Episode · The National Security Podcast
Indonesia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and beyond
28 Aug 2025 · 51 min
Episode · The National Security Podcast
28 Aug 2025 · 51 min
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…
by ANU National Security College · English · News
Expert analysis, insights and opinion on the national security challenges facing Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9 Oct 2025 · 46 min
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…
25 Sep 2025 · 28 min
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…
11 Sep 2025 · 58 min
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…
21 Aug 2025 · 43 min
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…
14 Aug 2025 · 43 min
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…
1 Oct 2026 · 37 min
How concerned should Australia be about the UK’s ability to deliver its side of AUKUS? What role can middle powers play as the international order becomes more fragmented? How should Australia and its partners balance alliances with their own national interests in a more contested world? In part two of our geopolitical update, Sharryn Parker is joined by Charles Edel, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Euan Graham to discuss AUKUS, the role of middle powers in a changing world and how Australian can build greater strategic agency while still deepening the US alliance. Dr Charles Edel is Senior Adviser…
17 Sep 2026 · 30 min
How much strategic bandwidth does the United States have as it manages the Iran war, Ukraine and its wider global commitments? How are conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East changing the nature and cost of modern warfare? What does China’s growing military power and activity in the Indo-Pacific mean for Australian security? In this episode, Sharryn Parker is joined by Charles Edel, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Euan Graham to discuss the wars in Iran and Ukraine – and what they are revealing about the United States’ capacity, weapons stockpiles, and the changing character of warfare. Dr Charles…
3 Sep 2026 · 45 min
How do we balance effective national security laws with protecting individual rights and democratic freedoms? Where is the line between legitimate foreign influence and foreign interference? How well do Australia’s espionage laws protect journalism and political discourse? How should Australia’s terrorism laws respond to a threat environment increasingly involving children and different forms of violent extremism? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Jake Blight – Australia’s Independent National Security Legislation Monitor –about whether Australia’s national security laws are…
20 Aug 2026 · 45 min
How do ports sustain Australia’s economy, border security and defence preparedness? What are the biggest strategic challenges facing Australian ports? What role do ports play in combating organised crime and protecting Australia’s borders? What partnership, policy or capability would most improve Australia’s port security now? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Mike Gallacher and Mike Outram about the role of ‘ports’ as critical infrastructure and the challenges of protecting Australia’s maritime supply chains. Michael Gallacher is Chief Executive Officer at Ports Australia. Michael…
6 Aug 2026 · 45 min
Can Australia reframe water as a national security issue, rather than only an environmental or social policy concern? Can Australia realistically pursue both AI leadership and sustainable water management? What happens when drought, climate change, food insecurity, ageing infrastructure and economic pressure combine? Who should be at the table for a national water strategy? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Jason Alexandra and Matthew Coulton about Australia's water future, exploring why water security needs to be understood as a national security issue. Dr Jason Alexandra is a…