Hugh White, an expert in strategic studies, Geoff Raby, a former ambassador to China, and Heather Smith, a veteran in national intelligence, delve into Australia's pressing security challenges. They critique historical foreign policy misjudgments and explore the nation's reliance on U.S. protection amidst rising Chinese influence. The discussion emphasizes the need for Australia to adopt a multifaceted strategy, engaging more deeply in multilateral relationships while balancing its own defense capabilities for regional stability.