Aid, development, and Australia’s national security: why it matters now more than ever

What impact will cuts to foreign aid have on security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific? 

Why is international development essential to Australia’s diplomacy and security outlook? 

Do the recent Trump tariffs and withdrawal of aid demand a more active role for Australia and other middle powers? 

In this episode Melissa Conley Tyler and Mira Sulistiyanto join David Andrews to unpack the current state of foreign aid and international development, with a focus on cuts to USAID, its implications, and Australia’s role as aid partner for the region. 

Melissa Conley Tyler FAIIA is Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue. 

Mira Sulistiyanto is an international development expert currently working at the Development Intelligence Lab as Senior Analyst. 

David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes 

• NSC academic programs – find out more.  
• Development disruption: What does it mean for Australia? 
• RAMSI 
• Australia stands firm behind its foreign aid in the budget, but the future remains precarious 
• Pulse Check x US Aid Disruptions 
• In brief: 2025 Australian Federal Budget 
• Balancing Act: 25 years of Australian international budgets 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au.You can contact us on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. 

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