIan Parmeter: Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable?Jessie Moritz: A shaky ceasefire; where now for Iran's leadership? And Stan Grant's new life on countryJessie Moritz: Australia's Iran fallout warning despite uneasy truceAbraham AccordsUSAIDUNRWA – United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near EastJCPOA – Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 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.

What is the ‘foreign policy reset’ undertaken by New Zealand’s National government, and how does it differ from the previous Labour government’s approach?  How can New Zealand and Australia strengthen their alliance to face shared security challenges, amidst US uncertainty and strategic competition with China?  How have recent Chinese activities in the Tasman Sea and the wider Pacific been viewed in New Zealand compared to Australia? What impact are these activities having on New Zealanders’ perceptions of China?  In this episode, David Capie and Nicholas Khoo join David Andrews to unpack New Zealand’s shifting foreign and defence policy, its approach to China, AUKUS, and its relationship with Australia. Professor David Capie is Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Professor of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Nicholas Khoo is an Associate Professor of International Politics at the University of Otago. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more NZ 2025 Defence Capability Plan New Zealand's National Security Strategy FPDA – Five Power Defence Arrangements CPTPP – The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership  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.

Why is the Indo-Pacific of importance to Canada? Will it have a more consistent presence in the region in the future? How is Canada adapting its defence capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscape? What lessons has Canada drawn from the war in Ukraine, and how are these shaping the future of its armed forces and military operations?  In this episode, General Jennie Carignan joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss Canada’s evolving defence posture amid a shifting strategic landscape, with a focus on interoperability with partners like Australia, its Indo-Pacific commitments, and lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine.  General M.A. Jennie Carignan, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD is Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff.  Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at the ANU National Security College, on secondment from the Department of Defence. TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Canada boosts defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP amid growing threats Australia's JORN defence radar is being bought by Canada, the decision is part of a wider shift North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)  We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au.You can contact us on X (formerly Twitter) @NSC_ANU and Bluesky @nscanu.bsky.social, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can differing global approaches to AI regulation and investment work together, or are we headed toward fragmented, siloed systems? How can AI governance in developing nations be supported as part of regional aid and security agendas? What challenges does Australia face in regulating AI without a national bill of rights or federal human rights charter? Should governments mandate the inclusion of human oversight in all AI-powered decisions? In this episode, Sarah Vallee and Maria O’Sullivan join David Andrews to talk about how AI is impacting national security, with a focus on AI governance models and mass-surveillance.Maria O’Sullivan is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School. She's a member of the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre.Sarah Vallee is a specialist in AI Policy and Governance. She's a Fellow at the UTS Human Technology Institute, sponsored by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT   Show notes  NSC academic programs – find out more  Article 8: respect for your private and family life 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.