In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia’s level of defence spending and a host of other topics.
The pair discuss a range of issues, including:
- Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the “shackles” of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly “independent” foreign and defence policy and posture.
- The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent.
- The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team