The National Security Podcast

What is the significance of the Indian Ocean in Indo-Pacific security?Is it useful to distinguish between traditional and non-traditional maritime threats?And how might the AUKUS agreement reshape maritime security in the region? In this episode, Frédéric Grare and Justin Burke join Jennifer Parker to tackle the maritime challenges facing Australia and the region. Dr Frédéric Grare is a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College (NSC) in an expert program sponsored by the government of France.  Justin Burke is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Centre for Maritime Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University.  Jennifer Parker is an Expert Associate at NSC and an Adjunct Fellow in Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra.  Show notes: Securing our Future – a national security conference: secure your tickets National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): find out more IUU Fishing: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technological innovation is now one of the most consequential realms of geopolitical contestation. And in the era of big tech, the private sector has assumed power that once resided with governments. In response, we’ve seen a reassertion of industry policy, with governments trying to re-establish control. What happens to Australia’s national security when private companies, such as TikTok, are in the geopolitical driver’s seat?  And how can policymakers keep up with this ever-changing industry? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Bec Shrimpton from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, joins Katherine Mansted in conversation to explore the rapidly changing landscape of big tech. Bec Shrimpton is the Director, Defence Strategy and National Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.Katherine Mansted is a Senior Fellow at the ANU National Security College, and the Executive Director, Cyber Intelligence at CyberCXShow notes:  National Intelligence Community and National Security College Scholarship for Women: find out more  This episode was first published on Thursday, March 30, 2023.We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has violent extremism evolved in recent decades?  Why do the words used to discuss and describe extremism matter so much? And what challenges will governments, communities and individuals face in combating these threats in the digital age? In this episode, Dr Emily Corner, Lydia Khalil, and Professor Michele Grossman join Gai Brodtmann to discuss the evolution of violent extremism, and how these changes create new challenges for policymakers. Dr Emily Corner is an Associate Professor at the Australian National University and has worked extensively on projects examining terrorism, radicalisation, and the mental disorders associated with terrorist behaviour.  Lydia Khalil is a Research Fellow on transnational challenges at the Lowy Institute and manages the Digital Threats to Democracy Project. Professor Michele Grossman AM is the Research Chair, Diversity and Community Resilience at Deakin University. She is a renowned expert in the areas of violent extremism, radicalisation, and community engagement. Gai Brodtmann is a Distinguished Advisor at the ANU National Security College, having previously served as a diplomat, defence consultant, Member of Parliament, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence. Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more   This episode was first published Thursday, September 14, 2023 We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of users – both human and machine – spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks.  What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? How do different actors – both state and non-state – affect society and geopolitics using social media?  And what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges? In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Professor Darren Linvill from Clemson University and Associate Professor Will Grant from ANU, join David Andrews in conversation to discuss the state of disinformation and misinformation on social media. Dr Darren Linvill is a Professor and Co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. He studies state-affiliated social media information operations. Dr Will J Grant is Associate Professor at The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, where he researches the interaction of science and politics. He podcasts on science at The Wholesome Show. David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College. Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Darren Linvill’s article for Irregular Warfare Initiative covers some of the themes discussed in today’s episode: Custer’s last tweet: avoiding a digital little bighorn in the fight for hearts and minds.  This episode was first published on Thursday, April 20, 2023 We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taiwan’s 2024 elections draw near, who are the key candidates and what are they offering? How might China respond to a change of government? And what are the main risks and opportunities for Australia?  In this episode, China experts Mark Harrison and Antonia Finnane join Susan Dietz-Henderson to discuss the upcoming Taiwan elections, and how the results will have implications not only for Taiwan, but for the region too.  Mark Harrison is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania. He is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Antonia Finnane is an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, University of Melbourne. Susan Dietz-Henderson is a Senior Executive Adviser at NSC, currently on secondment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Show notes: ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legal experts Kieran Pender and Dominique Dalla-Pozza discuss national security oversight in Australia, focusing on whistleblowers, parliamentary committees, and the delicate balance between secrecy and transparency. They explore the evolving landscape of national security laws, surveillance powers, and the importance of accountability in upholding democracy and human rights.

What was achieved at the recent AI Safety Summit, hosted by the United Kingdom? How do the geopolitics of technology now impact economies and societies? And how can governments equip themselves better to handle these complex changes? In this episode, senior UK public servant Jonathan Black joins Jennifer Jackett to talk about AI, and the policy responses to it from governments across the globe. Jonathan Black is a Heywood Fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Prior to this appointment he was the UK Prime Minister’s representative for the recent AI Safety Summit, G7 and G20 Sherpa and Deputy National Security Advisor. Jennifer Jackett is a Sir Roland Wilson Scholar at the ANU National Security College. Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  AI Safety Summit 2023: find out more The Bletchley Declaration: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What prompted New Zealand (NZ) to develop its inaugural National Security Strategy? Will NZ’s change of government mean a change of strategy? And can increasing alignment between NZ and Australia be expected on key security issues? In this episode, Anna Powles and Suzannah Jessep join Jennifer Parker to talk about New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy and what it means for the region, Australia and New Zealand itself. Suzannah Jessep is the Director of Research and Engagement at the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Dr Anna Powles is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University. Jennifer Parker is Director, Defence Policy at the ANU National Security College Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  Aotearoa's National Security Strategy: find out more NZ Defence Policy and Strategy Statement 2023: find out more  Asia NZ Foundation report – Perceptions of Asia: find out more MFAT’s 2023 Strategic Foreign Policy Assessment: find out more New Zealand’s Security Threat Environment 2023: find out more Australia’s Defence Strategic Review 2023: find out more   We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the common myths around the security clearance vetting process? How has the process changed over the years, and what reforms have ASIO undertaken to ensure fairness? And how will a more diverse workforce help the national security community? In this episode, Caroline van Heuzen and Carl Chang talk to Ewan Macmillan and Vanessa from ASIO about the highest-level security clearance vetting process and how it is changing to be more inclusive.  Vanessa is a Vetting Analyst at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). Ewan Macmillan is the Deputy Director General for vetting at ASIO. Caroline van Heuzen is a Deputy Head at the ANU National Security College on secondment from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Carl Chang is co-leader of the Mission Management Division at the Office of National Intelligence (ONI) and is ONI's Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Champion.  Show notes:   ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more  Careers with ASIO: find out more   We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What changes should the national security community be focused on? What do whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approaches to change look like?  And how can national security objectives integrate with these efforts to drive change?  As part of the annual Women in National Security event, the ANU National Security College had the pleasure of hosting over 250 attendees for a live podcast recording at the National Gallery of Australia. In this episode Kathryn McMullan, Kim Brennan and Nu Nu Win, join Olivia Shen to  discuss the changes that will shape Australia’s national security community. Questions from the audience had the panel addressing issues of cultural representation, intersectionality and social cohesion in national security.  Kathryn McMullan is Director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation. Kimberly Brennan is a Partner at Ernst & Young.  Nu Nu Win is a Sir Roland Wilson PhD Scholar, on leave from the Treasury. Olivia Shen is a Director of Program and Design at the ANU National Security College.   Show notes:  ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more Executive and professional development courses at NSC: find out more  Modelling Australian Public Service careers: find out more  We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.