The National Security Podcast

How is the shift in foreign policy under Donald Trump reshaping US alliances, and what does this mean for global security? To what extent is the US still a force for global stability? Could the new direction in US foreign policy under Donald Trump succeed in pulling Russia away from its partnership with China? In this episode, Beth Sanner joins Rory Medcalf to explore the Trump administration's ap...

How does the exercise of judicial power shape national security law and policymaking in Australia? What legal safeguards exist to balance civil liberties and national security? Why do the principles of citizenship matter in Australia’s legal system and national security decisions? In this episode, Rebecca Ananian-Welsh and Sangeetha Pillai join Danielle Ireland-Piper to explore the separation of p...

Why is everyone suddenly talking about Greenland? How will Arctic security be impacted by rising great power competition? How have US neighbours and allies responded?   In this episode, Iselin Németh Winther and Heather Exner-Pirot join David Andrews to explore the evolving significance of Arctic security, the uncertainties for Greenland under Donald Trump, and the potential impact of Arctic...

Is BRICS primarily a challenge to Western-led institutions, or does it serve a broader purpose in global governance?   How effective has BRICS been at pursuing its objectives?   Does BRICS membership provide newer states with greater strategic influence through engagement with major economies like China, India, and Russia?     In this episode, Flavia Zimmermann and Fitriani joi...

How should Australia strengthen engagement with Africa? How do perceptions of Africa influence Australia’s approach to bilateral and regional partnerships, and what opportunities might we be overlooking? How do African nations view China? And how does China shape the dynamics of African geopolitics?   In this episode, Babatunde Obamamoye, Matthew Neuhaus and Lisa Filipetto join David Andrews...

How can fiction and storytelling effectively engage the public with the complex challenges of national security? How does storytelling bridge gaps in historical narratives and deepen our understanding of contemporary conflicts? How can fiction help project future scenarios and explore potential outcomes?   In this episode, Misha Zelinsky and Mick Ryan join David Andrews to explore the interse...

Only three percent of Australian adults were able to demonstrate the ability to verify information online, in a recent study.   How can media literacy help inoculate citizens against mis- and disinformation?    Why are critical thinking and media skills essential in a thriving democracy?   And how can best-practice examples from around the globe and leading domestic research he...

How can Australia continue to champion the rules-based order, while balancing its strategic relationships and defence priorities?    How is the government modernising the Australian Defence Force to address evolving challenges?    What is Australia doing to ensure it remains the partner of choice in the Pacific? And how does the NRL deal with PNG impact security in the region?&...

As the notion of a single ‘global theatre of struggle’ gains traction, what are the major challenges that Australia currently faces? How has Australia’s defence investment evolved over the years, and is the nation equipped to address today’s pressing challenges? What steps can Australia take to strengthen social cohesion while navigating political compromise and disruptive forces? In this episode,...

How does the United States' presidential transition process work, and how does it compare to the Australian electoral system?   How might the election of Donald Trump impact US foreign and security policies?   How can Australia best engage with a new Trump administration on critical issues like AUKUS, defence strategy, and tariffs?     In this episode, Charles Edel joins Bianca...

How does our strategic environment inform leadership in intelligence and national security?   How do partnerships assist intel collection in an increasingly complex world?    What are the foundations of trust in a leader?    This episode is a panel discussion, hosted by Meg Tapia at the 2024 Women in National Security LIVE, features Kerri Hartland, Heather Smith, and Heath...

What is the relationship between national security and politics?  How does national security policymaking differ from other areas of public policy? And how might the decline of major parties in Australia impact the national security policymaking process? In this episode, George Brandis – Australia's former Attorney-General and High Commissioner to the United kingdom – joins David Andrews...

What is the role of the Army in an era shaped by strategic competition? How is the Army adapting for wars of the future? Why is it important to build trust between the Army and Australian society?   In this episode, Simon Stuart joins Rory Medcalf discuss the changing nature of warfare, and how the Australian Army is positioned to succeed in facing future challenges.   Lieutenant General...

How will automated systems and artificial intelligence change the nature of weaponry? What ethical issues are at play when we discuss lethal autonomous weapons? Can weapons be programmed to follow the laws of armed conflict? How does public literacy influence perceptions of weapons systems? In this episode, Zena Assaad and Lauren Sanders join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss weapons regulation, a...

How do electoral commissions balance public trust with the growing role of technology (like Artificial Intelligence) in electoral processes? Can AI be a democratic tool?   How are the electoral commissions in Australia and UK dealing with threats like misinformation and foreign interference?   Why is absolute independence important for the Australian and UK electoral commissions?  ...

How do negative portrayals of migrants and refugees impact social cohesion within a society?   What is "crimmigration," and what are the issues with using criminal law frameworks in immigration contexts? Do political incentives shape the discourse on migration and distract from other security threats?   In this episode, Alan Gamlen, Kate Ogg, and Dorota Gozdecka join Danielle Ireland-Pip...

Collective mobilisation is needed for an adequate response to climate change. How do we get there? How does climate change affect militaries? What role can technology play in mitigating the risks? What challenges does federalism pose in the effort to address climate change? In this episode, Tom Middendorp, Chris Barrie, Cheryl Durrant, and Sophie Lewis join Danielle Ireland-Piper to examine the cr...

What is the significance of rare earths and critical minerals for Australia and its partners?    How does Australia’s conception of critical minerals differ from its partners? How do critical minerals lists reflect how those states view resource supply chains and vulnerabilities?   With China currently dominating the rare earths value chain, how can Australia protect its interests i...

What are the key takeaways from the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit?   The Quad has helped its members to align and coordinate key policies, but what more needs to be done to improve its ability to deliver on major initiatives?   Would the Quad benefit from pursuing a foundational treaty, agreement, or common branding, or is it better served by retaining its current, flexible approach?  ...

How can public policy better reflect the humanity and vulnerability of citizens?   How can government leaders remain mindful of individuals within broader systems, and how does this approach improve public policy outcomes?   How can governments foster ethical leadership and accountability while balancing political pressures and systemic challenges?     In this episode, Mark Cro...

What is the central logic of AUKUS from a UK perspective? How does AUKUS contribute to European security? How does AUKUS fit into UK defence interests and strategies in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Damian Parmenter joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the UK perspective on AUKUS: the strategic environment, Pillar One operational specifics, diplomatic engagement and legislation, and progress on Pill...

Considering new contributions to the Pacific Resilience Fund, is the global community doing enough to support Pacific Island countries?   How has the Falepili Union between Australia and Tuvalu been received more broadly across the region?  Will it be replicated?    How does the Pacific Policing Initiative fit within the Pacific approach to collective security?   How can t...

What is sports diplomacy and why is it important to Australia’s foreign policy?   What is the rationale behind the PNG-Australia rugby league deal?    How are sporting events being weaponised to undermine social cohesion or reflect geopolitical tensions?    In this episode, Bianca Birdsall and Stuart Murray join David Andrews to discuss the role of sport as it relates to A...

What makes the space domain critical to Australia’s defence and security?   What is our constellation of defence partners in space? What assets does Australia bring to these relationships?    What are the challenges and opportunities in the space domain?    Is Australia contributing to what some critics call the “militarisation of space”?    In this episode, Greg...

What can we expect from Indian foreign and security policy under a third Modi government? How does the India-Russia relationship impact India’s foreign policy and cooperation with Western partners? How can India manage its strategic ambitions amidst region instability – including its deteriorating relationship with China? How do Australia and other Western powers balance their interests in strateg...