The National Security Podcast

As Indonesian head to the polls on 14 February, what’s important to know about the nation’s conception of democracy and its political ecosystem?   Who are the key candidates in the presidential election — what do they represent?   And what could be the implications of a change of government for security and diplomacy in the region?   In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Gary Quinlan...

What is the nexus between domestic and regional cyber security?    How does Australia help regional neighbours manage and respond to cyber threats?    And how will shield six of the Australian government’s new cyber strategy change the domestic cyber agenda?       In this episode, the Hon Tim Watts MP and Brendan Dowling join Olivia Shen to discuss Australia...

What is open-source intelligence (OSINT)? How does big data influence our understanding of “good” intelligence? And does Australia need a dedicated OSINT agency in the National Intelligence Community?   In this episode, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey and Ben Scott join Olivia Shen to discuss the increasing importance of open-source intelligence and big data in intelligence analysis, and the evolution...

What is the significance of the Indian Ocean in Indo-Pacific security? Is it useful to distinguish between traditional and non-traditional maritime threats? And how might the AUKUS agreement reshape maritime security in the region?   In this episode, Frédéric Grare and Justin Burke join Jennifer Parker to tackle the maritime challenges facing Australia and the region.   Dr Frédéric Grare...

Technological innovation is now one of the most consequential realms of geopolitical contestation. And in the era of big tech, the private sector has assumed power that once resided with governments. In response, we’ve seen a reassertion of industry policy, with governments trying to re-establish control.  What happens to Australia’s national security when private companies, such as TikTok, a...

How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades?    Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much?   And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threats in the digital age?   In this episode, Dr Emily Corner, Lydia Khalil, and Professor Michele Grossman join Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of viol...

While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of users – both human and machine – spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks.    What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? How do different actors – both state and non-state – affect society and geopolitics using social media?    And what steps can be taken to overco...

As Taiwan’s 2024 elections draw near, who are the key candidates and what are they offering?   How might China respond to a change of government?   And what are the main risks and opportunities for Australia?     In this episode, China experts Mark Harrison and Antonia Finnane join Susan Dietz-Henderson to discuss the upcoming Taiwan elections, and how the results will hav...

How can whistle-blowers  contribute to Australia’s national security?   What roles do parliamentary committees and the courts play in national security oversight?   And how should national security and secrecy be balanced with human rights and transparency?       In this episode, Kieran Pender and Dominique Dalla-Pozza join Danielle Ireland-Piper to talk about the importan...

What was achieved at the recent AI Safety Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom?   How do the geopolitics of technology now impact economies and societies?   And how can governments equip themselves better to handle these complex changes?   In this episode, senior UK public servant Jonathan Black joins Jennifer Jackett to talk about AI, and the policy responses to it from govern...

What prompted New Zealand (NZ) to develop its inaugural National Security Strategy?   Will NZ’s change of government mean a change of strategy?   And can increasing alignment between NZ and Australia be expected on key security issues?   In this episode, Anna Powles and Suzannah Jessep join Jennifer Parker to talk about New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy a...

What are the common myths around the security clearance vetting process?   How has the process changed over the years, and what reforms have ASIO undertaken to ensure fairness?   And how will a more diverse workforce help the national security community?   In this episode, Caroline van Heuzen and Carl Chang talk to Ewan Macmillan and Vanessa from ASIO about the highest-level securit...

What changes should the national security community be focused on?   What do whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approaches to change look like?   And how can national security objectives integrate with these efforts to drive change?     As part of the annual Women in National Security event, the ANU National Security College had the pleasure of hosting over 250 attendees f...

What is the difference between open-source intelligence (OSINT) and publicly available information?   How can the private sector help intelligence agencies maintain their edge in a world saturated with data?   And how can AI contribute to the operations and effectiveness of these agencies?       In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Barbara Stevens joins Ben Sc...

What is the significance of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s upcoming visit to Beijing?   What outcomes can realistically be achieved, given the turbulent Australia-China relationship?   And can Australia-China relations continue to stabilise into the future?     In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Rowan Callick and Richard Maude join Rory Medcalf to discuss Prim...

How can Australia’s social cohesion be maintained, against a global backdrop of conflict, foreign interference and economic coercion? Is the nation's security architecture fit for purpose?   And how can the political class develop public awareness of national security challenges, without being alarmist?     In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Senator James Pa...

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to visit President Joe Biden later this month, what priorities will be on his agenda?   Is AUKUS at risk of overshadowing other parts of the US-Australia relationship?   And what confidence can the Australian government have in the stability and reliability of the United States amid ongoing political turmoil?     In this episode of th...

How can governments keep up with the lightning pace of technological change?   Is there a 'right' model for tech regulation?  And what role can Australia play in this dynamic digital ecosystem?   In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Anu Bradford and Johanna Weaver join Jennifer Jackett to discuss the global impact of technological advances, the challenges and opportunit...

Why are critical and emerging technologies at the forefront of geopolitical competition?   Can the Quad play a part in standard setting without stifling innovation?   And how can the Quad help diversify technology supply chains without creating an ‘international cartel’?     In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Raji Rajagopalan, Dr Akira Igata and Dr John Hemmin...

Why is biotechnology so strategically important?   How can the Quad successfully compete with China to harness the opportunities it presents?   And what is at stake if ethical leadership in this field falters?   In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dirk van der Kley joins David Andrews to discuss the strategic importance of biotechnology and tangible ways the Quad can d...

How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades? Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much?   And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threats in the digital age?     In this episode, Dr Emily Corner, Lydia Khalil, and Professor Michele Grossman join Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of violent ex...

How did a Sri Lankan migrant go from new arrival to Chief Technology Officer in Australia’s secret intelligence service?  What barriers can migrants and members of ethnically diverse communities face while trying to forge a career in Australian intelligence?   What steps are being taken to create more opportunities for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds at ASIS,...

What is quantum science and why does it matter?  How is Australia performing in the “quantum race”? What are some of the ethical, societal and security implications that need to be considered, as the world rushes to get this technology off the ground?    In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Cathy Foley and Professor Michelle Simmons join Professor Rory Medcalf to dis...

What major trends will shape the next two decades?    How can futures analysis be used to manage risk and harness opportunities?  And how can governments better integrate futures thinking into public administration?  In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Joseph Voros, Odette Meli and Dr Ryan Young join Dayle Stanley to discuss the intricacies and applications of...

How has rapid technological advancement influenced the way the Australian Federal Police approaches forensic science?     What is the difference between forensics conducted at a national level and that of state police forces?    And how does the AFP proactively use forensics to protect and serve Australians?     In this episode of the National Security Podcast, D...