Rory Medcalf

Dr. Bates Gill, Executive Director at the Asia Society Policy Institute, and Professor Rory Medcalf, Head of the National Security College, share their insights on the AUKUS pact. They discuss whether AUKUS can effectively counter China’s growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific. The conversation covers Australia’s substantial investment in nuclear submarines and the political complexities at play. They also examine China’s critical response, the role of the UK post-Brexit, and the implications for regional stability. Will AUKUS reshape defense strategies?

Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at Australian National University and author of 'Indo-Pacific Empire,' dives into the complex geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region. He discusses historical maps like the 15th-century Kangnido, the promising yet thwarted 1947 Asian Relations Conference, and Australia’s evolving role amidst rising tensions with China. Medcalf offers insights into the Quad alliance, touching on the necessity of strategic collaboration between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. to navigate contemporary challenges and enhance regional stability.