

Episode 4: Can Australia defend itself by adopting the Echidna strategy?
41 snips Apr 2, 2025
In this discussion, Sam Roggeveen, a strategic expert and author, proposes the 'Echidna Strategy' for Australia, focusing on self-reliance and adaptable defense in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Retired Major General Mick Ryan shares his insights on the implications of U.S. foreign policy and the need for Australia to bolster its military capabilities independently. Brigadier Ian Langford emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies like AI and drones in defense strategies, advocating for a balance between military strength and regional diplomacy.
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Episode notes
Self-Reliance in Defence
- Australia can defend itself even without the American alliance, due to its isolated geography.
- Focus on leveraging distance and building capacity to neutralize threats when they get close.
Need for National Security Strategy
- Australia needs a national security strategy to address complacency and have an open conversation about threats.
- This strategy should include a reassessment of national resilience and capacity, addressing cognitive warfare, and fixing the current ADF imbalance.
AUKUS Pillar 2: Plan B?
- AUKUS Pillar 2 is about discovering a technology offset to maintain asymmetry in the event of technological breakthroughs.
- We need to focus on leveraging technology breakthroughs to build a more secure future.