Winamp Logo
ASPI Podcast: Policy, Guns & Money Cover
ASPI Podcast: Policy, Guns & Money Profile

ASPI Podcast: Policy, Guns & Money

English, News, 1 season, 255 episodes, 6 days, 11 hours, 23 minutes
About
Policy, Guns & Money is produced by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for strategic and defence leaders. ASPI has offices in Canberra, Australia and Washington DC, USA.
Episode Artwork

Ukraine, the Quad and an Australian maritime strategy

In this special three-part episode: David Wroe speaks to economist, lawyer and author, Misha Zelinsky, about his new novel ‘The Sun Will Rise’, which is inspired by his experience covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the Australian Financial Review. They discuss the overarching theme of the book and its characters, as well as the message Misha hopes people will take away from the book. They also discuss the latest developments in the war, the risk of war fatigue, and why democracies must continue to provide support to Ukraine. Next, Alex Bristow speaks to Dr Arzan Tarapore, South Asia research scholar at Stanford University’s Asia-Pacific Research Center and Senior Fellow at ASPI. They discuss the upcoming Quad Summit in India in 2024, the topics likely to be discussed, and how the diplomatic partnership has evolved over time. They also explore how the Quad complements existing minilateral partnerships, and whether the group should have a bigger focus on security. Finally, David Wroe speaks to Jennifer Parker, the Director of Defence Policy at the Australian National University's National Security College, and Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability at ASPI. They discuss Jennifer’s recent ASPI report ‘An Australian Maritime Strategy: Resourcing the Royal Australian Navy’ which calls for an urgent expansion of the Royal Australian Navy fleet to adequately protect Australia’s vast maritime interests. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.thesunwillrisebook.com/ https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australian-maritime-strategy Guests: David Wroe Misha Zelinsky Alex Bristow Dr Arzan Tarapore Jennifer Parker Dr Malcolm Davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/27/20231 hour, 26 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode Artwork

Air Force education, the WPS agenda and women’s rights

In this special three-part episode: Alex Bristow speaks to Brigadier General Linell Letendre, the Dean of Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. They discuss the long-standing Australia-US cadet exchange programs and the importance of STEM in military education. They also discuss the repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in the US, and how the culture has changed in the Air Force. Linell also discusses her use of the #warfighterscholar handle on social media, including what it means and aims to do. Next, Daria Impiombato interviews Irene Fellin, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. They discuss the Women, Peace and Security agenda, its role in the online space, and NATO’s role in advancing the priorities of the agenda. They also explore the dangers that female activists face today, and offer advice to young women considering a career in the field. Finally, Daria speaks to Macarena Sáez, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. They discuss the connection between national security and human rights, as well as the current state of women's rights around the world. They also outline what Australia can do to promote women’s rights on the global stage, and explore how the erosion of women’s rights is often the first sign of a step towards authoritarianism. Mentioned in this episode: https://dppa.un.org/en/women-peace-and-security Guests: Alex Bristow Brigadier General Linell Letendre Daria Impiombato Irene Fellin Macarena Sáez Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/22/20231 hour, 3 minutes, 14 seconds
Episode Artwork

AI horizons: Navigating regulations, safety, and the use of AI

In today's episode: Following the recent AI Safety Summit hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bart Hogeveen speaks with the European Union's Senior Envoy for Digital to the United States Gerard de Graaf. They discuss the EU's approach to AI regulation and how it differs from the US and other governments. They also discuss which uses of AI the EU thinks should be limited or prohibited and why, as well as provide suggestions for Australia's efforts to regulate AI. Finally, Alex Caples, speaks to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Helen Schneider. They discuss the AFP and Monash University initiative 'My Pictures Matter’, which uses artificial intelligence to help combat child exploitation. They also explore the importance of using an ethically sourced database to train the AI tool that is used in the project, as well as outline how people can get involved in the campaign and help end child exploitation in Australia and overseas. Mentioned in this episode: https://mypicturesmatter.org/ Guests: Bart Hogeveen Gerard de Graaf Alex Caples Helen Schneider Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/15/202340 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

How parliamentarians view cybersecurity and critical technology, with Gai Brodtmann

What do Australia’s parliamentarians think about cybersecurity and critical technology? In this special episode, David Wroe speaks to ASPI Chair and former parliamentarian Gai Brodtmann about the landmark study she led which canvasses the views of parliamentarians on cyber security and critical technologies. They discuss the results of this ASPI study, including gaps in knowledge, differences of opinion and unexpected responses, and how policymakers can keep pace with technological developments that underpin all aspects of society, including areas such as health, infrastructure, defence and the economy. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/what-do-australias-parliamentarians-think-about-cybersecurity-and-critical-technology Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Gai Brodtmann: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ms-gai-brodtmann Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/8/202323 minutes, 28 seconds
Episode Artwork

Professor Ian Hall on India, Australia, and the region

On this week’s episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Ian Hall, Professor of International Relations at Griffith University and a renowned India expert. Justin and Ian discuss the recent Ministerial Dialogue between Australia and India in New Delhi – which was was only the second 2+2 dialogue between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers. They talk about the priority given to maritime security, the East and South China Seas, the Pacific and climate change. They also cover India’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East and India’s elections next year. Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/2/202328 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia and space with Australia's Defence Space Commander

In a special episode this week, ASPI's Director of Defence Strategy Bec Shrimpton speaks to Australia's Defence Space Commander, Air Vice Marshal Catherine Roberts, and Assistant Secretary of Strategic Plans in Defence Space Command, Jacinta Carroll. Our guests detail the importance of the space domain and offer an update on the Defence Strategic Review and the role of space in Defence's integrated and focused force. They also discuss Defence Space Command's Joint Commercial Operation's announcement, as well as the role that industry plays in space in Australia and abroad.
11/24/202335 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, Philippines and the South China Sea

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Cook Islands, where he and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu announced a major new agreement – the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. In this episode, David Wroe speaks with the ABC’s foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic about the significance of the agreement, its strategic importance to competition with Beijing, how the deal was done, and whether it can be replicated with other Pacific island nations. Shifting focus to Southeast Asia, the final interview from our Disruption and Deterrence series, which was recorded on the sidelines of ASPI’s major Defence conference earlier this year, focuses on the South China Sea. Euan Graham speaks with Ignacio Madriaga, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning in the Philippines Department of National Defense. They discuss the challenges the Philippines faces from China in the South China Sea through four AIs – artificial islands, alternate interpretation of the rules-based order, aggressive interaction and ability to influence. Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Stephen Dziedzic: https://www.abc.net.au/news/stephen-dziedzic/166934 Euan Graham: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/euan-graham Ignacio Madriaga
11/17/202341 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Albanese trip to China, economic coercion, and diplomatic relations

This week Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese travelled to China to meet with President Xi Jinping. Amongst the backdrop of warming relations between the two countries they represent, David Wroe speaks with ASPI executive director Justin Bass and new ASPI fellow Ami Bagia, who previously sat on the Biden-Harris Administration's National Security Council as the Director for Countering Foreign Malign Influence and Information Integrity within the Democracy and Human Rights Directorate. They speak about Australia's past and current relations with China, and the impact of official messaging. Daria Impiombato has a conversation with Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, the China reporter at Axios, and author of the weekly Axios China Newsletter. They discuss Bethany's new book "Beijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World" and explore Australia's role in the book. Mentioned in this episode: Beijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World - https://www.bethanyallenebrahimian.com/ Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Ami Bagia Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian: https://www.axios.com/authors/baebrahimian Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
11/11/20231 hour, 5 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

Authoritarian AI, China and the metaverse

This episode is all about AI, emerging technologies and China. Dr Alex Caples speaks to Simeon Gilding about his ASPI report ‘De-risking authoritarian AI: A balanced approach to protecting our digital ecosystems’. They discuss the risks of Chinese AI-enabled technologies, including through data theft, disruption and denial of services, and how nations should approach regulation of AI. David Wroe speaks to Dr Samantha Hoffman and Lilly Lee about the Metaverse and China. They discuss Beijing's approach to the Metaverse, as well as the potential national security risks associated with it and how these risks can be addressed. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/de-risking-authoritarian-ai Guests: Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-caples Simeon Gilding: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/simeon-gilding David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Lilly Lee
11/3/202343 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

Indo-Pacific security & partnerships: India, Australia & the US with Lisa Curtis & Raji Rajagopalan

With Australian Prime Minister Albanese in Washington DC this week, and set to visit Beijing shortly after, Justin Bassi speaks to CNAS’s Lisa Curtis and ORF’s Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan for a special episode of the ASPI podcast. They discuss the significance of the two visits, and how PM Albanese should approach the upcoming meetings with President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They also explore regional security in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on India’s foreign policy and what India’s longstanding policy of non-alignment looks like in practice, as well as the India-Canada rift and whether it will impact the India-US and India-Australia relationships. Looking ahead to 2024, Justin asks Raji and Lisa about upcoming elections in the United States and India, and their potential implications for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Lisa Curtis: https://www.cnas.org/people/lisa-curtis Raji Rajagopalan: https://www.orfonline.org/people-expert/rajeswari-pillai-rajagopalan/ Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
10/24/20231 hour, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

Geopolitics in Southeast Asia; Australia-Indonesia relations

This week it is all about Southeast Asia on the ASPI pod. To kick off, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Thomas Parks from The Asia Foundation about geopolitics in Southeast Asia. While there’s a lot of attention on the US-China rivalry and its implications for the region, Gatra and Tom focus on the different regional dynamics in Southeast Asia, including ASEAN, regional challenges and the relationships that countries like Australia and Japan have in the region and how they have changed. Zooming in on Indonesia, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Natalie Sambhi about Indonesian politics and foreign policy and Australia’s relationship with Indonesia. They discuss Indonesia’s vision for the world and how it aligns with Australia’s, the roles both countries can play in shaping international rules and norms and how to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including through education. Guests: Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Thomas Parks: https://asiafoundation.org/people/thomas-parks/ Natalie Sambhi: https://www.ververesearch.org/our-team1 Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
10/20/202350 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hacking for Cash: Nadia Taggart and Anna Aquilina

‘Hacking for Cash’ is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash’, as well as a G20 leaders’ commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. This week, Dr Gatra Priyandita speaks with Nadia Taggart, Chief Information Security Officer at Western Sydney University and Anna Aquilina, Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Technology Sydney. They discuss the issue of knowledge and research security and the risks of malign foreign interference and cyber espionage. They also explore the biggest threats and risks to universities, and how we can assure that critical and sensitive research data is protected from illegal access and theft. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI’s Critical Technologies Tracker: https://techtracker.aspi.org.au/ Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
10/13/202332 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

Defence innovation with Sean Singleton

In the third episode of our special series from the sidelines of the ASPI ‘Disruption and Deterrence’ conference, ASPI’s Alex Caples speaks to Sean Singleton, Partner & VP of Business Development at America’s Frontier Fund. They discuss innovation, challenges to government-industry collaboration on disruptive technologies and the origins and evolution of the US Defense Innovation Unit. Thanks for listening to the ASPI podcast. That’s all we have time for today, we’ll back with another episode soon. Guests: Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-caples Sean Singleton: https://americasfrontier.org/team/sean-singleton Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
10/6/202334 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode Artwork

A modern look at deterrence with Brad Roberts

In this special episode, recorded on the sidelines of ASPI’s annual conference ‘Disruption and Deterrence’, Bec Shrimpton speaks with Dr Brad Roberts. Brad has served as director for the Centre for Global Security Research, and as policy director of the Obama administration's Nuclear Posture Review. Bec and Brad talk about the meaning of deterrence, what has historically made for good and bad deterrence, and what Australia and its allies can do to improve deterrence going forward. Guests: Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Brad Roberts: https://cgsr.llnl.gov/experts/fellows/brad_roberts Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
9/29/202324 minutes, 53 seconds
Episode Artwork

The future of the international order with Kori Schake

In this special episode, recorded on the sidelines of ASPI’s annual conference ‘Disruption and Deterrence’, David Wroe speaks with Kori Schake. As well as being Director of Foreign and Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute, Kori is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and a regular on the popular Deep State Radio podcast. David and Kori talk about the future of the international order, the state of American politics — from the perspective of a lapsed Republican — and Kori’s irrepressible optimism about the future of democracy and open economies. Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Kori Schake: https://www.aei.org/profile/kori-schake/ Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
9/19/202327 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode Artwork

Cyber conflict, competition and cooperation with Jason Healey

This week, ASPI’s Executive Director, Justin Bassi speaks with Jason Healey, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University’s School for International and Public Affairs specialising in cyber conflict, competition and cooperation. Jason wrote and edited the book ‘A Fierce Domain: Cyber Conflict, 1986-2012’ and has held a number of senior cyber security roles, including in the Pentagon, as a founding member of Joint Task Force - Computer Network Defense, and as Director for Cyber Infrastructure Protection in the White House from 2003-2005. Justin and Jason discuss the importance of understanding the implications of cyberspace on security and society and explain why cyber needs to be at the heart of national security. Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Jason Healey: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/communities-connections/faculty/jason-healey Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
9/4/202337 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

Ross Babbage on deterrence and defence strategy; jailed terrorists and the risk of reoffending

As we fast approach ASPI’s 2023 conference on deterrence and disruption, this week’s podcast begins with a conversation between conference speakers Bec Shrimpton and Dr Ross Babbage about military, political and economic strategy. They discuss Dr Babbage’s new book ‘The Next Major War: Can the US and its Allies Win Against China?’ and the importance of net assessment to allied deterrence and defence strategy. Shifting to a more domestic focus, Dr John Coyne speaks to countering violent extremism expert Peta Lowe about terrorist prisoners and the controversial tools used to assess their risk of reoffending. They discuss how this risk assessment compares with other crimes such as child exploitation and extremely violent offences. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Next Major War: Can the US and its Allies Win Against China?: https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=966 ASPI 2023 Conference: Disruption and Deterrence: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/disruption-and-deterrence-2023-aspi-conference Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Ross Babbage: https://csbaonline.org/about/people/staff/ross-babbage Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Peta Lowe: https://www.phronesisconsultingandtraining.com.au/about Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
8/28/202336 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: AUSMIN 2023 with John Coyne and Euan Graham

Last month, Australia’s foreign and defence ministers hosted the U.S. secretaries of state and defense in Brisbane for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). Dr John Coyne and Dr Euan Graham join the podcast for Part Two of ASPI’s AUSMIN special to discuss the meeting’s outcomes with a focus on force posture cooperation, strategic geography and the importance of Northern Australia. Guests: Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Dr Euan Graham: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/euan-graham Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
8/18/202332 minutes, 31 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hacking for Cash: Francis Gurry, Nigel Corey, and Elizabeth Chien-Hale

‘Hacking for Cash’ is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash’, as well as a G20 leaders’ commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In this third episode of the series, Teesta Prakash, Analyst at ASPI, speaks to Dr Francis Gurry, former Director General at the World Intellectual Property Organisation. They discuss the role WIPO plays in IP protection, the historical context of IP theft, and how the digital transformation has changed the way IP is protected. Teesta also speaks to Nigel Cory and Elizabeth Chien-Hale, and they unpack both US and Chinese perspectives on IP protection, theft, and prosecution. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
8/11/202354 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: AUSMIN 2023 with Alex Bristow and Jennifer Parker

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money’s Bigger Picture series, Alex Bristow and Jennifer Parker from ASPI’s Defence, Strategy and National Security program sit down to discuss the upcoming AUSMIN meeting in Brisbane. They discuss the significance of this year’s meeting being held against the backdrop of the largest ever iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre and explore some of the key outcomes they expect from the meeting. They also discuss the expansion of the alliance discussions to include critical and emerging technologies and climate change, as well as the role that statecraft will play in this year’s ambitious agenda. Finally, they provide insight into what topics might be discussed behind closed doors, including the need to de-escalate rising tensions around unsafe military practices in the Taiwan Strait. Stay tuned for part two of the series where we will reflect on the outcomes from the meeting and look ahead to AUSMIN 2024. Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
7/27/202325 minutes, 55 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hacking for Cash: Dustin McCormack and Callie Aboaf

‘Hacking for Cash’ is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash’, as well as a G20 leaders’ commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In this second episode of the series, Gatra Priyandita, Analyst at ASPI, speaks to Dustin McCormack and Callie Aboaf. Both work as cybersecurity analysts with The MITRE Corporation. MITRE is a US non-for-profit research and engineering company. They talk about the actors behind cyber-espionage campaigns, they unpack this phenomenon of APTs - the Advanced Persistent Threat actors , and how they’re targeting intellectual property and other assets of economic and commercial value. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
7/20/202320 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode Artwork

Smooth Sailing in the Indo-Pacific, and strategic mapping in the Indian Ocean

In May, ASPI released ‘Smooth sailing? Australia, New Zealand and the United States partnering in–and with–the Pacific islands’. The report detailed how Australia, New Zealand and the United States could improve security partnerships and coordination in the region. This week, ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton speaks to report authors Joanne Wallis and Anna Powles. They discuss the key recommendations from the report, including setting up an ASEAN-style forum for Pacific island nations, as well as the need for Pacific priorities to direct the actions that partners undertake in the region. They also discuss how Australia, New Zealand and the United States have engaged with the Pacific in the past and explore opportunities to strengthen engagement. Recently, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace released the 'Indian Ocean Strategic Map', which provides a coherent, data-driven understanding of the players, security challenges, and other factors that shape the region. ASPI’s Baani Grewal speaks to Darshana M. Baruah, a fellow with the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They discuss the key takeaways from the project, the importance of viewing the region as one continuous theater, and the emergence of China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Russia as players in the region. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/smooth-sailing https://carnegieendowment.org/2023/06/15/mapping-indian-ocean-region-pub-89971 Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
7/17/202346 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hacking for Cash: Chris Painter and Justin Bassi

‘Hacking for Cash’ is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash’, as well as a G20 leaders’ commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In the first episode of the series, Bart Hogeveen, Head of Cyber Capacity Building at ASPI, speaks to Chris Painter, the first Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the US State Department, as well as Justin Bassi, Executive Director of ASPI and former National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. They discuss the agreements that both the US and Australia reached with China to combat cyber enabled IP theft, the role of presidential and prime ministerial leadership and the challenge in ensuring that states adhere to their international commitments, in particular their promise to refrain from state sponsored malicious cyber activities. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
7/7/202353 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

US-Australia alliance: Special operations forces cooperation & strengthening the alliance

This week, it’s all about the US-Australia alliance with conversations on Australia-US special operations forces cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the alliance through enhanced mutual understanding. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Chris Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the US Department of Defense. They discuss the origin of special operations forces, the role they play in integrated deterrence and their ability to work across multiple domains. They also discuss the history of cooperation between Australian and US special operations forces and the importance of war gaming to force design. Recently, ASPI’s US Army War College Fellow, Colonel Alan Throop, released the report ‘Impactful mateship’ which focuses on strengthening the US-Australia defence relationship at a vital time as it develops in complexity and as it builds towards the ambitions of AUKUS. Jennifer Parker speaks to Alan about his fellowship at ASPI and the report’s recommendations, including more training for inbound US personnel and conducting allied-centric training. The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, the US Department of Defense or the US Government. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Impactful mateship: Strengthening the US-Australia defence relationship through enhanced mutual understanding’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/impactful-mateship Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Chris Maier: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2776774/christopher-p-maier/ Jennifer Parker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jennifer-parker Colonel Alan Throop Music: "Phychic" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
6/30/202344 minutes, 15 seconds
Episode Artwork

AUKUS and critical minerals, with the Honourable Kim Beazley AC

This week, the Australian Government released the Critical Minerals Strategy 2023 – 2030, which has four objectives, including building sovereign capability in critical minerals processing and creating diverse, resilient and sustainable supply chains through secure international partnerships. New ASPI analysis by the Honourable Kim Beazley and Ben Halton looks at the potential of one such partnership – AUKUS – to deliver on mineral diversification and address global supply chain vulnerabilities. The report ‘AUKUS and critical minerals’ recommends critical minerals be added into AUKUS Pillar Two, and that AUKUS countries should work with friends and allies, consistent with Pillar Two’s remit not being an exclusive arrangement, to create resilient critical mineral supply chains. Distinguished Senior ASPI Fellow Kim Beazley joins Dr John Coyne on the ASPI podcast to discuss the report’s findings. Mentioned in this episode: ‘AUKUS and critical minerals: hedging Beijing’s pervasive, clever and coordinated statecraft’, new ASPI report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/aukus-and-critical-minerals-hedging-beijings-pervasive-clever-and-coordinated-statecraft Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030: https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/critical-minerals-strategy-2023-2030 Guests: Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne The Honourable Kim Beazley AC: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/honourable-kim-beazley-ac Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
6/23/202323 minutes, 43 seconds
Episode Artwork

In-conversation with Home Affairs’ Hamish Hansford. Cyber security & critical infrastructure

This week, ASPI’s Director of Cyber, Technology and Security Dr Alex Caples speaks to Hamish Hansford, who was recently appointed Deputy Secretary of Cyber and Infrastructure Security at the Department of Home Affairs. They discuss the links between cyber security, supply chain security and critical infrastructure, as well as the rise in ransomware attacks, including on hospitals, and lessons learned from the Colonial Pipeline attack. Alex asks Hamish about the amendments to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, what they mean for industry and the role that government and industry need to play in securing Australia’s critical infrastructure. Guests: Dr Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-caples Hamish Hansford: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/our-senior-staff/hamish-hansford Music: "Just wondering" by Maarten Schellekens. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/
6/15/202326 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Defence Strategic Review & implications for the maritime domain; Delhi's role in the Indo-Pacific

In April this year, the Australian Government released the Defence Strategic Review which set an agenda of ambitious reform to Defence’s posture and structure. ASPI’s Jen Parker speaks to the US Studies Centre’s Professor Peter Dean, who co-authored the review. They discuss defence strategy in the maritime domain and next steps following on from the DSR, including the Surface Fleet Review, uncrewed capabilities and addressing workforce challenges. Amidst questions being raised around India’s reliability as a partner for the U.S. and Australia, Baani Grewal speaks to ASPI’s new Senior Fellow Dr Arzan Tarapore about the need to reframe the debate. They discuss the range of opportunity areas in the Australia-India relationship, how Washington views Delhi's role in the Indo-Pacific, and the benefits of clearly defined policy goals in the relationship. They also consider India’s other relationships in the region, including its relationship with China, and the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Defence Strategic Review: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review ‘America’s Best Bet in the Indo-Pacific: How Washington and New Delhi Can Balance a Rising China’ by Dr Arzan Tarapore: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/americas-best-bet-indo-pacific Guests (in order of appearance): Jennifer Parker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jennifer-parker Professor Peter Dean: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/peter-dean Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Arzan Tarapore: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-arzan-tarapore Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
6/7/202356 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: David Waterhouse

In the final episode of ASPI’s special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions’, ASPI’s David Wroe speaks to David Waterhouse, Managing Director of Hypersonix. They discuss how the company Hypersonix came about, what hypersonic technology is and how it fits into defence strategy, as well as the future of Australia’s defence industry. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe David Waterhouse: https://hypersonix.com/aerospace-engineering/our-team/ Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
6/2/202322 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Kestutis Budrys

In the penultimate episode of this special series, Justin Bassi speaks to Mr Kestutis Budrys, National Security Advisor to the President of Lithuania. They discuss Australia’s relationship with Lithuania, including how they’re partnering to address shared challenges to national security, and Russia’s war on Ukraine and how it has galvanised Europe. ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions’ is a short podcast series that features conversations with leading government, industry and civil society voices on the sidelines of The Sydney Dialogue, a major summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies hosted by ASPI on 4-5 April. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Kestutis Budrys: https://tsd.aspi.org.au/speakers Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
5/26/202334 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Misha Zelinsky

In the latest episode of ASPI’s special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions’, ASPI’s Director of Defence Strategy, Bec Shrimpton speaks to Misha Zelinsky, a Fulbright Scholar and national security expert. They discuss Misha’s career background and what led him to work in national security. Misha details his recent experiences reporting from Ukraine on Russia’s war, including his views on Russia’s strategy and what’s at stake for democracies globally in this conflict. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Misha Zelinsky: https://www.mishazelinsky.com.au/ Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
5/22/202321 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

Beijing’s propaganda, climate and Australia’s national security, federal budget & Defence spending

In 2022, then U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, despite threats of retaliation from Beijing over the visit. Dr Samantha Hoffman speaks to Nadège Rolland about Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit, Beijing’s propaganda, and its effectiveness. While climate change is primarily viewed as an environmental challenge, Australia, like many other countries, is increasingly focused on the implications of climate change for Australia’s national security. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Dr Tobias Ide about climate and Australia’s national security and how climate hazards can lead to conflict. This week was budget week in Canberra, and to break down the Defence budget, Bec Shrimpton speaks to David Uren. They discuss defence projects and the usefulness, or otherwise, of measuring defence spending by GDP. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Nadège Rolland: https://www.nbr.org/people/nadege-rolland/ Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Tobias Ide: http://profiles.murdoch.edu.au/myprofile/tobias-ide/ Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton David Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-uren Metnioned in this episode: Climate change and Australia’s national security: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10357718.2023.2170978 Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
5/12/202345 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Dr Dirk Hager

In this episode of ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions’, Dr Alex Caples, Director of Cyber, Technology and Security at ASPI speaks to Dr Dirk Hager, Head of Operational Cyber Security at Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security. They discuss cyber security and critical infrastructure, emerging cyber security threats, including the increasing threat of ransomware, and the challenge governments face in regulating technology, given the rapid pace at which it is developing. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-caples Dr Dirk Hager Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/
5/10/202322 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Heather Richman, Linda Lourie & John Leslie

In this episode of ASPI's special podcast series, The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions, John Leslie, Director of Trade and Investment and Lead for Space & Defence at Austrade speaks to Heather Richman, Entrepreneur in Residence at BMNT, and Linda Lourie, Senior Advisor with WestExec Advisors. They discuss all things defence innovation, investment and security. The conversation covers the different approaches of government and industry to innovation, how the government can support innovation and the role of industry in security innovation. Guests (in order of appearance): John Leslie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leslie/ Heather Richman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherjrichman Linda Lourie: https://www.westexec.com/linda-lourie/ Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/
5/5/202324 minutes
Episode Artwork

Unpacking Australia’s Defence Strategic Review

On 24 April, the Albanese Government released an unclassified version of the Defence Strategic Review. The roadmap for the ADF over the next decade has been generally well-received, albeit with questions about some of the specifics. The Review advocates the need for Australia to do more of the regional security heavy lifting, while also deepening our key partnerships. To unpack this seminal document, David Wroe speaks to Bec Shrimpton, ASPI’s Director of Defence Strategy and National Security, and Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and National Security. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk Image: Defence Strategic Review cover - c/ Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.
5/1/202344 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Ylli Bajraktari

Earlier this month, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event’s sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. These conversations are featured in ASPI’s special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Session's. In this episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project. They discuss the impacts of technology on strategic competition and how democracies can remain secure in the AI age. Guests: Ylli Bajraktari: https://www.scsp.ai/ylli-bajraktari/ Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/
4/28/202327 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

Special: ICRC DG Robert Mardini & Norway's Military Representative to NATO, VADM Louise Dedichen

In this episode, Justin Bassi speaks to Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Robert Mardini. They discuss the importance of neutrality to the ICRC’s work, how the development of technology is impacting conflict and the challenges international humanitarian actors face in getting access to affected populations. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Vice Admiral Louise Dedichen, Norwegian Military Representative to NATO. They discuss opportunities for progress in the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, NATO’s online presence and how they are combating disinformation and NATO’s views on Russia’s war on Ukraine. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Robert Mardini: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/icrc-directorate Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow VADM Louise Dedichen: https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/1/pdf/210128-cv-nor-milrep-dedichen.pdf Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
4/21/202346 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Ambassador Baiba Braže

Earlier this month, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event’s sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. These conversations are featured in ASPI’s special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions’. In this episode, Dr Jake Wallis speaks to Ambassador Baiba Braže, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. The conversation covers the role of NATO, the role critical technologies will play in strategic competition and the tools and tactics that are being used by autocratic governments to challenge the existing rules-based order. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Ambassador Baiba Braže: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_175615.htm Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/
4/18/202323 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: David Koh

Just over a week ago, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event’s sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. We will release these conversations in the coming weeks in a special podcast series, The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions. In the first episode, ASPI’s Bart Hogeveen speaks to David Koh, Singapore’s Commissioner of Cybersecurity and the founding Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore. They discuss the formation of the digital and intelligence service in the Singapore Armed Forces as well as state behaviours in cyberspace and what it means to be a responsible cyber power. Guests: Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen David Koh: https://tsd.aspi.org.au/speakers Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/
4/14/202330 minutes, 40 seconds
Episode Artwork

A conversation on Ukraine with Dr Yuriy Sak, Advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine

In a special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, we are grateful to be joined by Dr Yuriy Sak, Advisor to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, for a conversation on Russia’s war on Ukraine. ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton speaks to Yuriy about transparency and Russian propaganda, Moscow’s decision to place nuclear weapons in Belarus and the path ahead. Yuriy shares his thoughts on China’s proposed peace plan, the importance of allies and partners in supporting Ukraine and an important lesson from history – “that pacifying the aggressor only leads to more aggression”. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Yuriy Sak: https://twitter.com/yurasak?lang=en Music: "Young and Free" by Jonas Hipper, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
4/3/202347 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Sydney Dialogue and opportunities in space, ASPI’s Critical Technology Tracker

Next week, ASPI will convene The Sydney Dialogue – the world’s leading policy summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. To give a preview of the discussions, Bec Shrimpton speaks to Professor Alan Duffy about opportunities in the space sector, Space 2.0 and the growing nexus between emerging technology and space. Continuing on the technology theme, Danielle Cave and Jamie Gaida discuss ASPI’s landmark project, the Critical Technology Tracker. Based on a year’s worth of research and analysis, the tracker looked at which countries are ahead in 44 critical technologies by published research – including defense, space, robotics, energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and quantum. China leads in 37 out of the 44 tech fields, with the US leading in the other seven. To see how other countries perform, visit techtracker.aspi.org.au. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Professor Alan Duffy: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/our-research/access-our-research/find-a-researcher-or-supervisor/researcher-profile/?id=aduffy Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Jamie Gaida: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jamie-gaida Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/31/202352 minutes, 15 seconds
Episode Artwork

AUKUS, deterrence and US foreign policy with Becca Wasser

This week on the podcast, we are delighted to be joined once again by Becca Wasser from the Center for New American Security. Becca joins Justin Bassi for a conversation on AUKUS, integrated deterrence and US foreign policy. Becca details some of the strategic challenges Australia and the United States face in the Indo-Pacific, and how AUKUS can contribute to security and stability in the region. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Becca Wasser: https://www.cnas.org/people/becca-wasser Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/27/202330 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

AUKUS challenges and opportunities with Richard Fontaine, Lisa Curtis, and Alessio Patalano

In this special episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Richard Fontaine and Lisa Curtis from the Center for a New American Security, and Alessio Patalano from King’s College London, about the strategic imperatives and future challenges of AUKUS. With the AUKUS optimal submarine pathway now unveiled, there are big plans, big promises, and a lot of work to do. Why do we need AUKUS? How do we improve information-sharing while reducing barriers to technology cooperation? How do we integrate our defence industries which are more accustomed to competing than cooperating? What are the opportunities for additional partners, including the Quad? And how is all this being explained to the public? To dissect these questions and more, ASPI has been holding a trilateral AUKUS dialogue in Washington DC with CNAS and KCL’s Centre for Grand Strategy. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi, executive director of ASPI - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi; Richard Fontaine, CEO, CNAS - https://www.cnas.org/people/richard-fontaine; Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director, Indo-Pacific Security Program - https://www.cnas.org/people/lisa-curtis; Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia, KCL - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/dr-alessio-patalano Rodeo Drive by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/23/202341 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

Diving into the AUKUS submarine announcement, with Bec Shrimpton and Malcolm Davis

After the long-awaited AUKUS submarines announcement, ASPI director Bec Shrimpton and senior analyst Malcolm Davis give their analysis of the decisions unveiled in San Diego on Tuesday AEDT. In conversation with David Wroe, Bec and Malcolm give their views on the role nuclear submarines can play in deterrence, the cost of the program weighed against the potential costs of underinvesting in defence, the need for an overhaul in skills-creation, the risks to AUKUS of information-sharing paralysis and future political headwinds, and the merits of the phased approach to the introduction of AUKUS submarines. Guests (in order of appearance): - David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe - Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton - Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/15/202323 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

The future of peacekeeping and women, peace and security

This week, Brendan Nicholson talks to a stellar panel of guests about the future of peacekeeping and women, peace and security. We have United Nations Military Advisor General Birame Diop, the highest-ranking military officer in the UN’s peace-keeping operations Former Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Australian Major-General Cheryl Pearce and Australia’s Defence Attache to the United Nations, Group Captain Jarrod Pendlebury. The panel discusses the evolving challenges to peacekeeping operations, including cyber threats, misinformation and disinformation, and how the UN is adapting to the changing threat landscape. They also talk about progress on the women, peace and security agenda, the particular skills that women bring to peacekeeping operations and the critical role women can play in peace negotiations. Guests (in order of appearance): - General Birame Diop. https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/profiles/general-birame-diop - Major-General Cheryl Pearce. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Pearce - Group Captain Jarrod Pendlebury. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-pendlebury-1532ab160/ Image: via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brigadier_General_Vivek_Tyagi_interacting_with_Nepalese_female_peacekeepers_during_his_visit_to_Beni.jpg Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/10/202352 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

Opportunities for Australia in space, climate and food security

Governments and industry are constantly innovating in the space sector, but as space becomes increasingly contested and congested, there is a need to ensure the space domain is secure – something that will be central to discussions at ASPI’s Sydney Dialogue on 4-5 April. Bec Shrimpton speaks to HEO Robotics’ Dr Will Crowe about the opportunities in space and the potential for Australia in the global space economy. How is climate change affecting food security in Australia and across the globe? Dr Robert Glasser speaks to ANU’s Robyn Alders about food security – what it is, why it matters and how Australia can work with international partners towards achieving global food security. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Will Crowe: https://www.heo-robotics.com/about-us Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Robyn Alders: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/robyn-alders Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
3/3/202337 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Russia's war on Ukraine one year on and US foreign policy

One year on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, David Wroe asks Paul Dibb, Emeritus Professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, how Russia’s war in Ukraine will play out in the coming months. They discuss Putin’s calculations and the durability of support from the West, as well as the implications of Russia’s suspension of the New START Treaty and the Russia-China relationship. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Walter Russell Mead, Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute and James Clarke Chace Professor of Foreign Affairs and Humanities at Bard College, about the US approach to foreign policy. They discuss where Australia sits on the list of US priorities, US thinking around Russia’s war on Ukraine and global support for Ukraine. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Paul Dibb: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/paul-dibb Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Walter Russell Mead: https://www.hudson.org/experts/1038-walter-russell-mead Image: "Ukraine War" via PublicDomainPictures.net Music: Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
2/24/202345 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode Artwork

India’s foreign policy, information warfare, Australia-Netherlands cooperation

Baani Grewal speaks to Ashok Malik, Partner and Chair of the India Practice at The Asia Group and ASPI Visiting Fellow. They discuss India’s foreign policy under Modi, including its relationships with the West, and China and Russia; and developments in the Australia-India relationship, including why it’s significant that the Raisina Dialogue is coming to Sydney. The information domain is critical in warfare, and given the rapid developments of technology, it is increasingly weaponised by adversaries. Dr Jake Wallis asks Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, how NATO and like-minded countries such as Australia are faring in combating disinformation, and whether there is a model for deterrence in the information domain. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Netherlands Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Marcel de Vink about geopolitics and Australia-Netherlands collaboration. Bec asks the Vice Minister about the global implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine, NATO’s approach to international security and the need to develop social resilience. Guests (in order of appearance): Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Ashok Malik: https://theasiagroup.com/team/ashok-malik/ Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Janis Sarts: https://stratcomcoe.org/employees Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Marcel de Vink Music: "Phychic" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
2/17/202345 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Talking about Ukraine, Indonesia and ASEAN

As we approach a year since Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine, Justin Bassi speaks to historian and writer Olesya Khromeychuk. They discuss the resilience of the Ukrainian people, Olesya’s personal experience with conflict and what’s at stake for the international community in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. ASPI Southeast Asia experts Dr Teesta Prakash and Dr Gatra Priyandita discuss the outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Minister’s Retreat in Jakarta. They discuss priorities for Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, including movement on Timor-Leste’s accession, as well as Indonesia’s potential approach to Myanmar during its time as Chair. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Olesya Khromeychuk: https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/team/ Dr Teesta Prakash: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teesta-prakash Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Music: 'Peaceful' by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
2/10/202341 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

In-conversation with General David Berger on the Australia-US alliance and military strategy

This week, ASPI was delighted to host General David Berger, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. Brendan Nicholson speaks to General Berger about the US-Australia alliance, military strategy and the importance of interoperability and how the ADF and the Marine Corps can work more closely together. Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson General David Berger: https://www.marines.mil/CM/Biographies/Bio-Display/Article/2478607/gen-david-h-berger/ Music: '4 Young & Free' by Jonas Hipper, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
2/3/202318 minutes, 43 seconds
Episode Artwork

What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - Episode 5

In this special series, ASPI’s Dr David Engel and Dr Gatra Priyandita have spoken to a number of special guests about the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the five pillars supporting it. In this final episode of the series, David and Gatra speak to the Hon Tim Watts MP, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia about changes in bilateral relations over the years, including developments in the defence relationship, and how the two countries can work together despite their different perspectives on strategic issues. Guests: Dr David Engel: www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Gatra Priyandita: www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Dr Dino Patti Djalal: https://www.fpcindonesia.org/about-us/ The Hon Tim Watts MP: https://www.aph.gov.au/T_Watts_MP Music: Psychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
1/12/202346 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

WASHINGTON TALKS: A Conversation with Australian Ambassador to the US, the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO

In the first episode of ASPI DC's podcast series 'Washington Talks,' Director Mark Watson sits down with Australia's Ambassador to the United States, The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, to reflect on his time as Australia's 22nd Ambassador to the United States and to discuss some of the most pressing strategic priorities for the Australia-US alliance. They explore how the Ambassador's childhood in Newcastle, Australia influenced his political perspective, his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, and the new horizons for defence and diplomatic relations between Australia and the United States. Guests: Mark Watson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mark-r-watson The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO: https://usa.embassy.gov.au/our-people/ambassador Music composition by Amelia Watson
1/5/202321 minutes, 37 seconds
Episode Artwork

Nuclear security & disarmament

Today we examine aspects of nuclear security. ASPI’s Dr Alex Bristow is joined by the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s Nuclear Materials Security Vice President Scott Roecker and Program Officer Jessica Bufford, alongside Australia’s Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation Mr Ian Biggs, for a discussion on the status of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, gender inclusivity, nuclear disarmament and Australia’s role in the global security context for nuclear arms control. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Scott Roecker: www.nti.org/about/people/scott-roecker Jessica Bufford: www.nti.org/about/people/jessica-bufford Ian Biggs: www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/ambassador-for-arms-control-and-counter-proliferation Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/28/202241 minutes, 14 seconds
Episode Artwork

What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - Episode 4

In the fourth episode of ASPI’s special series ‘What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, Dr David Engel and Dr Gatra Priyandita are joined by Senior Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Centre on Asia and Globalisation, and leading Indonesian foreign and defence policy expert Bob Lowry, for a discussion on the defence and security dimensions of the Partnership. They explore the shared challenges of regional rivalry and terrorism the two countries have faced, how Australia’s relationship with the U.S. impacts its regional standing, and Indonesia’s stance on non-alignment. Guests: Dr David Engel: www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Gatra Priyandita: www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Dr Evan Laksmana: www.evanlaksmana.com/ Bob Lowry: www.linkedin.com/in/bob-lowry-ba129716/?originalSubdomain=au Music: Psychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/20/202249 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - Episode 3

In the third episode of ASPI’s special series ‘What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, Dr David Engel and Dr Gatra Priyandita are joined by the Center for Strategic and International Studies Lina Alexandra and John McCarthy AO for a discussion on the diplomatic aspects of the Partnership. They examine the trust in the Australia-Indonesia bilateral relationship, The Lombok Treaty and cooperation in multilateral forums such as the G20, the East Asia Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Guests: Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Lina Alexandra: https://id.linkedin.com/in/lina-alexandra-b72712119 John MaCarthy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCarthy_(Australian_diplomat) Music: Psychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/13/202244 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

US-China competition, countering online extremism, Russia’s Middle East ties

Fergus Hunter speaks with Bonnie Glaser Managing Director of GMF Indo-Pacific at the German Marshall Fund, about the state of China and its relationships with the United States and the West. They look at the ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party, how nation states are responding to this, and the current state of Cross-Strait relations. Access to violent right-wing extremist online subcultures is easier than ever. Katja Theodorakis speaks to Miro Dittrich about the need to take digital public spheres more seriously, not only as spaces for radicalisation and the spread of disinformation, but also as places where these phenomena can be actively countered. Miro explains what authorities, society and social media platforms can do to prevent and push back against extremist attempts to dominate digital realities. Dr Alex Bristow is joined by Dr Anna Borshchevskaya, senior fellow in The Washington Institute's Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East, for a discussion on Russia’s policy toward the Middle East. They explore the significance of Russia’s relationships in the region, the impacts of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and how the Russia-China relationship is developing. Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hunter: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hunter Bonnie S. Glaser: https://www.gmfus.org/find-experts/bonnie-s-glaser Katja Theodorakis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis Miro Dittrich: https://cemas.io/en/team/miro-dittrich/ Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Dr Anna Borshchevskaya: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/anna-borshchevskaya Background music: Rodeo Drive by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/9/202257 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Space and National Security

This week, it’s all about space! Recently, ASPI hosted international military, industry and academic experts for a series of events focused on space and national security. In this podcast, we are delighted to be joined by special guests Jeffrey Becker, Janice Starzyk, Dr Namrata Goswami and Dr Kevin Pollpeter for conversations on this critical domain. Dr Malcolm Davis speaks to Dr Namrata Goswami and Dr Kevin Pollpeter about China’s space capabilities and ambitions in space. They discuss China’s space industry, China’s lunar program and the potential for China to accelerate its lunar plans. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Virgin Orbit’s Janice Starzyk and Bret Perry about the history of Virgin Orbit and the company’s ambitions. They discuss opportunities for government and industry collaboration on space, including in the area of national security and defence, and how Virgin Orbit is supporting spacefaring nations. Bec is also joined by futurist Jeffrey Becker for a conversation on space futures and why futures thinking is an important tool for policymakers. They discuss the role of technology in warfare and the military implications of different technological developments, and the importance of the space domain in military strategy. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Dr Namrata Goswami: https://twitter.com/namygoswami Dr Kevin Pollpeter: https://www.cna.org/experts/Pollpeter_K Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Janice Starzyk: https://twitter.com/janicestarzyk Bret Perry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-perry-11bb01b0/ Jeffrey Becker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jeffrey-becker Music: "Eclipse 6" by Michikawa - via the Tribe of Noise: https://prosearch.tribeofnoise.com/artists/show/24793/10247
12/8/202247 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode Artwork

Anti-government protests in China, with Daria Impiombato and Vicky Xu

Daria Impiombato speaks with ASPI Senior Fellow Vicky Xu about the anti-government protests sweeping through some of China’s largest cities. Vicky, who has spoken with protesters on the ground, gives up-to-the-minute insights into the protesters’ motivation and tactics, and discusses what the demonstrations mean for the Chinese Communist Party’s rule. Guests (in order of appearance): Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Vicky Xu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vicky-xiuzhong-xu Background music: Phychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/3/202222 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

Space security with Lt Gen Nina Armagno & Lt Gen John Shaw

This week at ASPI has been all about space security. We were delighted to be joined by Lieutenant General Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, Headquarters at U.S. Space Force, and Lieutenant General John Shaw, Deputy Commander at U.S. Space Command for a series of space-focused events. To continue the conversation, ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton asks General Armagno and General Shaw about opportunities and competition in space, the difference between U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force, and how Australia and the United States can work together to make sure space is secure and sustainable for all. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Lt Gen Nina Armagno: https://www.spaceforce.mil/SFB/Display/Article/2387835/lt-gen-nina-m-armagno/ Lt Gen John Shaw: https://www.spacecom.mil/Leaders/Bio/Article/2433977/lt-gen-john-e-shaw/ Background music: Phychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/2/202222 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - Episode 2

In the second episode of ASPI’s special series ‘What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, Dr David Engel and Dr Gatra Priyandita speak to Dr Arianto Patunru and Nicola Yeomans, two people who were instrumental in the Partnership’s creation. They explore the economic dimensions of the Australia-Indonesia relationship, existing trade barriers and how to improve public-private partnerships. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Arianto Patunru: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/academic/arianto-patunru Nicola Yeomans: https://www.kwm.com/sg/en/people/nicola-yeomans.html Music: Psychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
12/1/202236 minutes, 42 seconds
Episode Artwork

What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - Episode 1

‘What’s In A Name? The Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’. In a new special podcast series, ASPI’s Dr David Engel and Dr Gatra Priyandita explore the Australia-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ‘five pillars’ supporting it. In the coming weeks, David and Gatra will be joined by leading thinkers on the Australia-Indonesia relationship to discuss the historical background behind and future of the Partnership. In this week’s episode, they speak to Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar and Allan Gyngell AO about Australia-Indonesia relations, the aspirations for the Partnership and its potential, and the different approaches the two countries take to foreign policy. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar: Allan Gyngell AO: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/visitors/allan-gyngell Music: Psychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
11/23/202245 minutes
Episode Artwork

Albanese-Xi meeting, G20 and IP theft

This week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese President Xi Xinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Indonesia. This was the first time an Australian Prime Minister met with President Xi since Malcolm Turnbull in 2016. David Wroe speaks to Dr Alex Bristow about the significance of the meeting and what this means for the bilateral relationship, as well as other developments from Summit Season so far. At the 2015 G20 Summit, world leaders recognised the risks that state-sponsored cyberespionage posed to the long-term economic growth of nations and their prosperity. Following on from their briefing note to this year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, Dr Ben Stevens speaks to Dr Gatra Priyandita and Bart Hogeveen about why ICT-enabled IP theft still remains an important issue that affects developed and developing nations alike. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/State-sponsored-economic-cyberespionage_briefing-note Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://twitter.com/davidwroe Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Dr Ben Stevens: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ben-stevens Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Eclipse-6 by Michikawa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk
11/18/202232 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode Artwork

India-US relations, India’s foreign policy, climate and defence planning

Fergus Hanson speaks to Rick Rossow about the trajectory of the US-India relationship and lessons for Canberra in how Washington and New Delhi have approached their relationship. They also discuss India’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, including on data security. Staying on the theme of India’s foreign policy, Baani Grewal speaks to Akriti Vasudeva and Dr Teesta Prakash. Their conversation covers the US-India relationship, India-Australia ties, the potential of the Quad and the priorities for these relationships given the rapidly changing strategic environment. With COP27 under way, climate policies and addressing climate challenges are again in focus for governments around the world. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Professor Joshua Busby about climate and security, how the US Department of Defense is factoring climate change into their planning, and lessons learned for the Australian government. Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Rick Rossow: https://www.csis.org/people/richard-m-rossow Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Akriti Vasudeva: https://www.stimson.org/ppl/vasudeva/ Dr Teesta Prakash: https://twitter.com/Teesta_P Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Professor Joshua Busby: https://sites.utexas.edu/busby/ Music: "eclipse-6" by Michikawa, via TribeOfNoise: https://prosearch.tribeofnoise.com/artists/show/24793 Image: "Hurricane Sam churns in the Atlantic Ocean" c/ NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/images/index.html
11/11/202247 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Non-proliferation, infantry fighting vehicles, floods in Pakistan, Federal Budget & Defence

This week, Moscow claimed that Kyiv is planning to use a dirty-bomb, allegations that the US, UK and French foreign ministers have condemned as “transparently false”. Given the renewed focus on nuclear threats, Dr Alex Bristow asks Kelsey Hartigan about progress on non-proliferation issues, risk reduction and the links between integrated deterrence and non-proliferation. The LAND 400 Phase 3 project and the suitability of infantry fighting vehicles to the ADF’s future needs are hotly contested. ASPI’s Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Dr Albert Palazzo about the ADF’s proposed acquisition of the vehicles and whether the scenarios in which they might be deployed merits such an expensive purchase, something Dr Palazzo wrote about his recent ASPI report ‘Deciding the future: the Australian Army and the infantry fighting vehicle’. Pakistan recently experienced its worst floods on record – with over 9 million people displaced and over 2 million homes destroyed. Will Leben speaks to Pakistan’s High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Zahid Hafeez Chaudri, about the impacts and long-term threats of climate change for Pakistan, the role of the military in disaster response and climate compensation. This week the Albanese government delivered its first Federal Budget. Senior analyst Marcus Hellyer explains why the government has kept its defence powder dry in this week’s budget, setting the scene for some very difficult decisions in the first half of next year. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Deciding the future: the Australian Army and the infantry fighting vehicle’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/deciding-future Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Kelsey Hartigan: https://www.csis.org/people/kelsey-hartigan Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Al Palazzo: https://researchcentre.army.gov.au/about-us/contributor-biographies/albert-palazzo Will Leben: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/will-leben H.E. Mr Zahid Hafeez Chaudri: https://www.pakistan.org.au/high-commissioner/ David Wroe: @davidwroe (Twitter) Music: "The Moon Drops" by Nathan Moore
10/28/20221 hour, 6 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Peter Tesch on Putin and Russia

Peter Tesch was until two months ago one of Australia’s most senior and experienced national security and foreign affairs officials. His roles included Ambassador to Moscow and, most recently, Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Industry at the Department of Defence. As such, no one in Australia has a better understanding of Vladimir Putin’s grip on power, his ambitions for Russia and the enormity of the quagmire he has created for himself with his brutal but incompetent invasion of his smaller neighbour. Peter joined ASPI’s David Wroe for this special conversation on Russia and Ukraine. Music: "The Thought of You" by TrackTribe
10/24/202256 minutes, 45 seconds
Episode Artwork

Deterrence with Lisa Curtis and Bec Shrimpton

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Justin Bassi speaks to Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at CNAS, and former senior director for South and Central Asia on the US NSC, and Bec Shrimpton, Director of ASPI’s Sydney Dialogue and former Senior Advisor - Major Powers to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women. They discuss deterrence – what it is, how it works, whether we have or lack it - and how the US and Australia can work together to achieve their deterrence goals. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Lisa Curtis: https://www.cnas.org/people/lisa-curtis Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Music: "this feels different" by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) via the FreeMusicArchive.org
10/21/202234 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

Frontier influencers: the new face of China’s propaganda

The Chinese Government is using popular Uyghur and other minority influencers on YouTube to promote a sanitised image of frontier regions such as Xinjiang that is starkly at odds with the picture that has emerged internationally of severe human rights abuses. Fergus Ryan and Daria Impiombato speak to David Wroe about their latest report ‘Frontier influencers: the new face of China’s propaganda’, which identifies an increasingly sophisticated propaganda and disinformation campaign and calls for action from social media platforms. Read the report at; https://www.aspi.org.au/report/frontier-influencers Music: "Carrie White" by Filmy Ghost (Sábila Orbe) via the FreeMusicArchive.org
10/20/202217 minutes, 52 seconds
Episode Artwork

Inside the CCP’s 20th Party Congress

This week, senior Chinese Communist Party officials are meeting in Beijing for the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, where Xi Jinping will secure a third term as head of the Chinese Communist Party. In this special episode, Dr Samantha Hoffman and Charlie Parton provide insights into the Party Congress – what it is, the importance of ideology and why it matters, as well as initial takeaways from President Xi’s speech and what to expect from the rest of the Congress. Guests: Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Charles Parton OBE: https://rusi.org/people/parton-obe Music: "Up from Here" by Maarten Schellekens - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
10/19/202213 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode Artwork

The case for an Australian semiconductor industry

Semiconductors are the incredibly sophisticated and complex computer chips that power all modern electronics. They’re essential for everything from smartphones to nuclear submarines and from medical equipment to wireless communications. There’s been an increased focus on semiconductors of late, with the passing of the CHIPS and Science Act in the United States and tensions in the Taiwan Strait over Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. In this episode, Fergus Hanson speaks to Alex Capri and Professor Bob Clark about the semiconductor supply chain, how geopolitics play into this resource, and why semiconductors matter. They discuss their findings for the new ASPI report ‘Australia’s semiconductor national moonshot’, which details how Australia can develop its semiconductor manufacturing industry. ASPI Report: Australia’s semiconductor national moonshot: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-semiconductor-national-moonshot Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Alex Capri: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-capri Bob Clark: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-clark Music: "Riviera" by Maarten Schellekens - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
10/14/202226 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

Disinformation in Solomon Islands, India-Australia ties, repatriation of families from Syria

Following the Honiara riots in November 2021, the Chinese Communist Party has pushed false narratives in coordinated information operations in an attempt to shape Solomon Islands public perception and to undermine the country’s relationships with Australia and the United States. To discuss this, David Wroe speaks to Blake Johnson, lead author of ASPI’s latest report on the CCP’s information operations in Solomon Islands ‘Suppressing the truth and spreading lies’. With India’s Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar due to visit Australia in the coming days, Baani Grewal asks Professor Ian Hall for his assessment on how India sees its relationship with Australia and the role of Foreign Minister Jaishankar in shaping Australia-India relations. They also discuss India’s relationship with China and Russia, including Modi’s comments to Putin at the recent SCO Summit. Recently, it was reported that the Australian Government would repatriate Australian families of Islamic State members from Syria. 16 women and 42 children have been held in Syria for over three years since the collapse of ISIS in March 2019. Olivia Nelson speaks to Katja Theodorakis about the risks associated with bringing the women and children home, and risks of leaving them there, and how international partners are approaching this challenge. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/suppressing-truth-and-spreading-lies Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: @davidwroe (Twitter) Blake Johnson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/blake-johnson Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Ian Hall: https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-business-school/departments/government-international-relations/contact-us/ian-hall Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson Katja Theodorakis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis Music: "Ten Petal Rose" by Ketsa, Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) via the FreeMusicArchive.org
10/7/202239 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode Artwork

Optus hack, state surveillance in China, UNGA and UN reform

Last week, Optus notified the media and its customers that personal data had been compromised in a cyber attack. The compromised data included names, dates of birth, postal addresses, drivers licence and passport numbers. Fergus Hanson and Jocelinn Kang discuss the implications of this breach, the dangers of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, and why Australia should consider prohibiting the payment of ransom demands. Since 2017, Wall Street Journal’s Liza Lin and Josh Chin have been covering the CCP’s increasing use of surveillance technology to control society, which is featured in their new book ‘Surveillance State’. Dr Samantha Hoffman speaks to Liza and Josh about the use of surveillance tech in smart cities and the challenges of reporting on China following their expulsion. Olivia Nelson speaks to Lisa Sharland about the prospects for UN reform and what the reforms might look like, why the UN remains relevant and key outcomes from the UN General Assembly’s High-level Week. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Surveillance State: Inside China's Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control’ : https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250821386/surveillancestate Guests: Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Josh Chin: https://www.wsj.com/news/author/josh-chin Liza Lin: https://www.wsj.com/news/author/liza-lin Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson Lisa Sharland: https://www.stimson.org/ppl/lisa-sharland/ Music: "Caribetron" by Quincas Moreira
9/30/202256 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia-US industry and tech collaboration, Google's cybersecurity overhaul

Plenty of security experts feel that the defence industry could learn a bit from Silicon Valley when it comes to moving more quickly, embracing disruption and making quicker decisions. One of them is Dr Bill Greenwalt of the American Enterprise Institute, one of the most sought-after US thinkers on defence acquisition. He’s a former Senate Armed Services Committee staffer and deputy defense undersecretary for industrial policy. Today, Dr Greenwalt speaks with ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton about Australia-US industry and tech collaboration, and about how to stay ahead in the innovation race that lies at the heart of today’s strategic competition. In our second segment, ASPI’s Vahri Fotheringham talks to Shane Huntley, the head of Google’s threat analysis group. They discuss Google’s recent six-part documentary about the cybersecurity overhaul the company went through after it was hacked by China in 2009 in what became known as Operation Aurura. They also discuss steps that consumers and companies can take to improve their cyber security in a timely exchange following the high-profile hacks of Optus and Medibank, and the release today of the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Annual Cyber Threat Report. https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/acsc-annual-cyber-threat-report-july-2021-june-2022 Music: "Up From Here" by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) via the FreeMusicArchive.org
9/23/202248 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode Artwork

43% is a good start, but it's not enough

Legislating a 43% emissions reduction target is a welcome start, but it’s not enough. That was the message from former Kiribati President Anote Tong and former Palau President Tommy Remengesau on their recent visit to Canberra. For Australia to be able to look future generations of Pacific Islanders in the eye, it needs to do more to contribute to lowering global greenhouse emissions, including ending fossil fuel exports. Guests: - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anote_Tong - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Remengesau_Jr. Photo: "Pacific Island" by Jamie Oliver - https://www.flickr.com/photos/theworldfishcenter/6324398053 Music: "Acceptance" by Maarten Schellekens - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens/artistic-works-2022/acceptance-1/
9/21/202233 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

AUKUS - too big to fail

“Too big to fail.” How’s that for a bit of pressure on the AUKUS partnership on its first birthday? Today on Policy, Guns and Money. ASPI executive director Justin Bassi speaks with Becca Wasser, Defence Fellow and head of The Gaming Lab at the Center for a New American Security. Becca says AUKUS is such an essential show of commitment between friends and allies, that its failure would mean the failure of the US national defence strategy and potentially for the very idea of integrated deterrence. They also talk about CNAS war games – where failure is not just an option but is encouraged and get into some deep questions about a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, including Australia’s role in deterrence and the million US dollar question - when might Beijing decide it’s the right time? Guests: Justin Bassi. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Becca Wasser. https://www.cnas.org/people/becca-wasser Music: "Clarity" by Makaih Beats. via the FreeMusicArchive.org
9/16/202234 minutes, 13 seconds
Episode Artwork

Beyond the sandpit: Counterterrorism and resilience in an age of strategic competition

On 8 September, ASPI hosted the event ‘Beyond the sandpit: Counterterrorism and resilience in an age of strategic competition’. The event focused on how we can translate the lessons and gains of the GWOT into a forward-looking, resilience-focused approach that ensures continued support and engagement with Afghan civil society while also addressing long-term security and stability concerns. Following an introduction by ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi, the event began with a keynote address by Saad Mohseni, Director of MOBY Group. Following the address, Siobhan Heanue (Journalist, ABC News) and Matt Anderson PSM (Director, Australian War Memorial) joined ASPI’s Katja Theodorakis for a discussion on building the partnerships needed for a sustainable and secure Afghanistan, learning from history and ensuring countries like Australia are not so distracted by other domestic and international challenges that they miss developments surrounding terrorism and extremism.
9/12/20221 hour, 1 minute, 52 seconds
Episode Artwork

Continuity & change in warfare and Lessons from the pandemic

In this week’s episode of Policy, Guns & Money, we start with Ulie Yildirim’s conversation about continuity and change in war with Professor Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations at the University of Glasgow. Professor Heuser this week delivered the 2022 J.G. Grey Oration at the Australian War College. She and Ulie discuss her oration message, that we need to rethink many of our longstanding beliefs about warfare. Next; it’s a cardinal question... what have we actually learnt from two-and-a-half years of the COVID-19 pandemic? Everyone agrees that the next biothreat is a matter of when, not if, but what are the future dangers and how prepared are we to face them? To explore these questions and more, Jasmine Latimore speaks with Associate Professor David Heslop from the University of New South Wales’ School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Our guests this week; Ulas Yildirim. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ulas-yildirim Professor Beatrice Heuser. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/beatriceheuser/ Jasmine Latimore. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jasmine-latimore Associate Professor David Heslop. https://sph.med.unsw.edu.au/people/associate-professor-david-heslop Music: "The lullaby of the free hell" by Koi Discovery - FreeMusicArchive.org Image: Carl von Clausewitz
9/9/202239 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode Artwork

Technology and the economy, Pelosi’s Taiwan visit, RWE in Australia

Fergus Hanson speaks to Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University and Professor of Practice in International Relations, and former State Secretary at the Spanish Foreign Ministry about how emerging technologies are affecting employment, global leadership and social and economic inequality. They explore the way these systemic inequalities are playing out internationally, and how democratic and authoritarian states are impacted. Speaker Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan prompted a predictably strong response from Beijing, including threats of military action. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Elsa Kania, Adjunct Senior Fellow with the Technology and National Security Program at CNAS, about China’s reaction and the sentiment within Taiwan, as well as the long-term effects of the latest developments. ASPI’s David Wroe speaks to Lydia Khalil, Research Fellow on Transnational Challenges at the Lowy Institute, about her latest book, ‘Rise of the Extreme Right: A Lowy Institute Paper’, which takes a close look at right-wing extremism in Australia and globally. They consider how disaffection with democracy is helping fuel RWE and why people are moving away from mainstream political ideologies. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Rise of the extreme right: A Lowy institute Paper’: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/rise-of-the-extreme-right-a-lowy-institute-paper-penguin-special-9781761046353 Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Manuel Muñiz: https://www.ie.edu/school-global-public-affairs/faculty-and-research/faculty/manuel-muniz/ Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Elsa Kania: https://www.cnas.org/people/elsa-b-kania David Wroe: https://twitter.com/davidwroe Lydia Khalil: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/people/experts/bio/lydia-khalil Music: "Metro" by Yung Logos
9/2/202246 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

Palmer Luckey brings tech disruption to Defence

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus VR and Anduril Industries and Dr Shane Arnott, Anduril Industries’ Chief Engineer. They discuss defence industry, improving defence procurement, and bringing a Silicon Valley approach to deliver capabilities faster. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Palmer Luckey: https://www.anduril.com/leadership/ Dr Shane Arnott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanearnott/ Music: "Viscid" by Signal - via freemusicarchive.org
8/31/202221 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Six months into Russia’s war: Looking ahead with Ukraine’s Ambassador

Today is an important day for Ukraine, as the country marks the 31st anniversary of independence from Soviet rule. It is also six months since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, with no end in sight. In this special episode, ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi asks Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko about the current situation in the conflict, shifts in momentum, international support for Ukraine and the country’s successes in the cyber domain. They also discuss Russia’s ambitions - and its progress in achieving its goals - and Ukraine’s economic situation. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko: https://australia.mfa.gov.ua/en/governance/vasyl-myroshnychenko Music: "Daylight Rising" by Brylie Christopher Oxley - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
8/24/202241 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Iran’s asymmetric capabilities, Defence Strategic Review, India’s South-East Asia relations

Katja Theodorakis speaks to Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at FDD, about Iran’s military power and how the country is investing in asymmetric capabilities. They also discuss the challenges posed by anti-status quo powers and Iran’s deterrence strategy. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Marles announced that there would be a Defence Strategic Review focused on ‘force structure, force posture and preparedness, and investment prioritization to ensure Defence has the right capabilities to meet our growing strategic needs.’ Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Michael Shoebridge about some of the challenges for the review, including its short timeline for delivery. Baani Grewal speaks to Dr Teesta Prakash about the relationship dynamics between India and Southeast Asia and their growing strategic convergence as they tackle shared challenges. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI report ‘Marles’s Defence Strategic Review—an exploding suitcase of challenges to resolve by March 2023’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/marles-defence-strategic-review Guests (in order of appearance): Katja Theodorakis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis Behnam Ben Taleblu: https://www.fdd.org/team/behnam-ben-taleblu/ Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Teesta Prakash: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/people/experts/bio/teesta-prakash Music: c/ FreeMusicArchive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/viscid/disconnected/climb/ Image: c/ Wikimedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IRIA_soldiers_marching_in_formation_%281%29.jpg
8/19/202237 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia’s space industry, India-China relations, Southeast Asia’s digital transformation

This week marks a significant milestone for the Policy, Guns & Money team - our 150th episode! We'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback via podcast@aspi.org.au, thanks! As Australia’s space sector grows and continues to build significant sovereign capabilities, optimising the links between commercial and national security space is critical. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Adam Gilmour, CEO and Founder of Gilmour Space Technologies, about the need for greater collaboration between the private sector and government to support Australia’s space industry. It's been more than two years since the deadly clashes on the India-China border in 2020, and despite many rounds of consultations between the two countries, the situation at the border shows no signs of improving. Baani Grewal speaks to Dr Tanvi Madan, senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy in the Foreign Policy program and director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution, about the trajectory of the India-China relationship in light of the border issues, as well as the differences between India’s participation in the Quad, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Southeast Asia continues to see a rapid digital transformation, fuelling the region’s economic growth. Dr Gatra Priyandita talks to Elina Noor, Director of Political-Security Affairs and Deputy Director of the Washington DC office at the Asia Society Policy Institute, about how governments in Southeast Asia are responding to the region’s digital transformation. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Adam Gilmour: https://www.gspacetech.com/team Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Elina Noor: https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/elina-noor Image: Gilmour Space Large Hybrid engine test. Music: "Cathode" by ScanGlobe - via the FreeMusicArchive.org Feedback: podcast@aspi.org.au
8/5/202237 minutes, 13 seconds
Episode Artwork

ASPI opens Washington DC office

On 13 July, Australia’s Deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles formally opened the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Washington DC office. In what is Australia’s first defence and national security think tank to open an overseas office, we were thrilled to have Minister Marles join ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi and the inaugural Washington DC director Mark Watson for the official launch. In this special episode, Justin and Mark share their views on the launch and the critical role that ASPI DC will play in informing security, defence and foreign policy debates in Washington. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI Washington DC: https://www.aspi.org.au/washingtondc Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Mark Watson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mark-r-watson Music: "Ten Petal Rose" by Ketsa - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
7/29/202218 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Cyber security with Admiral Michael Rogers

In this episode, ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton speaks to Admiral Mike Rogers, former Director of the U.S. National Security Agency and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and current member of CyberCX’s Global Advisory Board. They consider how the U.S. and its allies have progressed in addressing cyber challenges, and the need for increased industry and government collaboration to solve the problems that technology presents. They also discuss the lessons being learned from Russia’s war on Ukraine, China’s approach to cyber and technology development, and the future of the internet. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Admiral Mike Rogers (ret.) Music: "You Vintage" by Ketsa, via the FreeMusicArchive.org
7/27/202234 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australian space launch, tracking public opinion & policing in the Pacific

Recently, we saw the third and final launch of a NASA rocket from Australia’s Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory – the first successful sub-orbital rocket launch from an Australian commercial centre, and the first commercial launch ever by NASA outside of the United States. ASPI’s resident space-wonks Bec Shrimpton and Dr Malcolm Davis discuss the significance of these launches, what it means for the Australian space industry, and how the Australian government can support this industry’s development into an international and national asset. Recently, the Lowy Institute released its annual poll, which captures Australian views of the world and current global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China and climate. Fergus Ryan speaks to the author of the 2022 Poll, Natasha Kassam about the notable shifts in this year’s poll and what surprised her in the polling results. China’s recent security agreement with Solomon Islands gives Beijing the ability to send police and military forces to the Pacific nation. Dr John Coyne speaks to Senator Vern White about the risks associated with China playing a bigger role in the region’s policing, and the important role Australia and its partners play in policing in the Pacific. Mentioned in this episode: https://poll.lowyinstitute.org/report/2022 Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Natasha Kassam: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/people/experts/bio/natasha-kassam Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Senator Vern White: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vern-white Image: c/ Google Maps Music: 'Mismatch' by Ketsa - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
7/20/202238 minutes, 40 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hong Kong handover anniversary, potential Tik Tok ban, mapping Russia’s conflict in Ukraine

Last week, it was the 25th anniversary of the British handover of Hong Kong, and China’s President Xi Jinping travelled to Hong Kong to mark the occasion. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Primrose Riordan about the significance of the anniversary, the changes she has seen in Hong Kong over her time reporting from the city and the continuing impacts of the crackdown on dissent and the Hong Kong National Security Law. In a letter to the CEOs of Apple and Google, the Commissioner for the United States Federal Communications Commission has called for TikTok to be removed from app stores, citing security concerns. Baani Grewal speaks to Fergus Ryan to discuss TikTok’s owner ByteDance, its ties to the Chinese government and the accessibility of users’ data by Chinese staff. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Nathan Ruser has been mapping the movements on the ground, including changes in territorial control. Late last month, we asked Nathan about how he approaches mapping these movements, including challenges with verification, and how the map has evolved as the conflict has continued. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI’s Ukraine Map Briefing: https://twitter.com/Nrg8000/status/1540710424769069056 Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Primrose Riordan: https://www.ft.com/primrose-riordan Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Music: "Warzone" by Anno Domini Beats
7/6/202238 minutes, 41 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Russia’s war in Ukraine with Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former Estonian President

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, we are delighted to be joined by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former President of Estonia, for a conversation on Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. ASPI’s Executive Director Justin Bassi asks Toomas about Western and NATO unity in support of Ukraine and the implications of the war for democracies and global security, including in the Indo-Pacific. They also discuss cyber challenges, lessons to be learned from the war and the long-term trajectory of the conflict. Guest bio: Toomas Hendrik Ilves served as the fourth President of Estonia from 2006 until 2016. Ilves worked as a diplomat and journalist, and he was the leader of the Social Democratic Party in the 1990s. He served in the government as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 1998 and again from 1999 to 2002. Later, he was a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2006. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Toomas Hendrik Ilves: https://www.presidentilves.ee/bio Background music: "Deliverance" by Maarten Schellekens - via freemusicarchive.org
7/1/202237 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode Artwork

Cambodia’s strategic perspectives, Australia-India ties, ADF energy requirements

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, Brendan Nicholson speaks to Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Cambodia’s Minister delegate attached to the PM for Foreign Affairs and ASEAN. They discuss ASEAN’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, Australia’s relationship with Cambodia, ASEAN’s stance on Myanmar and the expansion of the Ream naval base. This week, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles was in India to meet his counterpart. Karly Winkler and Baani Grewal reflect on how the India-Australia relationship has evolved and highlight the importance of focusing the relationship in on defence and security. Energy security is front and centre in Australia, with issues around supply and costs. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Ulas Yildirim about the Australian Defence Force’s energy supplies and the need to grow the alternative fuels sector in Australia to futureproof the ADF. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Australian Defence Force and its future energy requirements’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australian-defence-force-and-its-future-energy-requirements Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Dr Kao Kim Hourn: https://mobile.twitter.com/hourn_kao Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Wing Commander (Dr) Ulas Yildirim: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ulas-yildirim Credits: Image: Australian Department of Defence Music: "Jazzy Lounge" by Maarten Schellekens via the FreeMusicArchive.org
6/24/202237 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia’s strategic challenges, countering cyber threats, UK Indo-Pacific tilt

To kick off the episode, Dr Alex Bristow speaks to ASPI newcomer Bec Shrimpton, who will head up this year’s Sydney Dialogue. They discuss the strategic threats Australia faces, including the challenges posed by emerging tech, and the Australia-China relationship. With so much of our data online, and a growing reliance on technology in our daily lives, we are left vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Karly Winkler speaks to Google’s Shane Huntley about the work of the Google Threat Analysis Group and the current cyber threat landscape. In the Integrated Review 2021, the UK Government detailed its vision of the UK’s role in the world over the next two decades, outlining a tilt to the Indo-Pacific. Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Professor Alessio Patalano about the Indo-Pacific tilt, the UK’s naval strategy and defence capability priorities. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Bec Shrimpton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-shrimpton-09233265/?originalSubdomain=au Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler Shane Huntley: https://twitter.com/ShaneHuntley Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Professor Alessio Patalano: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/dr-alessio-patalano Music: "Jah Jah Bangs" by Quincas Moreira
6/17/202240 minutes, 12 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Cost of Defence

This week, ASPI released the 21st edition of its annual ‘Cost of Defence’ budget brief, which is Australia’s most comprehensive analysis of Defence spending. Michael Shoebridge speaks to the report’s lead author Dr Marcus Hellyer about the biggest areas of spending for Defence and challenges for the Department, as well as the difficult choices the new government faces given supply chain disruptions, inflation and the conflict in Ukraine. Mentioned in this episode: The Cost of Defence – 2022-2023 Defence budget brief: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-aspi-defence-budget-brief-2022-2023 Guests: Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Music: "Smoke Jacket Blues" by TrackTribe
6/10/202226 minutes, 11 seconds
Episode Artwork

Russia’s propaganda and China’s messaging on the conflict in Ukraine

Anastasia Kapetas and Kyle Wilson take a look at Russia’s history, use of propaganda and how Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was consistent with the evolution of his rule over the past two decades. Dr Jacob Wallis and Dr Samantha Hoffman discuss China’s messaging around the conflict in Ukraine. They consider the messaging by China’s diplomats and Chinese state media at different stages of the conflict, something they explored in their recent report ‘China's messaging on the Ukraine conflict’. Mentioned in this episode: ‘China's messaging on the Ukraine conflict’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/chinas-messaging-ukraine-conflict Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Kyle Wilson: https://ces.cass.anu.edu.au/people/mr-kyle-wilson Dr Jacob Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Music: "Blue Mood" by Robert Munzinger
6/3/202233 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

Climate insurance, AUKUS and non-proliferation, Philippines election

The floods in South-East Queensland and New South Wales earlier this year were some of the most extreme disasters in Australian history, with the Insurance Council of Australia highlighting the event as the country’s costliest flood ever. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Dr Annika Dean about recent analysis by the Climate Council on the links between climate change and extreme weather events and insurability risks across Australia. Baseline data for the report Uninsurable Nation: Australia's Most Climate Vulnerable Places and the Climate Risk Map was provided by Climate Valuation. All reproduction, aggregations and conclusions drawn from the data are the work of the Climate Council. In September last year, the Australian Government announced it would enter into a trilateral security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom – AUKUS. As part of that partnership, Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Anastasia Kapetas is joined by John Carlson for a conversation on nuclear non-proliferation and whether the submarines can be safeguarded. - Look out for further work on counter-proliferation in the coming weeks as part of a developing collaboration with CSIS in Washington and the Centre for Grand Strategy at King's College London focused on the opportunities and challenges arising from AUKUS. Following a landslide victory, Mr Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been elected as the next President of the Philippines. Dr David Engel speaks to Dr Yusuke Takagi about the geostrategic implications of President Marcos election for the Quad countries, the bilateral relationship between the US and the Philippines, and what China’s growing regional influence means for Manila. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Uninsurable Nation: Australia’s Most Climate Vulnerable Places’: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/uninsurable-nation-australias-most-climate-vulnerable-places/ Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Annika Dean: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/author/annika/ Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas John Carlson: https://vcdnp.org/john-carlson/ Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Yusuke Takagi: https://www.grips.ac.jp/list/en/facultyinfo/takagi_yusuke/ Music: Free Music Archive: Scott Holmes Music - Digital Age Image: https://nara.getarchive.net/media/chemical-reaction-team-personnel-wearing-nuclear-biological-chemical-nbc-protective-4e51b1
5/27/202250 minutes, 43 seconds
Episode Artwork

Quad primer: India and Japan’s policy priorities

With the Quad Leaders set to meet in Tokyo next Tuesday, this episode explores the security and foreign policies of Australia’s Quad partners, India and Japan. Justin Bassi speaks to India expert Dr Tanvi Madan about India’s perspectives on key strategic issues, including the China-Russia partnership and regional security challenges in South Asia. The conversation highlights opportunities for the Quad to ensure stability and security in the region. Shifting focus to Japan, Dr Malcolm Davis speaks to Dr Stephen Nagy about Japan’s foreign and security policy. They discuss Japan’s relationship with China, the importance of multilateralism and the potential for increased technology cooperation. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Fateful Triangle - How China Shaped U.S.-India Relations During the Cold War’: https://www.brookings.edu/book/fateful-triangle/ Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Dr Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Dr Stephen Nagy: https://icu.academia.edu/StephenRobertNagy Background music: "Late Night Drive" by Nat Keefe & BeatMower
5/20/202232 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: China-Solomon Islands security pact with Dr Euan Graham

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Dr Alex Bristow, Deputy Director of Defence, Strategy & National Security at ASPI, speaks to Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies about the security pact between China and Solomon Islands. Their conversation considers China’s strategic objectives, the different responses to the agreement and its implications for security in the South Pacific. Mentioned in this episode: Assessing the Solomon Islands’ new security agreement with China: https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2022/05/china-solomon-islands Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Dr Euan Graham: https://www.iiss.org/people/asia-pacific/euan-graham Background music: "Hologram" by Bobby Richards
5/16/202222 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

Future of the internet, US-ASEAN summit, Taliban’s opium ban

In April this year, a coalition of over 60 countries released ‘A Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, a joint partnership that aims to actively support the internet as an open, free, global digital ecosystem. Karly Winkler, Jocelinn Kang and Bart Hogeveen discuss what the declaration means for human rights, sustainable development and the democratic systems of countries. On 12th and 13th May, ASEAN Leaders will meet U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington DC for a special summit. Ahead of the summit, Dr David Engel speaks to Dr Huong Le Thu about the latest news from ASEAN, including Indonesia’s decision to keep Russia on the G20 invitation list and political stability in Southeast Asia. Recently, the Taliban announced a ban on the cultivation of opium poppy in Afghanistan. Dr Teagan Westendorf and Dr John Coyne discuss the political, cultural and economic ramifications of the new ban and how its impact will be felt locally and internationally. Guests (in order of appearance): Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Background music: "Metro" by Yung Logos
5/6/202240 minutes, 24 seconds
Episode Artwork

Indonesia’s response to Ukraine conflict, Russia’s disinformation, digital development in SE Asia

This is Policy, Guns and Money, the ASPI podcast, with me, Olivia Nelson. As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, ASPI’s Dr David Engel and Radityo Dharmaputra, PhD researcher at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu, consider the public response to the conflict in Indonesia and how anti-Western sentiment and Russian propaganda have shaped people’s views. Now to a different aspect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict – the information domain. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Carl Miller, Research Director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media (CASM) at Demos, about the effectiveness of Russia’s information operations outside of Western countries and who is winning the information war. Finally, Bart Hogeveen speaks to Trisha Ray, Associate Fellow with ORF’s Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, about Australia and India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and opportunities to support inclusive digital development in the region. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Radityo Dharmaputra: https://icds.ee/en/autor/radityo-dharmaputra/ Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Carl Miller: https://demos.co.uk/people/carl-miller/ Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Trisha Ray: https://www.orfonline.org/people-expert/trisha-ray/
4/20/202245 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

Foreign interference in Australia, the Federal Budget and northern Australia

Recently, Peter Jennings spoke to Victorian Senator James Paterson, who Chairs the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. They discuss the Committee's recent inquiry into national security risks affecting Australia's higher education and research sectors, the Senator's role as Chair, and Australia's foreign interference laws. Dr John Coyne and Gill Savage from ASPI’s Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre sat down to discuss what the latest Budget holds for Northern Australia. They discuss the disconnect between decisions made in southern Australia for initiatives in the north, the limitations of siloed policy approaches and the need for cohesive ‘bigger picture’ planning. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Collaborative nation building: Port of Townsville case study’ by Gill Savage and Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/collaborative-nation-building-port-townsville-case-study Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Senator James Paterson: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=144138 Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Gill Savage: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gill-savage Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - via freemusicarchive.org
4/8/202233 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode Artwork

A conversation with Dr David Kilcullen

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Dr David Kilcullen, Professor of International and Political Studies at UNSWCanberra. They discuss the global implications of the continued conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the state of Afghanistan since the withdrawal of international forces, and the future of Australia’s defence capability versus meeting its current short-term demands. Dr David Kilcullen is a former soldier and diplomat, and a scholar of guerrilla warfare, terrorism, urbanisation and the future of conflict, who served 25 years for the Australian and United States governments. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr David Kilcullen: https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/david-kilcullen Background music: "Late Night Drive" by Nat Keefe & BeatMower
3/30/202225 minutes, 51 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia-India Cyber Partnership, with Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Fergus Hanson speaks to India’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant. They discuss the evolution of Australia-India cyber partnership, the cybersecurity threat landscape in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and India’s national security policies on 5G. Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant is India’s National Cybersecurity Coordinator. He is responsible for overseeing the development of India’s first national cybersecurity strategy. Previously, he was the head of the Indian Army’s cyber training establishment for three years and served in the Indian Army Signals Corps for 41 years. Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant Background music: "Average" by Patrick Patrikios
3/24/202221 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY's tears; series final

The ASPI special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ has explored the changing nature of the Australian-Indonesian relationship since the fall of Suharto, as seen through the eyes and experiences of its ambassadors to Jakarta. In this final episode of the series, Dr David Engel and Hillary Mansour revisit some of the themes explored throughout the series, such as Indonesia’s foreign policy, its relationship with Australia and the changes to Indonesian democracy. They reflect on the past experiences of Australia’s ambassadors, and how these lessons can impact our future relationship with Indonesia. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Hillary Mansour: www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour John McCarthy AO: asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/lead…n-mccarthy-ao Ric Smith AO, PSM: sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-pub…mith-ao-psm David Ritchie AO: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ritchie_(diplomat) Bill Farmer AO Greg Moriarty: www.defence.gov.au/about/leaders/secretary Gary Quinlan AO: www.apln.network/members/australi…gary-quinlan/bio
3/15/202242 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

International Women's Day 2022

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, ASPI’s Anastasia Kapetas, Daria Impiombato and Katja Theodorakis explore the nexus of climate change and gender, considering the official 2022 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.’ They discuss the disproportionate gendered impacts of climate change, the agency of women in climate and security narratives, and focus on the intersectional dimensions of the climate movement within different regional contexts. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor The Strategist: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Daria Impiombato, Researcher ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Katja Theodorakis, Head of ASPI’s Counterterrorism Program: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis
3/8/202226 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode Artwork

A conversation with Ukraine's Chargé d'Affaires Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Brendan Nicholson speaks to the Embassy of Ukraine’s Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, on the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has sent shockwaves across Europe and the international community, with countries pledging humanitarian aid and military assistance to the Ukrainian government. They discuss how the conflict is currently unfolding, the different war-fighting capabilities of Russian and Ukrainian forces, and potential avenues for the resolution of the war. Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi Music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens, via freemusicarchive.org
3/4/202215 minutes, 45 seconds
Episode Artwork

Russia invades Ukraine, policing and AI, an Australian DARPA

This week, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine despite widespread international condemnation, including a vote by 141 member states of the UN condemning the invasion. Michael Shoebridge and Dr Marcus Hellyer explore how Russia’s attack has intensified, Ukraine’s long-term war-fighting capability and the potential off-ramps for this conflict. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Professor Lyria Bennett Moses about the ethics of artificial intelligence in policing. They explore different ethical frameworks, oversight measures, data practices of AI in law enforcement, and consider the notion of ‘undemocratic AI’. Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks with Graeme Dunk, about the potential for an Australian ‘Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’, or DARPA. They discussed how a DARPA would support defence innovation and the delivery of capability in Australia. Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Professor Lyria Bennett Moses: https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/lyria-bennett-moses Graeme Dunk: https://www.shoalgroup.com/about-us/our-team/
3/3/202236 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY’s tears, featuring Greg Moriarty

In the penultimate episode of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’, Dr David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program and Hillary Mansour, former ASPI Research Intern, speak to Greg Moriarty, who was ambassador to Indonesia from 2010 until 2014. Their conversation explores Indonesia’s foreign policy under SBY, the bilateral economic relationship and cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. They also discuss some of the challenges in the bilateral relationship, such as the banning of live cattle exports to Indonesia and people smuggling. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Greg Moriarty: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/leaders/secretary Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour
2/28/202230 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY’s tears, featuring Gary Quinlan AO

In this episode of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’, Dr David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program and Hillary Mansour, former ASPI Research Intern, speak to Gary Quinlan AO, who was Ambassador to Indonesia from 2018 until 2021. Their conversation explores developments in the Australia-Indonesia economic relationship, the development of Indonesia’s democracy and the relationship between religion and politics in the country. They also consider the impacts of climate change and Covid-19 on Indonesia and Australia’s use of soft power. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Gary Quinlan AO: https://www.apln.network/members/australia/gary-quinlan/bio Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour Background music: "Moonshiner" by Jacob Field Productions: https://soundcloud.com/jacobfieldpr/moonshiner-royalty-free-music
2/23/202234 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

China’s influence in Australia, global strategic assessment & countering global corruption

This week, ASPI released the report ‘Taking the low road: China's influence in Australian states and territories’ which maps out the changing nature of China’s engagement with Australian states and territories, local governments, city councils, universities, research organisations and non-government organisations. Peter Jennings is joined by report editor Emeritus Professor John Fitzgerald for a conversation on the report’s findings. So far, 2022 has been full of strategic challenges; Covid-19 impacts are still being felt globally, tensions remain heightened between Russia and Ukraine, and a recent meeting between Presidents Putin and Xi has some analysts calling their relationship a de-facto alliance. Michael Shoebridge speaks to Arthur Snell about the latest developments, how the international world order is being challenged and why this is an important moment for democracies. In December last year, the White House released the first U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption. Anastasia Kapetas and Dr Teagan Westendorf discuss the different pillars of the strategy and whether it will be enough to counter corruption globally. Mentioned in this episode: + ASPI Report ‘Taking the low road: China's influence in Australian states and territories’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/taking-low-road-chinas-influence-australian-states-and-territories + ‘Doomsday Watch’ podcast: https://apple.co/3gWSgg0 + U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption: https://bit.ly/3JDR4dI Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Professor John Fitzgerald: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/our-research/access-our-research/find-a-researcher-or-supervisor/researcher-profile/?id=johnfitzgerald Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Arthur Snell: https://twitter.com/SnellArthur Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Background Music: "Airflow" by Bio Unit, via the FreeMusicArchive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Bio_Unit
2/18/202251 minutes, 14 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY’s tears, featuring Bill Farmer AO

In episode 4 of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’, Dr David Engel speaks to Bill Farmer AO, Ambassador to Indonesia from 2005 until 2010. They discuss the pivotal moments in the Australia-Indonesia relationship, SBY’s presidency and the Global Financial Crisis, and Indonesia’s foreign policy. They also talk about the Lombok Treaty, people smuggling and counterterrorism and how Australia should approach its northern neighbour going forward. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Bill Farmer AO
2/8/202224 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Understanding China, tech diplomacy, climate security in the Middle East

Fergus Ryan speaks to China expert Joanna Chiu about her new book ‘China Unbound: A new world disorder’. They discuss the changing attitudes towards China in Western countries and the importance of developing China expertise. Critical and emerging technologies are quickly becoming a key focus area of geopolitical competition. Karly Winkler speaks to Bonnie Glick about the newly established Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and the links between technology advances and national interests. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Gidon Bromberg about climate and security in the Middle East. They discuss the ‘green blue deal’ concept and climate progress in the region. Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Joanna Chiu: https://www.joannachiu.com/about Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler The Hon. Bonnie Glick: https://techdiplomacy.org/member/the-hon-bonnie-glick/ Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Gidon Bromberg: https://twitter.com/gidonb
2/7/202242 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Russia-Ukraine with Paul Dibb and Kyle Wilson

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb and Kyle Wilson from the Australian National University about the Russia-Ukraine crisis. They consider the likelihood of an invasion, Putin’s long-term strategy and whether sanctions can deter Russian military action. Guests in this episode (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/paul-dibb Kyle Wilson: https://ces.cass.anu.edu.au/people/mr-kyle-wilson
2/1/202226 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: US democracy and Russia with Dr Fiona Hill

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Dr Fiona Hill, senior fellow in the Foreign Policy program at Brookings and deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council from 2017 to 2019. They consider the state of US democracy, rising authoritarianism, US-Russia relations and the Russia-Ukraine situation. Dr Hill recently published the book ‘There is Nothing for You Here’ and this conversation covers some of the themes of the book. Mentioned in this episode: ‘There’s Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century’: https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/there-is-nothing-for-you-here/9780358574248 Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Fiona Hill: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/fiona-hill/
1/28/202226 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY’s tears, featuring David Ritchie AO

In episode 3 of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’, Dr David Engel and Hillary Mansour speak to David Ritchie, Ambassador to Indonesia from 2002 until 2005. During his time as ambassador, David dealt with a number of crises, including the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, a terror attack on the Australian Embassy and the arrest of the Bali Nine. They discuss Australia-Indonesia cooperation and how the bilateral relationship changed over the course of his tenure as ambassador. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour David Ritchie AO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ritchie_(diplomat) Background music: "Moonshiner" by Jacob Field Productions: https://soundcloud.com/jacobfieldpr/moonshiner-royalty-free-music
1/25/202229 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: A conversation with Dr Joseph Wu, Foreign Minister of Taiwan.

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Joseph Wu. They discuss Taiwan’s foreign policy priorities, Cross-Strait relations and threats to regional security, including rising authoritarianism. They also reflect on Taiwan’s relationship with Australia and the impact that recent events in Hong Kong have had on Taiwan’s thinking. Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu is Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, previously he was Secretary-General in the Office of the President, Secretary-General of the National Security Council and Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Minister Wu has a PhD in Political Science from Ohio State University. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu: https://en.mofa.gov.tw/MofaLeader_Content.aspx?n=1281&sms=&mls=34 Music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens, via freemusicarchive.org
1/23/202235 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY’s tears, featuring Ric Smith AO, PSM

In this episode of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ Dr David Engel and Hillary Mansour speak to Ric Smith AO, PSM, who was Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia from 2001. The conversation explores economic reform after the Asian Financial Crisis, the end of Gus Dur’s presidency and the beginning of Megawati’s presidency, and the state of Australia’s relationship with Indonesia during Smith’s tenure. They also discuss the Tampa affair and the 2002 Bali bombings, and how Australia should engage with its northern neighbour. For more information and to listen to all episodes in this series, visit: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/sbys-tears-managing-crisis-managing-process-australia-indonesia-relations-fall-suharto Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Ric Smith AO, PSM: https://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-publications/experts/ric-smith-ao-psm Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour
1/17/202223 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

SBY'S tears, featuring John McCarthy AO

This special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ explores the history of Indonesia since the fall of Suharto and Australia’s part in it through the eyes and experience of its ambassadors to Jakarta over this period. The series will look at democracy, counterterrorism, natural disasters and economic developments, and how Australia’s relationship with Indonesia has changed over the years. In this episode, David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia program, and former ASPI Research Intern Hillary Mansour speak to John McCarthy AO, who was Ambassador to Indonesia from 1997 to 2001. They discuss some of the major developments during his time in the post, including the fall of Suharto, President Habibie and the Reformasi, East Timor, the election of Gus Dur and former prime minister John Howard’s relationship with the country’s leaders. Guests (in order of appearance): David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel John McCarthy AO: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/leadership-team/john-mccarthy-ao Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour
1/11/202224 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode Artwork

Special episode: AUKUS and delivering Australia’s submarines

In September this year, the Australian Government announced it would join a new security pact with the UK and US – AUKUS – and detailed its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In this special episode, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Andrew Nicholls and Dr Marcus Hellyer about their new report ‘Implementing Australia’s nuclear submarine program’. They consider the costs and challenges of delivering this large-scale project and choosing the right strategic partner to help deliver the submarine program. This is the final episode of Policy, Guns and Money for 2021! We welcome your feedback and suggestions of topics you’d like to see us cover in 2022. Drop us a note at https://www.aspi.org.au/contact-us Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Andrew Nicholls: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-nicholls Background music: "Anons" by Ketsa, via the freemusicarchive.org Image: via pxhere.com
12/27/202119 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode Artwork

Russia-Ukraine tensions, Australia-South Korea defence deal

Russia’s military build-up along the country’s border with Ukraine has seen tensions rise between the two countries, leading the United States, the EU and the UK to warn Russia against invasion. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Russia expert Professor Mark Galeotti from University College London about the likelihood of a conflict, Russia’s diplomacy approaches, Putin’s game plan and what the objective would be if Russia were to invade Ukraine. This week, South Korea and Australia signed a billion-dollar weapons contract, making it one of Australia’s largest-ever military deals with an Asian nation. Dr Marcus Hellyer and Michael Shoebridge discuss what the defence contract entails and how this new partnership will influence strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Professor Mark Galeotti: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ssees/prof-mark-galeotti Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge
12/17/202133 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode Artwork

2021, a year in review.

Brendan Nicholson, Executive Editor of The Strategist and Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor of The Strategist break down some of the key developments in international politics and security this year. From Covid-19, to the Capitol riots, to a coup in Myanmar and the announcement of AUKUS – it’s been a big year. This episode will take you through some of the strategic highs and lows of 2021, and details developments to watch in 2022. Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Music: "The Silent Grove" by Axletree - freemusicarchive.org Image: via Wikimedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg
12/10/202134 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: India’s foreign policy with Tanvi Madan

This week on Policy, Guns and Money’s Bigger Picture series, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Dr Tanvi Madan, senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy in the Foreign Policy program, and director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution in Washington. They discuss India’s foreign policy interests, strategic partnerships including the Quad and the complexities of India’s relationships with China and Russia. Mentioned in this episode: https://warontherocks.com/2021/10/india-is-not-sitting-on-the-geopolitical-fence/ Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Music: "Little Bear" by Lobo Loco - via freemusicarchive.org
12/3/202125 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode Artwork

Intelligence collaboration, ASEAN and Myanmar, Pacific cyber capacity

This week, ASPI released the report ‘Collaborative and agile: Intelligence community collaboration insights from the United Kingdom and the United States’ which details the lessons learned for Australia’s intelligence communities from key partners, the United States and United Kingdom. Two of the report’s authors Michael Shoebridge and Dr John Coyne discuss their key findings and some of the shared challenges that the intelligence agencies are facing. ASEAN’s response to the Myanmar coup in February this year has challenged the group’s credibility. Dr Huong Le Thu and Dr David Engel explore this in their latest ASPI report, ‘Myanmar’s coup, ASEAN’s crisis and the implications for Australia’. They explore ASEAN’s crisis of credibility, Indonesia’s leadership role and Australia’s mid-to-long term role in the regional grouping. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s government pay system was hit by a ransomware attack. ASPI’s Bart Hogeveen speaks with Cherie Lagakali, Pacific Liaison of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise and chair of the Pacific Chapter of Internet Society, about cyber capacity in the Pacific. They discuss recent ransomware attacks across the region and the challenge of building ‘whole-of-community’ standard practices. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Collaborative and agile: Intelligence community collaboration insights from the United Kingdom and the United States’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/collaborative-and-agile ‘Myanmar’s coup, ASEAN’s crisis and the implications for Australia’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/myanmars-coup-aseans-crisis-and-implications-australia Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Cherie Lagakali: https://thegfce.org/advisory_board/cherie-lagakali/
11/26/202143 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode Artwork

COP26 concludes, regulating digital tech, mapping India-China border tensions

Now that COP26 has concluded, ASPI’s Dr Robert Glasser and Anastasia Kapetas break down the commitments made at the summit, where they fell short, and what needs to be done to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. As society’s reliance on technology continues to grow, regulating and securing technology becomes increasingly important. ASPI’s Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Professor Jeannie Paterson from the University of Melbourne about the need to regulate digital technology in a way that aligns with democratic values. ASPI’s Nathan Ruser and Baani Grewal recently released a multimedia project looking at the increasing border tensions between China and India in the Doklam region. Their ground-breaking work uses open-source satellite imagery to develop a unique 3D view of the mountainous region which helps viewers understand the strategic importance of the roads and military infrastructure being established by both sides. Mentioned in this episode: ‘A 3D deep dive into the India-China border’: https://pageflow.aspi.org.au/mappingdoklam#313455 Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Professor Jeannie Paterson: https://law.unimelb.edu.au/about/staff/jeannie-paterson Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Header image: "COP26 Global Day of Action" via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COP26_Global_Day_of_Action_(51662172113).jpg Background music: "Mallet Play" by Maarten Schellekens via Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens/neo-classical-works/mallet-play
11/23/202145 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Technology policy with Sir Nick Clegg

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money’s ‘Bigger Picture’ series, Fergus Hanson speaks to Sir Nick Clegg, vice president of global affairs and communications for Meta on technology policy. They discuss the greatest tech challenges currently facing the international community and how governments and the private sector can better collaborate on these issues going forward, something that Sir Nick will discuss in a panel session at ASPI’s inaugural Sydney Dialogue on 19 November. Nick Clegg is the vice president of global affairs and communications for Meta. Previously, he served as deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2015. In 2018, he received a knighthood in recognition of his political and public service. He also established the think tank Open Reason, which examines issues pertaining to drugs policy and the fourth industrial revolution. From 1994 to 2004, he worked as a senior adviser in the European Commission, and between 1999 and 2004 he was a member of the European Parliament. Sir Nick is the best-selling author of Politics: between the extremes and How to stop Brexit (and make Britain great again). Mentioned in this episode: https://tsd.aspi.org.au/ Guests (in order of appearance): Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Sir Nick Clegg: https://nickclegg.medium.com/
11/17/202121 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: The Australia-Japan strategic relationship with Ambassador Shingo Yamagami

This week on Policy, Guns and Money’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to His Excellency Shingo Yamagami, Ambassador of Japan to Australia about the Australia-Japan strategic relationship. They discuss the evolution of Australia-Japan trade, defence and people-to-people ties, and Japan’s perspective on AUKUS, the Quad and the strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings H.E. Mr Shingo Yamagami: https://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ambassador_profile_en.html Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
11/12/202131 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode Artwork

COP26 progress, future submarines, vaccine passports

The first week of Glasgow’s COP26 summit is over, and we have seen a number of countries make landmark promises to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Dr Robert Glasser and Anastasia Kapetas discuss these commitments, Australia’s position during the conference and what’s in store for the remainder of the summit. With the government’s recent announcement that it will acquire nuclear-powered submarines and cancel the attack-class program, it looks like we might be waiting until the late 2030s until the first submarine is in service. Defence capability experts Dr Marcus Hellyer and Dr Andrew Davies consider the decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and discuss Australia’s potential naval capability gaps and how these gaps can be addressed. As international travel begins to re-open, digital vaccine passports are set to be a requirement in many parts of the world to prove your vaccination status. Gill Savage and Dr Teagan Westendorf discuss the challenges for the rollout of vaccine passports, potential issues with interoperability and how to address cybersecurity risks. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Andrew Davies: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-davies Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Gill Savage: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gill-savage
11/8/202140 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Climate with Dino Patti Djalal

In this episode of Policy, Gun’s and Money’s ‘The Bigger Picture’ series, Dr. Robert Glasser speaks to Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Founder of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) about climate change. They consider Indonesia’s climate vulnerabilities and why climate change needs to be placed at the top of Indonesia’s national agenda. They highlight the need for governments to be bold when it comes to climate and to create policies that incentivise and encourage green growth. Dr. Dino Patti Djalal is the founder and chairman of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, a former Indonesian ambassador to the United States, and a former Indonesian deputy foreign minister. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr. Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr. Dino Patti Djalal: https://www.fpcindonesia.org/about-us/ ; Twitter: @dinopattidjalal Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - via the FreeMusicArchive.org
11/1/202123 minutes, 30 seconds
Episode Artwork

COP26 and Australia's climate commitments, record heroin seizure, Facebook blackout

This Sunday 31st October, the COP26 Summit kicks off in Glasgow, where it’s expected that leaders will bring bigger commitments to 2030 emissions reduction targets and outline bolder climate policies. Dr Robert Glasser and Anastasia Kapetas discuss Australia’s climate commitments going into COP, and whether they are sufficient to address climate impacts in Australia and our region. They also discuss the recent U.S. 'Department of Defense Climate Risk Analysis'. Recently, Australian authorities seized a record 450kg heroin shipment, the largest heroin shipment ever detected in Australia. Dr John Coyne and Dr Teagan Westendorf discuss the significance of this seizure and consider whether a seizure of this size means less product is available or leads to less consumption. Earlier this month, a global outage left users unable to access Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger for 6 to 7 hours. Karly Winkler and Jocelinn Kang discuss the causes and impacts of the outage, and the potential for such outages to impact critical infrastructure. Mentioned in this episode: Department of Defense Climate Risk Analysis: https://bit.ly/3nFxsNe Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler
10/29/202137 minutes, 37 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: US politics and security with Charles Edel

In this episode of ‘The Bigger Picture’ series, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Dr Charles Edel. They consider everything from US politics and Biden’s domestic agenda to US foreign policy and the significance of AUKUS. They also discuss the strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific, opportunities for US engagement in the region, and the Biden Administration’s China strategy. Dr. Charles Edel is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and a Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. Previously, Dr. Edel was Associate Professor of Strategy and Policy at the U.S. Naval War College, and served on the U.S. Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff from 2015–2017. In that role, he advised the Secretary of State on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Charles Edel: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/charles-edel Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens via the freemusicarchive.org
10/22/202135 minutes
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Women and national security with Elmira Bayrasli

Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Elmira Bayrasli, Co-Founder of Foreign Policy Interrupted and Director of Bard College’s Global and International Affairs program about gender, geopolitics and national security. They discuss the importance of women in national security and the critical contributions they make to global security, and what motivated Elmira to co-found Foreign Policy Interrupted. Elmira Bayrasli is the author of From the Other Side of the World: Extraordinary Entrepreneurs, Unlikely Places, a book that looks at the rise of entrepreneurship globally. She is also the CEO and co-founder of Foreign Policy Interrupted and a professor at Bard College’s Global and International Affairs program and teaches at the City College of New York’s Newmark School of Journalism. She has lived in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina where she was the Chief Spokesperson for the OSCE Mission. From 1994-2000 she was presidential appointee at the U.S. State Department, working for Madeleine Albright and Richard Holbrooke, respectively. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Elmira Bayrasli: https://www.elmirabayrasli.com/#!/bio
10/15/202127 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: Human security with Professor Mary Kaldor

In this episode of ‘The Bigger Picture’ series, Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Professor Mary Kaldor about the concept of human security and how it evolved. They consider whether the lessons being learned from recent events in Afghanistan are the right ones, what a human security approach to terrorism looks like and the need to strengthen democracies in the context of rising authoritarianism. Mary Kaldor is a Professor of Global Governance and Director of the Conflict and Civil Society Research Unit in the LSE Department of International Development. Professor Kaldor is highly regarded for her innovative work on democratisation, conflict, and globalisation. She was a founding member of European Nuclear Disarmament (END), a founder and Co-Chair of the Helsinki Citizen's Assembly and a member of the International Independent Commission to investigate the Kosovo Crisis, established by the Swedish Prime Minister. Professor Kaldor pioneered the concept of new wars and global civil society and her work on the practical implementation of human security has directly influenced European and national politics. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Professor Mary Kaldor: https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/people/mary-kaldor Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - FreeMusicArchive.org
10/8/202132 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Bigger Picture: The US-Australia alliance with Joe Hockey

ASPI's Executive Director Peter Jennings speaks to the Honourable Joe Hockey, former Australian Ambassador to the United States of America and Treasurer of Australia, and Founding Partner and President of the advisory firm Bondi Partners. They discuss the recent AUKUS announcement, what it was like to be ambassador to the United States during the Trump administration and opportunities for growth in the US-Australia relationship as well as the challenges that lay ahead. This is the first episode in our 'The Bigger Picture' series which will consider some of the big strategic challenges currently facing Australia and the international community. In this episode: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings The Hon. Amb. Joe Hockey: https://bondipartners.com/joe-hockey/ Music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - FreeMusicArchive.org
10/1/202130 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

State fragility and democracy, climate security risks, rethinking Australia’s business and trade

Stabilising fragile states has been a long-term focus of US foreign policy, this also became a focus of the US and its allies in their operations in Afghanistan. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Frances Brown from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about the lessons that can be learnt from Afghanistan and how the United States can work with allies and like-minded countries to promote democracy globally. A new report from the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group offers a whole-of-nation climate-security risk assessment. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd), who co-authored this report. They discuss Australia’s shortcomings in responding to climate security risks, and what the government needs to do to prepare for the security implications of devastating climate impacts, both in Australia and in our near region. How have Covid-19, natural disasters and coercion affected Australia’s business and trade positioning? Michael Shoebridge and Gill Savage explore this in their ASPI report ‘New beginnings: Rethinking business and trade in an era of strategic clarity and rolling disruption’. They argue that this period of disruption provides opportunities to Australia to invest in what we’re good at and what we need. Mentioned in this episode: 'New beginnings: Rethinking business and trade in an era of strategic clarity and rolling disruption' report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/new-beginnings-rethinking-business-and-trade 'Missing in Action: Responding to Australia’s climate & security failure': https://www.aslcg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ASLCG_MIA_Report.pdf Guests in this episode (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Frances Z. Brown: https://carnegieendowment.org/experts/1406 Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd): https://www.aslcg.org/people/john-blackburn/ Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Gill Savage: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gill-savage
9/24/202144 minutes, 42 seconds
Episode Artwork

AUKUS: A new defence pact, climate updates, the future of Afghanistan's drug trade

This week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the establishment of a new defence pact between Australia, the US and the UK - AUKUS. As part of this new partnership, Australia will move to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and has cancelled its $90 billion submarine program with France’s Naval Group. Peter Jennings, Michael Shoebridge and Dr Marcus Hellyer share their initial reactions to the new pact and what this means for Australia’s defence capabilities. This past summer in the Northern Hemisphere was marked with unprecedented floods, fires, droughts and heat waves. Anastasia Kapetas and Dr Robert Glasser provide an update discuss these catastrophic events and how Australia can prepare for simultaneous climate hazards domestically and in our region. Back in 2000, the Taliban announced a ban against growing opium poppy which led to a rapid decline in production. The ban was interrupted by the beginning of the US war in Afghanistan in 2021 when production levels increased. Dr John Coyne and Dr Teagan Westendorf consider what the return of the Taliban to power means for opium production in Afghanistan and what impacts the Taliban’s policies will have on the global drug trade. Guests in this episode (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Image: Submarine via StockVault.net Background music: "Comings and Goings" by Ketsa and "This Letter of Mine" by De Moi - both via the FreeMusicArchive.org
9/17/202140 minutes, 32 seconds
Episode Artwork

Episode 100: In-conversation with John Howard and Kim Beazley

Welcome to episode 100 of Policy, Guns and Money! To celebrate our 100th episode, ASPI's Executive Director Peter Jennings speaks to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard and the Honourable Kim Beazley, Governor of Western Australia. They consider some of the key strategic events from the past twenty years, including the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan; the importance of the US-Australia alliance and ASPI's 20th anniversary. Mentioned in this episode: 'ANZUS at 70' report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/anzus-70-past-present-and-future-alliance Guests (in order of appearance): Mr Peter Jennings PSM: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Mr John Howard OM AC: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=ZD4 The Honourable Kim Beazley AC: https://govhouse.wa.gov.au/about-the-governor/
9/10/202138 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode Artwork

70 years of ANZUS

On 1 September 1951, the ANZUS Treaty was signed in San Francisco. Peter Jennings speaks to Mike Goldman, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Australia, about the importance of the US-Australia alliance and the relevance of the Treaty seventy years on. They discuss shared challenges, including climate change; what makes the alliance so enduring, and what to expect from the upcoming AUSMIN meeting in Washington DC. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Michael Goldman: https://au.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/canberra/ambassador/ Background music: "Before the countdown" by Maarten Schellekens via the FreeMusicArchive.org
9/7/202122 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

ASPI turns 20!

In this very special episode, Peter Jennings, Michael Shoebridge and Graeme Dobell discuss the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s 20-year history which has been marked by the the production of a sparkling and insightful work: ‘An informed voice: ASPI, 2001-2021’ They explore some of the key strategic moments for Australia over the past two decades and discuss some of the highlights from ASPI’s policy analysis over the years amidst different regional and global challenges. Mentioned in this episode: ‘An informed voice: ASPI, 2001-2021’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/informed-and-independent-voice-aspi-2001-2021 In this episode: Michael Shoebridge. Director: Defence, Strategy & National Security: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Peter Jennings. ASPI Executive Director: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Graeme Dobell. ASPI Senior Fellow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/graeme-dobell Music: 'Just Wondering' by Maarten Schellekens via FreeMusicArchive.org
8/25/202126 minutes, 42 seconds
Episode Artwork

Crisis in Afghanistan, disinformation in Asia-Pacific & funding far right extremists

Following the collapse of Afghanistan’s military and the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, the US and its allies are accelerating efforts to evacuate their citizens and Afghan refugees from the country. Brendan Nicholson speaks to Peter Jennings about how the security situation deteriorated so rapidly, the short and long-term security risks for Afghanistan and how China might look to engage with the Taliban. Governments across the globe are grappling with how to deal with disinformation-for-hire operations and cyber-enabled foreign interference. The challenges posed by disinformation operations in the Asia-Pacific are explored in the new ASPI report ‘Influence for Hire: The Asia-Pacific’s online shadow economy.' Dr Jake Wallis, Ariel Bogle and Albert Zhang discuss the dangers of a manipulated information environment in the region and how policymakers should respond. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Ariel Bogle about her new report ‘Buying and Selling Extremism: New funding opportunities in the right-wing extremist online ecosystem.’ They discuss de-platforming trends and the different platforms being used to fundraise. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Influence for Hire: The Asia-Pacific’s online shadow economy’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/influence-hire ‘Buying and selling extremism: New funding opportunities in the right-wing extremist online ecosystem’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/buying-and-selling-extremism Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Albert Zhang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Ariel Bogle: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ariel-bogle Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Music: 'Salt Lake Swerve' by Maarten Schellekens via the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens/salt-lake-swerve Image: Copyright Commonwealth of Australia. Department of Defence. http://images.defence.gov.au/S20212537
8/24/202140 minutes, 33 seconds
Episode Artwork

The future of Afghanistan, UN climate report

Since the withdrawal of US and allied troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban's military offensive across the country has seen the group capture a number of provincial capitals over the past week, including Afghanistan's third largest city, Herat. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to counterinsurgency expert Dr David Kilcullen about the future of governance in Afghanistan. They also discuss the geopolitics of the region, including China and Pakistan’s interests, and how the United States could respond as the Taliban continues to advance toward the capital. Earlier this week, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its Sixth Assessment Report. The report found that the world is likely to hit 1.5 degrees of warming by 2030 if we continue on our current trajectory. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to one of the report’s contributing authors Professor Mark Howden about the report’s findings, climate risks for Australia and the policy responses required to address this global challenge. Mentioned in this episode: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/ Guests in this episode (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr David Kilcullen: https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/david-kilcullen Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Professor Mark Howden: https://iceds.anu.edu.au/people/academics/professor-mark-howden
8/13/202134 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode Artwork

Marietje Schaake. Technology, democracy and accountability

This special episode features an excerpt from a recent ASPI webinar with international cyber expert Marietje Schaake on technology, democracy and the question of accountability. Marietje joined ASPI’s Fergus Hanson for a conversation on the challenges that technologies create for and how democracies can work together amidst rising authoritarianism to better regulate technologies. They discussed the proliferation of surveillance tools available on the free market, including Pegasus spyware, and the need for companies to move away from a values agnostic approach to a human rights centred approach to business. Marietje is the International Policy Director at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center. She is also International Policy Fellow at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and President of the Cyber Peace Institute. Watch the webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30_AoPDIdI Guests in this episode: Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Marietje Schaake: https://cyber.fsi.stanford.edu/people/marietje-schaake Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens via the FreeMusicArchive.org
8/6/202130 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

Covid-19 in South-East Asia, geopolitics of Antarctica, the future of Darwin Port

Recently, Covid-19 cases in Southeast Asia have hit new highs, making it the global epicentre of the coronavirus. As countries across the region try to curb the spread of the Delta variant, Richard Maude and Dr Huong Le Thu detail how Australia can support its neighbours and the region’s potential path to recovery. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, which governs international use of the Southern Continent. Research intern Matthew Page speaks to polar geopolitics expert Dr Elizabeth Buchanan, Lecturer of Strategic Studies with Deakin University for the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College Canberra and a Fellow of the Modern War Institute at West Point Military Academy. All views are her own. They discuss the geopolitics of the region, the usefulness of the treaty system 60 years on and what Australia should be focusing on in its Antarctic policy. The Port of Darwin, currently under a 99-year lease to Chinese company Landbridge, is of strategic importance to Australia and our allies. Co-author of the latest report from Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, ‘Lead me to the harbour!: Plotting Darwin Harbour's future course’, Dr John Coyne joins Michael Shoebridge to discuss how Australia can maximise the strategic value of Darwin Port through a unified direction, that accounts for contrasting interests and stakeholders. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Lead me to the harbour!: Plotting Darwin Harbour’s future course’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/lead-me-harbour-plotting-darwin-harbours-future-course Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Richard Maude: https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/richard-maude Matthew Page: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/matthew-page Dr Elizabeth Buchanan: https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/elizabeth-buchanan Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Music: "Hachimantai Snow" by Maarten Schellekens via the FreeMusicArchive.org
7/30/202144 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

Protests in Cuba, ransomware on the rise, rethinking Australia’s foreign influence laws

Earlier this month, Cuban citizens took to the streets across the country to protest against deteriorating living conditions amidst the country’s economic and coronavirus crisis. ASPI’s David Engel was previously Australian Ambassador to Mexico and non-resident ambassador to Cuba. He speaks with Professor Adrian Hearn about the protests and their political significance, the impact of social media and the government response. In the wake of the targeted attacks on Microsoft Exchange servers, Australia’s own cyber security vulnerabilities are increasingly being highlighted. Fergus Hanson is joined by the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre’s CEO Rachael Falk and Anne-Louise Brown for a discussion on the Microsoft Exchange hack, as well as the growing frequency of ransomware crimes in Australia, and how the Australian Government can help better protect communities and businesses. Peter Jennings speaks to Daniel Ward about his new ASPI report, ‘Losing our agnosticism: How to make Australia’s foreign influence laws work’. They consider why Australia pursued country agnosticism for foreign influence legislation and potential solutions to adequately address foreign influence concerns. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Exfiltrate, encrypt, extort: The global rise of ransomware and Australia’s policy options’ by Rachael Falk & Anne-Louise Brown: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/exfiltrate-encrypt-extort ‘Losing our agnosticism. How to make Australia’s foreign influence laws work’ by Daniel Ward: https://bit.ly/36SxVDR Guests (in order of appearance): David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Professor Adrian Hearn: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/460793-adrian-hearn Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Rachael Falk: https://cybersecuritycrc.org.au/rachael-falk Anne-Louise Brown: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anne-louise-brown Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Daniel Ward: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daniel-ward
7/26/202137 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

Olaf Scholz’s Beijing visit and the future of China-Europe relations

Last Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became the first democratic leader to visit Beijing and meet President Xi Jinping since he tightened his grip on power at the 20th Communist Party Congress in October. ASPI Analyst Daria Impiombato speaks to the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, Joerg Wuttke, about the significance of the highly-contested visit and what it means for the future of foreign business in China and China-Europe relations. Guests: Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Joerg Wuttke: https://www.europeanchamber.com.cn/en/executive-committee Music: "Salt lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens, Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) via the FreeMusicArchive.org
7/22/202120 minutes, 31 seconds
Episode Artwork

Virgin Galactic takes off, South Africa unrest and countering violent extremism

On 11th July, billionaire Richard Branson joined Virgin Galactic’s first fully crewed test flight to space. Billionaire Jeff Bezos will soon follow suit on the first Blue Origin crewed flight on July 20. Dr Malcolm Davis speaks with Dr Cassandra Steer from the ANU Institute of Space and College of Law to discuss this new era for space tourism and its potential implications. The arrest of former South African president, Jacob Zuma, has sparked mass unrest in the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Research Intern Khwezi Nkwanyana speaks to Dr Ibrahim Abraham from the Australian National University about the recent violence and the significance of Zuma’s arrest with regards to corruption and wider stability in the country. Dr Teagan Westendorf is joined by Peta Lowe from Phronesis Consulting and Training to discuss counterterrorism and the roles of countering violent extremism (CVE) and preventing violent extremism (PVE). Peta and Teagan discuss these issues with a specific focus on gender, regional complexities and the cyber realm. Mentioned in this episode: War and Peace in Outer Space: Law, Policy, and Ethics, edited by Cassandra Steer and Matthew Hersch Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Dr Cassandra Steer: https://law.anu.edu.au/people/cassandra-steer Khwezi Nkwanyana: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/khwezi-nkwanyana Dr Ibrahim Abraham: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/abraham-i Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Peta Lowe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peta-lowe
7/16/202141 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode Artwork

The future of peacekeeping, countering domestic terrorism, a conversation on WhatsApp

UN Peacekeeping operations are an extremely important part of the UN’s contribution to international peace and security. Peacekeeping expert Associate Professor Charlie Hunt from RMIT University joins Lisa Sharland to discuss some of the challenges facing the UN in delivering these important operations and the future of peacekeeping, and how Australia can increase its presence in peacekeeping operations. In June this year, the US Government released its first ‘National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism’. Professor Arie Perliger, Director of Security Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, joins Dr Teagan Westendorf to examine the strategy. They consider the strategy’s four pillars, policy gaps and its potential to address the threat of domestic terrorism in the US. In an excerpt of an ASPI Webinar, Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, joined Fergus Hanson for a discussion online on some of the challenges facing the world’s largest messaging service. They discussed end-to-end encryption, working in countries with different government requirements and the importance of security to WhatsApp. You can watch the full discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KBQCsLDoBA Mentioned in this episode: US National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/National-Strategy-for-Countering-Domestic-Terrorism.pdf ASPI Webinar with Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KBQCsLDoBA Guests (in order of appearance): Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Dr Charlie Hunt: https://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/h/hunt-associate-professor-charlie Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Professor Arie Perliger: https://www.uml.edu/fahss/criminal-justice/faculty/perliger-arie.aspx Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Will Cathcart: https://about.facebook.com/media-gallery/executives/will-cathcart/ Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens via the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org
7/9/202146 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

Strategic competition in the Pacific, PRC deterrence, Australia’s climate policy

Lisa Sharland is joined by Professor Joanne Wallis, Professor of International Security at the University of Adelaide, to discuss her chapter on ‘Strategic Competition and the Pacific Islands’ in the Institute for International and Strategic Studies Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2021. They discuss the challenges posed by strategic competition in the region, opportunities for Australian engagement and why Australia should work more closely with partners in the region. Dr Malcolm Davis speaks to Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Marcrum and Dr Brendan Mulvaney from the US China Aerospace Studies Institute about the concept of deterrence, something they explored in the recent ASPI report ‘To deter the PRC…’. They discuss how the People’s Republic of China views and approaches deterrence in comparison to liberal democracies, and how Australia and its partners should respond. Climate policy remains a hot topic in Australia. With Barnaby Joyce re-elected as nationals leader and the federal government still not committing to net-zero by 2050, Anastasia Kapetas and Dr Robert Glasser discuss the Australian Government’s current position on climate, and climate risks for Australia and our near region. Mentioned in this episode: To deter the PRC: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/deter-prc Strategic Competition and the Pacific Islands: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2021 Guests (in order of appearance): Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Professor Joanne Wallis: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/joanne.wallis Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Marcrum: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kyle-marcrum Dr Brendan Mulvaney: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-mulvaney Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bf/Northern_Islands.jpg Music: "Dulce Reggaeton" by An Jone, via the YouTube Audio Library
7/2/202139 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode Artwork

Asymmetric deterrence, China’s three-child policy, women and leadership

Anastasia Kapetas is joined by John Schaus, Senior Fellow of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. They explore the concept of asymmetric power and deterrence, how it is used by different actors and how the US and its allies should respond. In May this year, the Chinese government announced the three-child policy, an initiative designed to help increase birth rates in China. Daria Impiombato is joined by Leta Hong Fincher, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University and author of ‘Betraying Big Brother: the feminist awakening in China’. They discuss the three-child policy, as well as coercive family planning policies in Xinjiang and feminism in China. We are delighted to share an extract of a recent interview with Major General Cheryl Pearce for ASPI’s Women in Defence and Security Network. Major General Pearce, who was most recently Force Commander of the UN Forces in Cyprus, speaks to Lisa Sharland about leadership challenge during Covid-19 and advice for emerging female leaders based on her experiences working in the ADF and in a multi-national force. The full interview is available to watch here: https://bit.ly/2SY6YLE ASPI WDSN Interview with Major General Cheryl Pearce: https://bit.ly/2SY6YLE Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas John Schaus: https://www.csis.org/people/john-schaus Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Leta Hong Fincher: http://ealac.columbia.edu/leta-hong-fincher/ Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Major General Cheryl Pearce: @CherylAPearce (Twitter) Music by Unicorn Heads via the YouTube Audio Library. Image by Wokandapix via Pixabay (pixabay.com)
6/25/202143 minutes, 16 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia’s submarines, mapping China’s technology giants, post-Covid nation-building

Arguably the biggest submarine program in the Western world outside of the United States, Australia’s submarine development continues to raise concerns around cost. Michael Shoebridge and Dr Marcus Hellyer examine the outcomes of the recent Senate Estimates in relation to the underwater program, and what the life-of-type upgrades mean for the submarine’s future. ASPI’s Mapping China’s Technology Giants project provides an overview of the global impact of Chinese technology companies. Tom Uren is joined by Fergus Ryan and Daria Impiombato for a discussion on how U.S. sanctions have impacted the growth of these organisations, and how the Chinese Communist Party’s political influence creates privacy concerns. In a conversation on nation-building, Dr John Coyne and Gill Savage discuss how Australia can re-think its approach to infrastructure in a post-Covid environment. Using the Port of Townsville as an example, they discuss how greater cooperation between regional, state and national governments can achieve economic, social and environmental prosperity. Mentioned in this episode: Mapping China’s Tech Giants: Reining in China’s technology giants: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/mapping-chinas-technology-giants-reining-chinas-technology-giants Collaborative nation building: Port of Townsville case study: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/collaborative-nation-building-port-townsville-case-study Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Gill Savage: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gill-savage
6/22/202136 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode Artwork

Is alarm on Taiwan wrong? Australian climate attitudes & the Cost of Defence

Recently, national security debates in the United States and Australia have been heavily focused on the likelihood of conflict in the Taiwan Straits. Anastasia Kapetas is joined by Ryan Hass, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution to discuss the credibility of this narrative. They discuss the likelihood of conflict over Taiwan and how Taiwan can counter China’s actions. Dr Robert Glasser is joined by Natasha Kassam, Director of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program at the Lowy Institute to discuss Lowy’s ‘Climate Poll 2021’, an annual report on Australia’s national attitude to climate change. ASPI’s annual Cost of Defence report breaks down the funding and expenditure of the Department of Defence, examining key areas of growth, acquisition spending and investment. Report author Dr Marcus Hellyer discusses some of the trends highlighted in this year’s report with Peter Jennings, and the increasing financial concern around Defence’s external workforce. Mentioned in this episode: The Cost of Defence: ASPI defence budget brief 2021-22: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-aspi-defence-budget-brief-2021-2022 ‘Taiwan needs assuredness, not alarm’, Brookings Blog by Ryan Hass: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2021/05/18/taiwan-needs-assuredness-not-alarm/ Lowy Institute Climate Poll 2021: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/climatepoll-2021 Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Ryan Hass: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/ryan-hass/ Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Natasha Kassam: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/people/experts/bio/natasha-kassam Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Background music: "Islabonita" by An Jone, via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: Geoff Pryor.
6/9/202138 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode Artwork

Africa Day 2021

This week we are excited to share a special episode on Africa Day. Celebrated annually on 25 May, Africa Day commemorates the 1963 founding of the African Union. Lisa Sharland speaks to Ambassador Martin Kimani, the new permanent representative of Kenya to the United Nations. They discuss Kenya’s role on the UN Security Council, engaging in multilateralism via Zoom and counter-terrorism. Brendan Nicholson speaks to Australia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Ms Gita Kamath about Australia’s economic ties with South Africa, the impact of Covid-19 on the region and the effectiveness of groupings such as the Southern African Development Community and the Southern African Customs Union as unifying forces. In November last year, the Ethiopian government launched a military offensive in the country’s northern Tigray region. ASPI Research Intern Khwezi Nkwanyana speaks to the Director of Horn of Africa at Human Rights Watch, Laetitia Bader, about the ongoing humanitarian crisis, its geopolitical implications for neighbouring countries and the responses from different multilateral institutions. Guests (in order of appearance): Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Ambassador Martin Kimani: https://www.un.int/kenya/staff/amb-martin-kimani Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Ms Gita Kamath: https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/Pages/high-commissioner-to-south-africa Khwezi Nkwanyana: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/khwezi-nkwanyana Laetitia Bader: https://www.hrw.org/about/people/laetitia-bader Image: Flag of the African Union - via WikiPedia Music: "Beyond" by Patrick Patrikios via the YouTube Audio Library
5/28/202143 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Declining birth rates in Xinjiang, achieving net zero by 2050, fuel pipeline cyber-attack

Recently, ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre released a new report which found that birth rates in Uyghur-majority areas in Xinjiang have fallen by unprecedented amounts since 2017. Danielle Cave speaks to report authors Dr James Leibold and Nathan Ruser about the government policies behind this birth-rate drop and some of the report’s key findings. The International Energy Agency has released the report 'Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector' which highlights that the need for transitioning to a net zero system by 2050 has become a near-necessity. Anastasia Kapetas and Dr Robert Glasser discuss the report’s findings and what it means for the international energy sector. On May 7 2021, Colonial Pipeline - a United States major fuel pipeline operator - was the victim of one of the most disruptive cyber-attacks on record, by cybercriminal hacking group DarkSide. Tom Uren and Dr John Coyne discuss the fallout from the ransomware hit, what it means for international law enforcement, and the impact of this on the regulation of cryptocurrency. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Family De-planning: The Coercive Campaign to Drive Down Indigenous Birth-rates in Xinjiang’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/family-deplanning-birthrates-xinjiang ‘Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector’ report: https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050?utm_campaign=IEA%20newsletters&utm_source=SendGrid&utm_medium=Email Guests (in order of appearance): Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Dr James Leibold: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/james-leibold Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne
5/21/202138 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

Climate and National Security, Preventing Radicalisation and a conversation with Katherine Stewart

In April, President Biden held the first Leaders Summit on Climate which saw a number of countries commit to more ambitious reduction targets. Research intern Matthew Page speaks to Associate Professor Matt McDonald from the University of Queensland about Australia’s hesitancy to set a target date for emission reductions, the impacts of climate on Australia’s national security and whether investment in hydrogen and carbon-capture and storage technologies will significantly reduce Australia’s carbon emissions. The financial and social impacts of Covid-19 and the increased time people are spending online have been described as factors which may make people more vulnerable to radicalisation. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Nafees Hamid, Research Fellow at Artis International, about pathways to radicalisation, including the significance of sacred values, and the importance of community in preventing radicalisation. Brendan Nicholson is joined by Katherine Stewart from the International Committee of the Red Cross for a conversation about her experiences working in the Australian Defence Force and the ICRC. They discuss Kath’s experiences working in Bougainville and Iraq and most recently, in Israel and the Occupied Territories, and the importance of neutrality in the Red Cross. Mentioned in this episode: - https://theconversation.com/the-neuroscience-of-terrorism-how-we-convinced-a-group-of-radicals-to-let-us-scan-their-brains-114855 Guests (in order of appearance): Matthew Page: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/matthew-page Associate Professor Matt McDonald: http://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/634 Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Nafees Hamid: https://artisinternational.org/nafis-hamid/ Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Background music: Stylish Groove by Scott Holmes Music via the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/media-music-mix/stylish-groove Image: "Greenland Ice Sheet" via WikiMedia: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Greenland_Ice_Sheet.jpg/2560px-Greenland_Ice_Sheet.jpg
5/10/202148 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

Biden’s first 100 days, Taiwan & Cross-Strait relations, biosecurity in Australia’s north

April 28 marked US President Joe Biden's first 100 days in office - a symbolic milestone used to measure the impact of a new administration. Peter Jennings is joined by Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow from the United States Studies Centre, to discuss President Biden's achievements so far, in areas such as the response to the pandemic and climate policy, and the domestic and foreign policy challenges the administration needs to manage. Recently, Taiwan has been receiving increased international attention, in part because of its successful pandemic response but also due to Cross-Strait tensions. ASPI Research Intern, Elena Yi-Ching Ho speaks to Wen-Ti Sung, Lecturer in the Taiwan Studies Program at the Australian National University about Cross-Strait relations, the potential for military conflict and whether the status quo is still sustainable. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Professor Ruth Wallace, Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Arts and Society, and Director of the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University. They discuss Australia’s evolving biosecurity challenges and the opportunities for community in Australia’s North to play a significant role in understanding and responding to biosecurity threats. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Bruce Wolpe: https://www.ussc.edu.au/people/bruce-wolpe Elena Yi-Ching Ho: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elena-yi-ching-ho Wen-Ti Sung: https://www.anu.edu.au/news/for-journalists/mr-wen-ti-sung Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Professor Ruth Wallace: https://www.cdu.edu.au/northern-institute/our-teams/ruth-wallace
4/30/202143 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode Artwork

Biden’s commitment to multilateralism, developments in the Quad & Indonesia’s foreign policy

In the earliest days of the Biden Administration, the United States has made it clear that it wants to re-engage in multilateralism. Peter Jennings is joined by Professor Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre, to discuss Biden’s foreign policy agenda, climate policies and the importance of alliances and repairing some of America’s reputational damage. Following the first-ever leader-level Quad summit in March 2021, Michael Shoebridge is joined by Dr Lavina Lee, Senior Lecturer in Modern History, Politics and International Relations at Macquarie University to weigh in on the latest developments in the Quad grouping as well as Australia-India bilateral relations. ASPI research intern, Hillary Mansour speaks with Dr David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program about Indonesia's Defence Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement with Japan, what the agreement means for Indonesia and how Indonesia’s recent international engagements complement their foreign policy strategy. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indonesias-free-and-active-foreign-policy-on-show-in-ministerial-visits-to-japan-and-china/ Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Professor Gordon Flake: https://perthusasia.edu.au/staff-gordon-flake Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Lavina Lee: https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/lavina-rajendram-lee Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Background music: "Classical Landscapes" by Kesta. Via the Free Music Archive. Image: US Passport via PXHere
4/23/202142 minutes
Episode Artwork

Australia’s WPS National Action Plan, work in intelligence, Covid-19 response in the Pacific

Earlier this week, Australia’s second WPS National Action Plan outlines how Australia will take forward our national commitments to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Emilia Currey is joined by Lisa Sharland, ASPI’s Deputy Director of Defence, Strategy & National Security and Head of International Program to discuss the plans strategic outcomes, how it differs from the first NAP, challenges for successful implementation and considerations for domestic concerns. Have you ever considered a career in intelligence? Michael Shoebridge speaks with Carl and Karinda from the Office of National Intelligence about some of the exciting career pathways in intelligence and what the future of the intelligence workforce might look like. This week, ASPI released the report ‘Island voices and Covid-19: Vulnerability and resilience - Views from The Strategist’ Brendan Nicholson is joined by the report co-author Professor Richard Herr from the University of Tasmania to discuss the range of responses to the pandemic in Pacific and Indian ocean states and the vulnerabilities and opportunities created by the pandemic. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.careersinintelligence.gov.au https://www.aspi.org.au/report/island-voices-and-covid-19-vulnerability-and-resilience-views-strategist Guests: Emilia Currey: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/emilia-currey Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Professor Richard Herr: https://rmdb.research.utas.edu.au/public/rmdb/q/indiv_detail_warp_trans/329 Background music: "Outlaw's Farewell (pt1)" by Reed Mathis - via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: "United Nations" via WikiPedia
4/16/202136 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

Southeast-Asia Climate hazards, AU-Pacific health partnerships & AU guided weapons investment

This week, ASPI has launched the Climate & Security Policy Centre, which will be headed up by Dr Robert Glasser. Anastasia is joined by Robert to discuss the Centre’s objectives as well as the new ASPI report ‘The rapidly emerging crisis on our doorstep’ which warns of climate hazards in Maritime Southeast Asia. ASPI released the report ‘Next step in the step up: The ADF's role in building health security in Pacific Island states’ which looks at the potential for the ADF to form military partnerships in the health sector in Pacific island countries. Michael Shoebridge, speaks to report author Dr David Brewster, Senior Research Fellow at the ANU National Security College, about how the partnership could work and how it could benefit both the ADF and the region. Last week the Australian Government announced a $1 billion federal plan to build a new guided weapons facility in Australia. Peter Jennings and Dr Marcus Hellyer consider the Government’s plan and how this will impact Defence's sovereign capability. Mentioned in the episode: ‘The rapidly emerging crisis on our doorstep’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/rapidly-emerging-crisis-our-doorstep ‘Next step in the step up: The ADF's role in building health security in Pacific Island states’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/next-step-step-adfs-role-building-health-security-pacific-island-states Climate and Security Policy Centre: https://www.aspi.org.au/program/climate-and-security-policy-centre Guests: Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr David Brewster: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/brewster-dh Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Background music: "Cover" by Patrick Patrikios via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: "Sea Dart Missile in flight": https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sea_Dart_missile_in_flight.jpg
4/9/202140 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hypersonic weapons development, technology innovation, US domestic politics & foreign policy

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks to Senior ASPI Fellow Dr Andrew Davies about his recent report ‘Coming ready or not: Hypersonic weapons’. They discuss what a hypersonic weapon is, whether there are ways to defend against this type of weapon and who is developing this capability. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Professor Lisa Short, Design Thinker & Digital Technologist, Founder of P&L Digital Edge and Group Chair of the Global Foundation for Cyber Studies & Research. They discuss how Australia can enable big tech innovation, the challenges of funding innovation and why it’s important decision-makers have an understanding of STEM and the potential of innovation. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Hayley Channer, Senior Policy Fellow with the Perth USAsia Centre, about the relationship between US domestic politics and foreign policy, Biden’s response to Covid-19 and how the Biden Administration can rebuild trust with its allies in the Indo-Pacific. Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/coming-ready-or-not-hypersonic-weapons Guests: Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Andrew Davies: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-davies Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Professor Lisa Short: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagshort/?originalSubdomain=au Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Hayley Channer: https://perthusasia.edu.au/about-us/our-people/staff/hayley-channer Image: WikiMedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:E190_Contrail_(3010347403).jpg Background Music: "Cover" by Patrick Patrikios, via the YouTube Audio Library
4/1/202143 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

Managing the China relationship, Australian submarine program, digital investment in Southeast Asia

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Brendan Nicholson speaks to Charles Parton, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, career diplomat and China expert. Charles provides an overview of how the Chinese Communist Party operates, what China wants from Australia and the UK, and the need for like-minded democracies to be coordinated in their approaches to prevent the use of coercive and hostage diplomacy. They also discuss opportunities to improve the relationship over time. The Department of Defence's Attack-class submarine program has been highly scrutinised, with media outlets reporting a commissioned review may result in the government walking away from its partnership with France’s Naval Group. Michael Shoebridge and Dr Marcus Hellyer weigh in on the $89 billion program and what it means for the future of Australia's maritime security and Defence capabilities. Bart Hogeveen speaks to Dr Huong Le Thu about Australia’s announcement in November 2020 of a $500 million investment into Southeast Asia to assist with the region’s recovery from Covid-19. They discuss opportunities for the Australian government to increase its engagement in the region through investment in digital initiatives, something Dr Huong Le Thu wrote about in the latest issue of Australian Foreign Affairs. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.australianforeignaffairs.com/articles/the-fix/2021/03/the-fix/huong-le-thu Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Charles Parton OBE: https://rusi.org/people/parton-obe Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Background music: "Bet on it" by Silent Partner - via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: Copyright Commonwealth of Australia. https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20200928ran8562953_0600.jpg&Type=Filename
3/26/202143 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

Global energy transformation, CCP information operations & Australia’s fuel security

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Dr Robert Glasser speaks to climate expert Frank Jotzo, Professor of environmental economics and climate change economics at ANU where he directs the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy. They discuss the global shifts from fossil fuels to renewables and the commercial market forces behind green energy and what China’s dominance in the sector really means. Dr Jacob Wallis and Albert Zhang talk about some of the key findings from their recent report ‘Trigger Warning: The CCP’s coordinated information effort to discredit the BBC’. They discuss the tactics used by the CCP including the leveraging of Western and alternative news media. With a drive for fuel storage investment in the Northern Territory, Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks with Tony McCormack on Australia’s fuel security and resilience. They consider the different aspects of Australia’s fuel strategy including infrastructure development, logistical concerns and fixes, and overall benefits to the region. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/trigger-warning Guests: Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Professor Frank Jotzo: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/academic/frank-jotzo Dr Jacob Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Albert Zhang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Tony McCormack: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tony-mccormack Image: "Fuel Tanks" via Pixabay. Background music: "Forwards Backwards" by Bio Unit. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Bio_Unit/aerostat/forwards-backwards
3/19/202130 minutes, 56 seconds
Episode Artwork

Covid-19 government inquiry, China’s Taiwan strategy, Hong Kong national security law impacts

In May 2020, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade adopted an inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade. Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Senator David Fawcett, joins Brendan Nicholson to discuss the report from the inquiry including some of the key findings and recommendations for government. Michael Shoebridge speaks to Dr Oriana Skylar Mastro, Center Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and Non-Resident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute, about China’s thinking around Taiwan and China’s growing confidence when it comes to foreign policy. Human Rights Watch China senior researcher Maya Wang joins ASPI’s Dr Nathan Attrill to discuss the controversial Hong Kong national security law, the latest arrests under the law and the wider impacts on pro-democracy Hong Kongers. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/FADTandglobalpandemic/Report Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Senator the Hon David Fawcett: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=DYU Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Oriana Skylar Mastro: http://www.orianaskylarmastro.com/ Dr Nathan Attrill: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-attrill Maya Wang: https://www.hrw.org/about/people/maya-wang Background Music: "Docking" by Bio Unit - via the Free Music Archive. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Bio_Unit/aerostat/docking
3/12/202139 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode Artwork

Special Episode: International Women’s Day 2021!

It’s International Women’s Day! To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we are excited to share this brilliant all-female line-up with defence, foreign policy and national security expertise. Danielle Cave, Deputy Director of ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre is joined by Dr Tanvi Madan, Director of the India Project and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, to discuss India and the Quad and the prospects for increased collaboration between the Quad countries. Lisa Sharland speaks with Jenna Allen, Research Assistant for Dr Deane-Peter Baker at UNSW’s Australian Defence Force Academy. Jenna shares some insights into her journey in building a career in defence and national security and outlines some of the work of UNSW’s ‘Women in Future Operations’ group. The Strategist’s Anastasia Kapetas and ASPI research intern Khwezi Nkwanyana highlight the achievements of four pioneering women in foreign correspondence: Ida B. Wells, Martha Gellhorn, Oriana Fallaci and Claire Rewcastle Brown. In tracing their influence and groundbreaking work, their discussion captures some of the history of trailblazing women journalists. In this episode: Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Jenna Allen: https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/research-groups/future-operations-research-group/people Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Khwezi Nkwanyana: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/khwezi-nkwanyana Image: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Resources Music: "Fast and Run" by Nico Staf via the YouTube Audio Library
3/9/202138 minutes, 46 seconds
Episode Artwork

Arbitrary detention, international response to Xinjiang & combatting organised crime

On February 15 this year, Canada launched the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State relations, a global initiative which aims to raise awareness and stop the practice of arbitrary detention. Brendan Nicholson speaks with Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, Senior Fellow in the Institute for Science, Society and Policy at the University of Ottawa, about the effectiveness of the declaration in preventing arbitrary detention and whether more can be done through global cooperation In December 2020, Senator Rex Patrick tabled a bill in Australian Parliament to ban the importation of goods produced by Uyghur forced labour into Australia. Kelsey Munro and James Leibold discuss Australia’s response to human rights abuses in Xinjiang so far, in contrast with international responses, and whether this Customs Amendment bill is an effective tool to address forced labour globally. Dr John Coyne and Dr Teagan Westendorf discuss the strategies international police are using to combat organised crime across Southeast Asia. They discuss the impacts of the arrest of Tse Chi Lop on organised crime in the region, and policy options to counter this challenge, including the Magnitsky Act and top-down decapitation methods. Mentioned in this episode: Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations: https://www.international.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/arbitrary_detention-detention_arbitraire-declaration.aspx?lang=eng Customs Amendment (Banning Goods Produced By Uyghur Forced Labour) Bill 2020: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1284 Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Margaret McCuaig-Johnston: https://www.ualberta.ca/china-institute/about/people/senior-fellows/margaret-mccuaig-johnston.html Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro James Leibold: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/james-leibold Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Dr Teagan Westendorf: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teagan-westendorf Background music: "19th Floor" by Bobby Richards - via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: "Detention centre fencing" via WikiMedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Detention_Center_Fencing_(25087989584).jpg
3/5/202141 minutes, 11 seconds
Episode Artwork

EU-China trade deal, coup in Myanmar & defence training during Covid-19

At the end of December 2020, the EU and China agreed in principle on a trade deal that will govern bilateral investment. Negotiations for the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment began in 2013 but the strategic environment has changed significantly since then. Brendan Nicholson and Michael Shoebridge weigh the merits of this agreement. Nicholas Coppel, Australian ambassador to Myanmar from 2015 to 2018, speaks with Dr Huong Le Thu about the motivations behind the recent coup in Myanmar, the likelihood of the military holding new elections and whether international responses have done enough so far. Covid-19 has impacted most work environments and the Australian Defence Force’s military training is no exception. Dr John Coyne and Tony McCormack consider both the challenges and benefits of implementing live, virtual and constructive training in the age of Covid. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/covid-19-means-live-virtual-and-constructive-trainings-time-has-come/ Guests & Presenters: Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Tony McCormack: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tony-mccormack Credits: Image: via Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/photos/international-flag-myanmar-2694695/ Music: "Bad Guys" by Lobo Loco. Via the FreeMusicArchive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loco
2/26/202138 minutes, 13 seconds
Episode Artwork

Vietnam’s 13th National Congress, Covid-19 and organised crime, and how extremist groups stay online

With the 13th National Congress held by the Vietnam Communist Party which concluded on the 1st of February this year, many thought that the current state of affairs would offer another turning point, similar to those of the Doi Moi reforms. Dr. Huong Le Thu and Dr. Robert Glasser discuss the initial results of the congress, and what the future of politics looks like in Vietnam. Daria Impiombato speaks with Dr Alexandra Phelan, Deputy Director of Monash Gender, Peace and Security and Lecturer in Politics and International Relations. They discuss the terror-crime nexus in Latin America and how Covid-19 has exacerbated both organised crime and terrorism globally, and what this means for law enforcement agencies around the world. Jocelinn Kang and Fergus Ryan discuss their research into right-wing extremist groups and the online homes they have found in Russia and China. They found that websites such as The Daily Stormer, Parler and 8Chan, which have been kicked off Western platforms are using foreign internet infrastructure to stay online. Guests: Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Dr Alexandra Phelan: https://www.monash.edu/arts/gender-peace-security/our-people/key-researchers/alexandra-phelan Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang Image: "CPV_Congress_X" via WikiMedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CPV_Congress_X.jpg Background Music: "Beside Me" by Patrick Patrikios, via the YouTube Music Library.
2/19/202130 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

Biden’s Russia strategy, Pacific contributions to UN peacekeeping, ideology and politics in China

In the context of Navalny’s arrest, widespread protests and Russia’s ongoing pattern of malign activities, Anastasia Kapetas speaks with James Goldgeier, Professor at American University and the Robert Bosch Senior Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution. They discuss the Biden administration’s response to the Navalny arrest and the potential for a more unified approach from the US and EU towards Russia. Lisa Sharland speaks with former ASPI researcher Genevieve Feeley about their report ‘Mapping Pacific Contributions to UN Peacekeeping: Past Experiences and Future Opportunities’ undertaken with the Australian Civil-Military Centre. They discuss the rationales behind contributing to peacekeeping operations and some of the barriers and opportunities for increased participation. Finally, Charlie Lyons-Jones and Michael Shoebridge discuss the Marxist-Leninist ideological roots of the Chinese Communist party, how ideology influences the party’s behaviour and what, if any, elements they desire to export. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/mapping-pacific-peacekeeping Guests: Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas James Goldgeier: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/james-goldgeier/ Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Genevieve Feely: @genevievefeely (Twitter) Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Charlie Lyons-Jones: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/charlie-lyons-jones Music: "To Pass Time" by Godmode via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: "Young Mao Zedong statue" via WikiMedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Young_Mao_Zedong_statue,_2010110303.jpg
2/12/202143 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

A QAnon primer, protests in Russia and a geopolitical wrap

In our first episode of Policy, Guns & Money for 2021, Dr Jacob Wallis speaks with Ariel Bogle about QAnon. They discuss the conspiracy theory’s origins, its translation from an online phenomenon into violence and the ensuing ‘real world’ consequences that encompass everything from the US Capitol riots to Australian policy responses. Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor for The Strategist, speaks with Russia expert Visiting Fellow at ANU Kyle Wilson, about the unfolding situation in Russia, including the arrest of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the widespread protests across the country. They discuss the similarities between China and Russia’s media censorship, Putin’s strategy when it comes to Navalny, how resilient this protest movement will be and whether it poses a real threat to Putin’s power. Finally, Peter Jennings and Michael Shoebridge talk about some of the big developments while the podcast has been on hiatus - riots at the US Capitol, Biden’s inauguration, a military coup in Myanmar, the persistent challenge of Covid-19 and growing tensions around Taiwan – and what they will be watching closely in the year ahead. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Jacob Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Ariel Bogle: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ariel-bogle Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Kyle Wilson: https://politicsir.cass.anu.edu.au/people/mr-kyle-wilson Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kelly%27s_Beach_Sunrise.jpg Music: "Tak" by Bobby Richards via the You Tube Music Library
2/5/202143 minutes, 1 second
Episode Artwork

2020 in 30 minutes

In the final episode for 2020, The Strategist’s Brendan Nicholson, Anastasia Kapetas and Jack Norton share their thoughts on some of the key events and geopolitical developments of 2020 and the areas they will be watching closely in 2021. Some of the topics they discuss include: the Australia-China relationship, climate, the Brereton Inquiry, the US elections and disinformation. Policy, Guns and Money will return in January 2021! In this episode: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Jack Norton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jack-norton Music: "June" by Bobby Richards - via the You Tube Audio Library. Image: Montage - ASPI. Bushfire background: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bertknot/8861400974/
12/18/202032 minutes, 37 seconds
Episode Artwork

Youth and violent extremism, Biden’s climate ambitions and social media weaponisation

Coinciding with this week’s launch event of the 2020 Global Terrorism Index at ASPI, Leanne Close speaks with Peta Lowe, Principal Consultant at Phronesis Consulting. Peta has over 15 years’ experience working with young people involved with the justice system, she discusses countering violent extremism in youth populations and outlines some of the key risks for radicalisation and strategies for awareness and prevention. Anastasia Kapetas speaks with Dr Christian Downie Australian Research Council Fellow at the Australian National University. They discuss Biden’s climate goals, how this will impact US domestic and foreign policy and what the implications might be for Australia. The infamous tweet from Zhao Lijian is yet another setback in the Australia-China relationship. Dr Jake Wallis, Ariel Bogle and Albert Zhang conducted a deep dive into the Twitter activity around the tweet and discussed the increasing weaponisation of social media in the global geopolitical landscape. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/webinar-launch-global-terrorism-index-2020 https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/tweet-storm-shows-china-aims-to-project-power-through-provocation/ Guests: Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Peta Lowe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peta-lowe Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Christian Downie: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/downie-c Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Ariel Bogle: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ariel-bogle Albert Zhang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Image: Gage Skidmore via WikiMedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joe_Biden_(48573573437).jpg Music: "Sunday Rain" by 'Cheel' via the YouTube Audio Library.
12/11/202034 minutes, 7 seconds
Episode Artwork

US election disinformation, China’s soft power and data preservation

Ariel Bogle speaks to Dr Kate Starbird, Associate Professor at the University of Washington and researcher at the Election Integrity Partnership. They discuss the growing challenges for social media companies in moderating online disinformation and misinformation in the context of the US elections and President Trump’s dispute of the election results. Michael Shoebridge speaks to Rowan Callick, double Walkley Award winning journalist and author, about his recent report for the Centre for Independent Studies titled ‘The Elite Embrace’. They discuss how the Chinese party-state influences key elites in Australia and around the world, and the ten talking points to look out for in Beijing’s engagement with foreign elites. Anne Lyons speaks to David Fricker, Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, about the organisation’s recently announced plans to digitise over 650,000 Second World War service records and over 30,000 at-risk audiovisual records. They discuss the importance of reliable data and why human rights are in the conversation around data access. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.eipartnership.net/ https://www.cis.org.au/publications/occasional-papers/the-elite-embrace/ Guests: Ariel Bogle: @arielbogle (Twitter) Dr Kate Starbird: https://www.hcde.washington.edu/starbird Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Rowan Callick: http://rowancallick.com/ Anne Lyons: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anne-lyons David Fricker: https://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/our-organisation/senior-executives/david-fricker-cdoal-bacomp-gaicd Music: "She No Dull Beat" by 'Nana Kwabena' via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: pexels.com
12/4/202053 minutes, 1 second
Episode Artwork

Australian special forces inquiry, climate in the Pacific and women, peace and security

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Brendan Nicholson speaks to Samantha Crompvoets, founder and director at Rapid Context who carried out the review of special forces which uncovered claims that war crimes were committed by Australian special forces in Afghanistan. They discuss the Brereton Report, how a dangerous ‘warrior culture’ developed unchecked, and what needs to be done to stop it happening again. Anastasia Kapetas speaks with Ben Bohane, Communications Director at ANU’s Australia Pacific Security College and Pacific specialist, about climate initiatives and innovation in the Pacific, and disaster responses and resilience. They also discuss the regional response to Joe Biden’s election and the prospects for the US to return to a global leadership role on tackling climate change. Genevieve Feely speaks to Rachel Grimes, NATO ACT Liaison Officer to the UN, ICRC and NGOs, about her experiences working in the UN, NATO and UK Defence. They discuss the importance of terminology, the progress made so far in the increasing female representation in peacekeeping operations and the prospects for advancing the women, peace and security agenda. The views expressed in this interview are Rachel’s personal views. Mentioned in this episode: https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/IGADF-Afghanistan-Inquiry-Public-Release-Version.pdf Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Samantha Crompvoets: https://www.rapidcontext.com.au/samantha-crompvoets Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Ben Bohane: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/professional/ben-bohane Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Rachel Grimes MBE: https://www.lse.ac.uk/women-peace-security/people/Rachel-Grimes Music: "Drop" by 'Anno Domini Beats' - via the YouTube Audio Library Image: piqsels.com
11/27/202048 minutes, 57 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia-Japan defence ties, bushfire royal commission, Myanmar elections

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Brendan Nicholson and Peter Jennings discuss Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent visit to Japan to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and the in-principle Reciprocal Access Agreement. They discuss the significance of the agreement and what it signals about the two countries’ future engagement in South East Asia and the Pacific regions. Anastasia Kapetas speaks with Robert Glasser, ASPI Visiting Fellow and former Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction about the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. They discuss the report, which was released in October and included 80 recommendations, and offer their thoughts on the report’s efficacy in helping Australia prepare for future natural disasters. Dr Huong Le Thu speaks with Moe Thuzar, coordinator of the Myanmar Studies Program at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, about the November 8 elections in Myanmar. They discuss the election process, National League for Democracy’s victory and what it means for the future of Myanmar and the region. Mentioned in this episode: https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/royal-commission-national-natural-disaster-arrangements-report Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Moe Thuzar: https://www.iseas.edu.sg/about-us/researchers/moe-thuzar/ Music: "Knowpe" by Noir Et Blanc - via the YouTube Audio Library. Image: Wikimedia commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Japan_(1).jpg
11/19/202036 minutes, 18 seconds
Episode Artwork

US elects Joe Biden, coercive economic sanctions and women in peacekeeping

Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Peter Hartcher, political editor and international editor at the Sydney Morning Herald to unpack the United States elections and the developments since, including President Trump’s refusal to concede, the dismissal of Defence Secretary Mark Esper and the disinformation that continues to spread across social media. Michael Shoebridge speaks to David Uren, writer and non-resident fellow with the United States Studies Centre about his ASPI report ‘Economic coercion: Boycotts and sanctions-preferred weapons of war.’ They discuss the tool of economic sanctions, the ways they are used by the United States and the challenges that sanctions can create for businesses, including Australian companies. Lisa Sharland speaks to Deborah Warren-Smith, Manager of the Elsie Initiative with over twenty years’ experience in the military, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. They discuss the work the Elsie Initiative Fund is doing in the WPS space to increase the participation of uniformed women in UN peacekeeping operations. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI report ‘Economic coercion: boycotts and sanctions—preferred weapons of war’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/economic-coercion-boycotts-and-sanctions-preferred-weapons-war The Elise Initiative Fund: https://elsiefund.org/ Guests: Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Peter Hartcher: https://www.smh.com.au/by/peter-hartcher-hve0w Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Deborah Warren-Smith Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge David Uren: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/david-uren Music: "Checkmate" by Nathan Moore - via the You Tube Audio Library. Election map: © Google 2020
11/13/202045 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

Climate investment and renewable energy, Australia’s submarines – your questions answered

Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor at The Strategist speaks to Emma Herd, CEO of the Investor Group on Climate Change about the ‘Climate League 2030’ initiative, a private-sector focused initiative with the goal of deeper emissions reductions for Australia. They also discuss climate investment and the significant rise in renewable energy investments. Peter Jennings speaks to Professor James Goldrick, Adjunct Professor at UNSW with over 35 years’ service in the Royal Australian Navy. They discuss ASPI’s recently launched report ‘Submarines: Your questions answered’ and explain the complexities of Australia’s submarine program. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Submarines: Your questions answered’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/submarines-your-questions-answered Climate League 2030 initiative: https://igcc.org.au/new-ten-year-private-sector-focused-initiative-launched-to-back-deeper-australian-emissions-reductions/ Guests: Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Emma Herd: https://igcc.org.au/team/emma-herd/ Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings James Goldrick: https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/our-people/professor-james-goldrick Credits: Music: "Blurry Vision" by Corbyn Kites via the You Tube Audio Library. Image: NeedPix.com
11/6/202045 minutes, 27 seconds
Episode Artwork

Special Episode: Cultural destruction and detention facilities in Xinjiang

In this podcast special, Anastasia Kapetas speaks to some of the team behind ASPI’s research on Xinjiang about their recently launched Xinjiang Data Project and the potential global implications of China’s treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. ASPI’s Kelsey Munro and Nathan Ruser, and James Leibold, Senior ASPI Fellow and Head of Department of Politics, Media & Philosophy at La Trobe University discuss their research which extensively mapped out 380 detention facilities in Xinjiang that have been built or expanded on since 2017. They also talk about their research on cultural erasure in Xinjiang which traced the destruction of mosques and other significant Uyghur cultural sites in the region and estimated that 16,000 mosques have been destroyed or damaged since 2017. Mentioned in this episode: Xinjiang Data Project: https://xjdp.aspi.org.au/ ‘Cultural erasure’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cultural-erasure Guests: Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro James Leibold: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/james-leibold Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Music: "Allegro" by Emmit Fenn, via the YouTube Audio Library.
10/30/202045 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Cost of Defence, terrorism in France, and social licence and policing.

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, Michael Shoebridge talks to Dr. Marcus Hellyer about his latest report "The cost of Defence - Part 2". They examine the recent government budget announcements and how they align with the 2020 Defence Strategic Update. Leanne Close, Head of ASPI’s Counterterrorism Program, explores the trends of counterterrorism throughout Covid-19 in light of the recent attack in France, in conversation with The Strategist’s Brendan Nicholson. Also in this episode, John Coyne, Head of ASPI’s Policing Program, talks to Vern White, former Canadian Senator and Police Commissioner about the impact of Covid-19 on social licence and policing and the lessons learned in Victoria. Referenced in this episode: The Cost of Defence: - Part 1: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-2020-2021-part-1-aspi-2020-strategic-update-brief - Part 2: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-2020-2021-part-2-aspi-defence-budget-brief Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr. Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Vern White: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vern-white Background music: "Average" by Dramatic - via the You Tube Audio Library.
10/23/202043 minutes
Episode Artwork

Reflections on After Covid-19 Vol 2

In this weeks episode of Policy, Guns and Money, we speak with some of the authors of ASPI's 'After Covid vol 2' publication. Included are discussions on Soft power, the EU’s approach to China and Australia’s relations with Southeast Asia. Lisa Sharland and Professor Caitlin Byrne, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute discuss how soft power is being used by the US and China, and opportunities for middle and small powers to utilise soft power in multilateral settings. Bart Hogeveen speaks to research interns Alexandra Pascoe and Daria Impiombato about the EU’s approach to China and where the opportunities lie for greater cooperation between Australia and the EU on approaches towards China. Emily French speaks to Dr Huong Le Thu about the impacts of Covid-19 in Southeast Asia and regional unity, and whether the region will align more closely with Australia as a result of the pandemic. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/after-covid-19-australia-region-and-multilateralism-volume-2 Guests: Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Professor Caitlin Byrne: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/18608-caitlin-byrne Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Alexandra Pascoe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alexandra-pascoe Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Emily French: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/emily-french Background music: "Sprint Thaw" by Asher Fulero - via the YouTube Audio Library.
10/16/202039 minutes, 32 seconds
Episode Artwork

US elections, Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy & social media in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict

In this week's episode of Policy, Guns & Money; Brendan Nicholson and Anastasia Kapetas discuss the upcoming US elections, the chances of President Trump being re-elected and the potential impacts of social media on the elections. Dr Huong Le Thu is joined by Ms Petra Sigmund, Director-General for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office to discuss Germany’s recently launched Indo-Pacific Strategy, how it was developed and how it will shape Germany’s future engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Elise Thomas and Research Intern Albert Zhang discuss their report ‘Snapshot of a shadow war’ which looks at the social media elements of the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict and the battle on social media for control of the international narrative about the conflict. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/snapshot-shadow-war https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/regionaleschwerpunkte/asien/german-government-policy-guidelines-indo-pacific/2380510 Guests: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Petra Sigmund: @GERonAsia (Twitter) Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Albert Zhang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Image: via WikiMedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2004_US_elections_map_electoral_votes.png Background music: "BeeyornandRaysd" by 'Noir Et Blanc Vie', via the You Tube Audio Library.
10/12/202038 minutes
Episode Artwork

Climate & national security. A secure 5G ecosystem. The North Queensland Defence Strategy

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Dr Robert Glasser and Anastasia Kapetas discuss climate change and national security in the first conversation in our new ongoing series that will put climate change front and center in the national security debate. Tom Uren speaks with ASPI Fellow Rajiv Shah about his recent report ‘Ensuring a trusted 5G ecosystem of vendors and technology’. They discuss the importance of setting international standards and the need to encourage network providers to use multiple vendors to ensure a secure 5G network. John Coyne speaks to David Burke, Defence Engagement Officer at the Townsville City Council, about the Townsville North Queensland Defence Strategy which was released earlier this year. David tells us a little about the Council’s strategy and how it came about. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/ensuring-trusted-5g-ecosystem-vendors-and-technology Guests: Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Rajiv Shah: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/rajiv-shah Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne David Burke. Music: "Pluckandplay" by 'Kwon' via the You Tube Audio Library. Image: "Broken Hill solar plant" by Jeremy Buckingham via WikiMedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Broken_Hill_solar_plant_aerial.jpg
10/2/202040 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Special Episode: 75th United Nations General Assembly

Leaders Week kicks off this week with a High-level Meeting on Monday commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations under the theme ‘The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism.’ To mark this occasion, ASPI has produced this podcast episode and with special guests to discuss the importance and relevance of the United Nations at 75. Lisa Sharland speaks with Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mitch Fifield about what Leaders Week will look like this year and Australia’s priorities in the 75th UN General Assembly. The Ambassador also offers some anecdotes from his time in the post so far. Brendan Nicholson speaks to Dr Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia’s former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former Permanent Representative to the UN, and current member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament. They discuss the importance of the UN as countries are increasingly inward-focused and how the UN can maintain relevance and better reflect the current global power dynamics. Genevieve Feely chats with Dr Courtney Fung, Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong and Associate Fellow with the Chatham House Asia-Pacific Programme. They discuss the potential challenges of a virtual UN General Assembly, the increased competition for senior positions at the UN and opportunities for reform. In this episode: Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Ambassador Mitch Fifield: https://usa.embassy.gov.au/our-people/ambassador-and-permanent-representative-united-nations-new-york Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Dr Marty Natalegawa: https://peacemaker.un.org/node/3044 Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Dr Courtney Fung: https://www.courtneyfung.com/bio Background music: "QuangerineCream" by Noir Et Blanc Vie, via the You Tube Audio Library.
9/21/202041 minutes, 56 seconds
Episode Artwork

Right-wing extremism and conspiracies, recovering from Covid-19 and ASEAN meetings

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Leanne Close and Elise Thomas discuss right-wing extremism, conspiracy theories and some of the different groups of conspiracy theorists. They consider the responses from social media companies and offer suggestions on how governments should respond to these growing challenges. Brendan Nicholson and Michael Shoebridge discuss Volume Two of ASPI’s After Covid-19 report series which focuses on Australia, the region and multilateralism and offers policy recommendations on how Australia and its neighbours can recover from Covid-19. Research intern Alexandra Pascoe chatted with Dr Huong Le Thu about some of the key outcomes from the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meetings and ASEAN Regional Forum, including the focus on Covid-19 and the South China Sea in the discussions. Mentioned in this episode: After Covid-19 Volume 2: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/after-covid-19-australia-region-and-multilateralism-volume-2 Guests: Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Alexandra Pascoe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alexandra-pascoe Background Music: "Plaidness" by Francis Preve, via the You Tube Audio Library.
9/18/202036 minutes, 19 seconds
Episode Artwork

India's maritime power, Challenges of journalism in China & TikTok Censorship

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Michael Shoebridge speaks with Darshana Baruah, Non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They discuss India's Navy and maritime goals, the Quad and Australia-India relations. Peter Jennings and Brendan Nicholson consider the return of Australian journalists Bill Birtles and Mike Smith from China and the general state of the Australia - China relationship. Authors Fergus Ryan and Daria Impiombato speak to Tom Uren about their recent report into censorship on TikTok and WeChat. Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/tiktok-wechat People: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Darshana Baruah: https://carnegieindia.org/experts/1253 Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Background music: "RhythmOrganyzer" by 'Noir Et Blanc Vie' via the YouTube Audio Library.
9/11/202040 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode Artwork

Fuel Security, the Australia - China relationship and Coercive Diplomacy research

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money; Brendan Nicholson, Anastasia Kapetas and Jack Norton of ASPI's 'The Strategist' discuss some of the latest movements in the vexed Australia - China relationship. Michael Shoebridge and John Coyne consider the ongoing issue of improving Fuel Security for Australia and our allies and Emilia Currey and Tracy Beattie talk to Olivia Nelson about the findings of their recently released report: "The Chinese Communist Party’s coercive diplomacy". Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/chinese-communist-partys-coercive-diplomacy People: Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Jack Norton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jack-norton Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Emilia Currey: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/emilia-currey Tracy Beattie: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tracy-beattie Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson Background Music: "Into It" by 'Kwon' via the You Tube Audio Library. Cover Image: © Commonwealth of Australia: "A Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport A39-005 aircraft conducts an air-to-air refuelling serial with two F/A-18A Hornets during the Regional Presence Deployment."
9/4/202034 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

Understanding right-wing extremism, China’s talent-recruitment & Covid-19 vaccine disinformation

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Leanne Close, head of ASPI’s Counter-terrorism Program, speaks to Julia Ebner, Resident Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue in London and author of ‘Going Dark – the Secret Social Lives of Extremists’. They discuss right-wing extremism and Julia details her experiences going undercover to engage with extremist groups and individuals and shares her ideas on how governments can respond. Danielle Cave, Deputy Director of ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre (ICPC), speaks to Analyst Alex Joske about his recent report ‘Hunting the Phoenix: The Chinese Communist Party’s global search for technology and talent’ on China’s global talent-recruitment programs. They talk about the scale of the programs and how governments can shape their policy responses. And ICPC Researcher Elise Thomas and Research Intern Albert Zhang provide a run-down on their latest report ‘Pro-Russian vaccine politics drives new disinformation narratives’, which looked at vaccine disinformation which emerged from Eastern Ukraine’s pro-Russian media ecosystem and managed to make its way across international social media networks. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Hunting the Phoenix’ report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/hunting-phoenix ‘Pro-Russian vaccine politics drives new disinformation narratives’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/covid-19-disinformation Guests: Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Julia Ebner: https://www.isdglobal.org/isd_team/julia-ebner/ Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Alex Joske: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-joske Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Albert Zhang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Background music: "Atmospheria" by Francis Preve via the You Tube Audio Library.
8/28/202036 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Conflicts and Covid-19, US election interference and more Cyber Security Strategy

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Lisa Sharland speaks to Rob Malley, President and CEO of International Crisis Group, about conflicts during Covid-19 and prospects for peace in Afghanistan. They also discuss Crisis Group’s annual ‘10 Conflicts to Watch’, including what’s changed since the last edition, and what might feature in the next edition later this year. The Strategist’s Brendan Nicholson and Anastasia Kapetas discuss the recently released US Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Russian Interference in the 2016 Election and foreign interference in the US. (Hint - there was plenty) Finally, Tom Uren and John Coyne continue the conversation on Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020, where it falls short, and the challenges for policing cyber criminals. In this episode: Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Robert Malley: https://www.crisisgroup.org/who-we-are/people/robert-malley-0 Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Background music: "Sydney's Skyline" by ALBIS via the You Tube Audio Library.
8/21/202039 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

Cost of Defence 2020, Australia's Cyber Strategy and TikTok in Europe

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Michael Shoebridge and Marcus Hellyer discuss the key findings of this years The Cost of Defence report which was launched this week. Traditionally the Cost of Defence is a single volume report, but for 2020 it's being released in two parts - this first part discusses the impacts of the Strategic Update 2020. Bart Hogeveen and Tom Uren from ICPC, the ASPI International Cyber Policy Centre, review the recently released Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2020 document and consider the implications of it's directions. (Spoiler alert - the document gets a 5.5/10 from Tom and Bart!) ASPI Research Interns Daria Impiombato and Alex Pascoe finish this episode with their thoughts on the global rumblings around popular social media app, TikTok. In this episode: The Cost of Defence report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-2020-2021-part-1-aspi-2020-strategic-update-brief Michael Shoebridge: Director, Defence and Strategy. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: Senior Analyst - Defence Economics. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Tom Uren: Senior Analyst - ICPC. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Bart Hogeveen: Head, Cyber Capacity Building - ICPC. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Alex Pascoe: Research Intern. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alexandra-pascoe Daria Impiombato: Research Intern. https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Background music: "Unavailable" by Causmic, via the You Tube Audio Library.
8/14/202036 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

US-China tensions, reflections on the ASPI conference and gender and terrorism

This week, Kelsey Munro speaks to Charles Edel, Senior Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Sydney University’s United States Studies Centre about US-China tensions and the US policy approaches towards China. They discuss how the strong rhetoric on China coming out of Washington offers a distraction from US domestic political failings ahead of the upcoming elections. Brendan Nicholson and The Strategist’s new National Security Editor Anastasia Kapetas offer their thoughts on the ASPI conference thus far, and some of the key takeaways from the discussions on the United States and China and where the world might be headed. Leanne Close speaks to Sofia Patel, PhD candidate at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London and non-resident ASPI fellow, about her research into the gender aspects of terrorism and how this can inform counter-terrorism policy approaches, something she wrote about in this year’s Counterterrorism Yearbook. In this episode: Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro Charles Edel: https://www.ussc.edu.au/people/charles-edel Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Sofia Patel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/sofia-patel Background music: "Write you" by Joey Pecoraro via the You Tube Audio Library
8/7/202043 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

Covid-19, satellite imagery analysis explained and the US-Australia alliance

This week on Policy, Guns and Money, Michael Shoebridge, ASPI’s Director of Defence, Strategy and National Security, and Dr Robert Glasser, Visiting Fellow at ASPI, discuss the current Covid-19 situation globally, the successful and failing responses and the challenges ahead across the globe. Senior ICPC Analyst Kelsey Munro speaks to Researcher Nathan Ruser about his use of satellite imagery analysis in his research on areas such as Xinjiang and the China-India border and how he became interested in this type of research tool. And Senior Analyst Dr Huong Le Thu is joined by Colonel Raymond Powell, who recently concluded his post as US Defence Attaché in Canberra. Colonel Powell offers some reflections on the highs and lows of his Australian posting and thoughts on the US-Australia alliance. In this episode: Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Colonel Raymond Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondpowell/?originalSubdomain=qa Background music: "Lulu" by Underbelly, via the You Tube Audio Library
7/30/202035 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

‘Clean pipes’ and internet security, tech companies in Hong Kong and global perspectives on China

This week on Policy, Guns & Money, Tom Uren, Senior ASPI ICPC Analyst, speaks to Sean Duca, Vice President and Regional Chief Security Officer for Asia Pacific & Japan at Palo Alto Networks about ASPI’s ‘Clean Pipes’ report. They discuss how internet service providers can do more to protect users from online threats that hurt the Australian community and economy. ICPC colleagues Louisa Bochner and Elise Thomas discuss the future for tech companies operating in Hong Kong and the challenges they are facing as the Great Firewall approaches. And Brendan Nicholson, Executive Editor of The Strategist, speaks to Michael Shoebridge, ASPI’s Director of Defence, Strategy and National Security, about the increasing value being placed on trust globally and China’s trust account with the world. In this episode: Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/clean-pipes-should-isps-provide-more-secure-internet Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Sean Duca: @SeanDuca (Twitter) Louisa Bochner: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Background music: "Firestarter" by Jeremy Black - via the You Tube Music Library.
7/24/202036 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode Artwork

Offensive cyber operations, Singapore elections and Pacific disaster resilience

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Dr John Coyne, Head of Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement at ASPI and Tom Uren, Senior Analyst with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre discuss the legal dilemma of conducting offensive cyber operations. Next, Senior Analyst Dr Huong Le Thu speaks to Ja Ian Chong, Visiting Scholar at the Harvard-Yenching Institute and Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore about the recent Singapore elections, why the results were a surprise for some and what the results mean for Singapore’s foreign policy in the years ahead. And Dr Paul Barnes, Head of ASPI’s Risk and Resilience Program speaks to Mavis Depaune and Monte Depaune, environmental experts and PhD candidates at the University of Wollongong, about disaster prevention and resilience in the Pacific and the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Nauru, which they wrote about in ASPI’s recent report ‘A Pacific disaster prevention review’. Mentioned in this episode: Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/pacific-disaster-prevention-review Guests in this episode: John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Ja Ian Chong: https://harvard-yenching.org/scholars/chong-ja-ian Paul Barnes: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/paul-barnes Mavis Depaune: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mavis-depaune-46606756/?originalSubdomain=au Monte Depaune: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monte-depaune-a2929370/ Background music: "The Stork" by Ketsa, via the Free Music Archive. https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/Raising_Frequecy/The_Stork
7/16/202036 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Strategic Vision 2020 with Stan Grant and Peter Jennings

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, ASPI’s Executive Director, Peter Jennings talks to Australian Walkley award winning journalist and ASPI Senior Fellow, Stan Grant and they turn their minds to the upcoming ASPI conference, Strategic Vision 2020. Stan talks about his delight at the incredible line-up of global leaders the conference has in store, and how he is preparing for the in-depth discussions he will facilitate as conference host over the course of four weeks. Peter and Stan consider the big, strategic challenges Australia and the world are facing, as we endure the global pandemic, a probable global depression and changes to the global order. Listen to the discussion now, prepare your questions for our guests and register for the conference here: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/strategic-vision-2020-aspi-conference-series The ASPI conference series, Strategic Vision 2020, begins next week – delivered live & online – all available for free! Simply register for the sessions you wish to attend and watch live or on-demand. Speakers: • The Hon. Kim Beazley AC | Governor of Western Australia • Carl Bildt | Former Prime Minister of Sweden (1991-1994) • Dr Dino Patti Djalal | Founder, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia • Elizabeth Economy | C.V. Starr senior fellow, director for Asia Studies, Council on Foreign Relations • Christiana Figueres | Former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010-2016) • Dr. Robert Glasser | Former special representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, ASPI Visiting Fellow • Jane Halton AO PSM | Adjunct Professor at the Universities of Canberra and Sydney • The Hon. John Howard OM AC | Former Prime Minister of Australia (1996-2007) • Bilahari Kausikan | Former Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Foreign Ministry • Major General (Ret'd) Duncan Lewis | Former Director-General, ASIO • Professor Raina MacIntyre | NHMRC Principal Research Fellow & Professor of Global Biosecurity, UNSW • The Right Hon. Sir Rabbie Namaliu KCMG CSM | Former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (1988-1992) • Samantha Power | 28th U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations • Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC | Minister for Defence • Sir John Scarlett KCMG OBE | Former Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service Head to the ASPI site via the link above for the full agenda.
7/14/202016 minutes, 40 seconds
Episode Artwork

National Security Agencies and the Cloud

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, we continue the conversation on cloud computing. Michael Shoebridge and John Coyne, co-authors of ASPI’s recent report ‘National security agencies and the cloud: An urgent capability issue for Australia’, are joined by Oracle’s Kirsty Linehan and Nathan Cook, experts in cloud computing, for an in-depth discussion on cloud computing in Australia’s national security infrastructure. Report https://www.aspi.org.au/report/national-security-agencies-and-cloud-urgent-capability-issue-australia Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoZLku4p9C4&t=7s Michael Shoebridge https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr John Coyne https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Kirsty Linehan https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyalinehan/?originalSubdomain=au Nathan Cook https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathancook2/?originalSubdomain=au
7/12/202024 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

Hong Kong security law, Defence Strategic Update and China’s ‘wolf warriors’ on Twitter

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, ICPC Program Coordinator, Louisa Bochner speaks to Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, China reporter at Axios, about the Hong Kong security law, Article 38 and the application of the law and what this latest move from Beijing means for its relations with the US, Australia and other democracies. Next, two of ASPI’s grumpy strategists Marcus Hellyer and Malcolm Davis chat about the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, including what’s new in the update, what it means for the Department of Defence budget and where it falls short. And finally, Tom Uren and Fergus Ryan from ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre discuss the role of China’s ‘wolf warrior’ diplomats on Twitter and their attempt to shape global discourse, and the desire among Chinese citizens to jump the Great Firewall and access the banned platform. Mentioned in the episode: Conference: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/strategic-vision-2020-aspi-conference-series Guests in this episode: Louisa Bochner: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian: https://www.axios.com/authors/baebrahimian/ Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Malcolm Davis: https://aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Background music: "The closest without going over" by The Whole Other - via the You Tube Audio Library.
7/10/202038 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

The UN & multilateralism, influence operations on Twitter and intelligence agency reform

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, ASPI Researcher Genevieve Feely speaks to gender equality and social inclusion expert Amy Haddad about multilateralism to mark the 75th anniversary UN, the challenges ahead and opportunities for UN reform and changes in gender equality at the UN. ASPI Senior Analyst Jake Wallis and Analyst Samantha Hoffman discuss their recent report 'Retweeting through the Great Firewall' and how they went about analysing 170,000 twitter accounts to uncover the influence operation which largely targeted Chinese speaking communities outside of mainland China. ASPI Journalist Fellow Graeme Dobell and Peter Edwards discuss the evolution of Australian intelligence agencies and why, following the establishment of the Department of Home Affairs, there should be an inquiry into the intelligence agencies similar to those conducted by Justice Robert Hope in the 1970s and 1980s. In this episode: Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/retweeting-through-great-firewall Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Amy Haddad: http://www.amyhaddad.org/ Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Samatha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Graeme Dobell: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/graeme-dobell Peter Edwards: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-peter-edwards-am-faiia Register for the ASPI webinar: WPS in 2020 - Progressing implementation at a time of global uncertainty. https://app.livestorm.co/aspi/wps-in-2020-progressing-implementation-at-a-time-of-global-uncertainty Background music: "Checkmate" by Nathan Moore, via the You Tube Audio Library.
7/3/202039 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode Artwork

The 2020 Defence Strategic Update

The 2020 Defence Strategic Update with Peter Jennings and Brendan Nicholson Four years on from the 2016 Defence White Paper, the Department of Defence has delivered a 2020 Defence Strategic Update. In this special episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Brendan Nicholson, Executive Editor at The Strategist discusses the update with ASPI’s Executive Director Peter Jennings. Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Background music: "Glitching a Ride" by The Whole Other via the You Tube Audio Library.
7/1/202023 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

India-China border clash, Korean Peninsula tension and China's overseas influence

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, ASPI's Michael Shoebridge speaks to Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist about the recent India-China border tensions at Galwan Valley, the risk of further escalations, the politicisation of casualties and the impacts on the strategic relationship between India and China. Research intern Tracy Beattie speaks to Senior Analyst Malcolm Davis about the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's destruction of the joint liaison office in Kaesong, the role of Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-Jong and the US response to the situation. And ICPC Program Coordinator Louisa Bochner speaks to Analyst Alex Joske about his latest report 'The party speaks for you' which looks at China's united front system of overseas influence and interference operations in politics and diaspora communities. Mentioned in this episode: Webinar: https://app.livestorm.co/aspi/unraveling-the-chinese-communist-partys-overseas-influence-united-front-work-from-australia-to-europe Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/party-speaks-you People in this episode: Shashank Joshi: https://twitter.com/shashj or https://mediadirectory.economist.com/people/shashank-joshi/ Michael Shoebridge: www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Tracy Beattie: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tracy-beattie Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Louisa Bochner: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Alex Joske: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-joske Background music: "Measured Success" by 'Mikos Da Gawd' via the You Tube Audio Library.
6/26/202043 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode Artwork

Genomic surveillance, CCP influence & interference operations and Thailand's strategic drift.

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Kelsey Munro speaks to James Leibold and Emile Dirks, authors of ASPI’s report; ‘Genomic surveillance – Inside China’s DNA dragnet’ about China’s national campaign of compulsory DNA data collection, the world’s largest police-run DNA database. James and Emile discuss/highlight how multinational companies and major Chinese companies are enabling the Chinese police in building this database. ASPI Executive Director Peter Jennings speaks to Clive Hamilton about his and Mareike Olhberg’s new book ‘Hidden Hand’. The book discusses the covert techniques used by the CCP for its influence and interference operations within universities, big business, think tanks and in diplomatic service. And Dr Huong Le Thu talks to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Professor at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science in Bangkok about his report: ‘Thailand’s strategic drift – Domestic determinants amidst superpower competition’. They discuss authoritarianism, military coups, the new monarch and how Thailand’s domestic preoccupations are preventing Thailand from having a more constructive role abroad. ASPI Reports in this ep: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/genomic-surveillance https://www.aspi.org.au/report/thailands-strategic-drift-domestic-determinants-amidst-superpower-competition People in this ep: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Clive Hamilton: https://clivehamilton.com/ Kelsey Munro: www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro James Leibold: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/james-leibold Emile Dirks: https://twitter.com/emiledirks Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Thitinan Pongsudhirak: https://harvard-yenching.org/scholars/thitinan-pongsudhirak Background music: "Rewired" by 'The Whole Other' via the YouTube Audio Library.
6/19/202057 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

Politics and Covid-19 in Timor-Leste, protests in Hong Kong and USA, police reform in the USA

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, ASPI researcher Genevieve Feely speaks to Robert Baird, English Editor at Tatoli News, about recent political developments in Timor-Leste, including the challenge of a failed state budget, and the country’s Covid-19 response. Senior Analyst Kelsey Munro speaks to the Director of ASPI’s Defence, Strategy and National Security Program, Michael Shoebridge about the protests in Hong Kong and the United States, the parallels and differences between the two protests and what this means in the context of the global contest between authoritarianism and democracy. And Leanne Close, head of ASPI’s Counter-terrorism Program, speaks to Steven Casstevens, President of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police about police reform in the United States in light of the current protests and how the systemic issues can be addressed to rebuild trust and support between police and their communities. In this episode: Steven Casstevens: https://twitter.com/stevecasstevens Robert Baird: https://twitter.com/rj_baird Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Background music: "The Closest Without Going Over" by "The Whole Other" via the You Tube Audio Library.
6/12/202040 minutes, 17 seconds
Episode Artwork

Maritime & space update, tensions on the China-India border & EU’s recovery from Covid-19

In this week's episode of Policy, Guns and Money, two of our (moderately) grumpy strategists Drs Malcolm Davis and Marcus Hellyer bring you a wide-ranging update on maritime and space issues – they discuss Marcus’ recent report on offshore patrol vessels and improving maritime capability, the recently released DST 2030 strategic plan, SpaceX launches and more! Next, ASPI Researcher and India expert Aakriti Bachhawat speaks to Nathan Ruser, Researcher with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre. They discuss the recent standoff between China and India over the line of actual control and touch on Nathan’s satellite imagery analysis of recent developments. Finally, Research Interns Alexandra Pascoe and Daria Impiombato talk about the impact of Covid-19 on the European Union and how the European Union can overcome this crisis collectively. They discuss the EU’s plan for economic recovery and how the establishment of the proposed EU Recovery Fund could strengthen the union. In this episode: Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/concentrated-vulnerability-distributed-lethality-offshore-patrol-vessels People: Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Malcolm Davis:https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Aakriti Bachhawat: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/aakriti-bachhawat Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Alexandra Pascoe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alexandra-pascoe Background music: "Glitchin' a Ride" by 'The Whole Other' via the YouTube Audio Library.
6/5/202032 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

UN Peacekeeper's Day, 'Terrorism is Terrorism' report and ASEAN's response to Covid-19

In this episode of ‘Policy, Guns and Money’, Lisa Sharland, head of ASPI’s International Program, speaks to Major General Cheryl Pearce, Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. 29 May is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, and Lisa speaks to Cheryl about her experiences as Force Commander of a peacekeeping mission, the impact of Covid-19 on the mission and the importance of women in peacekeeping. Next, Leanne Close, Head of ASPI’s Counter-terrorism Program, spoke to Professor Boaz Ganor about some of the key findings from his recent ASPI report ‘Terrorism is Terrorism’, including some of his recommendations to intelligence and law enforcement agencies working in counter-terrorism. Finally, Senior Analyst Dr Huong Le Thu spoke to Penny Burtt, Group CEO of AsiaLink at the University of Melbourne about the response to Covid-19 from ASEAN nations, information-sharing in the region and ASEAN’s effectiveness in managing the Covid-19 crisis. In this episode: Report: Terrorism is Terrorism: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/terrorism-terrorism-christchurch-terror-attack-israeli-ct-perspective Lisa Sharland: www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Major General Cheryl Pearce: @CherylAPearce Leanne Close: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/leanne-close Prof Boaz Ganor: http://portal.idc.ac.il/faculty/en/pages/profile.aspx?username=ganor Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Penny Burtt: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/leadership-team/pennyburtt Background music: "Lost Time" by 'Eveningland' via the YouTube Audio Library.
5/29/202052 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode Artwork

Africa Day 2020

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Peter Jennings, Executive Director of ASPI, speaks with Isaiya Kabira, Kenya's High Commissioner to Australia about the significance of Africa Day and Africa's progress since the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. They talked about the impacts of Covid-19 in Africa and also discussed Australia's relationship with Kenya and Australia's ties to Africa more broadly. Next, Brendan Nicholson, Executive Editor of The Strategist speaks to Claire Ireland, Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, about Australia and Nigeria's bilateral interests and the evolution of Australia's relationship with Africa. And to close, Lisa Sharland, Head of ASPI's International Program, interviewed journalist and filmmaker Santilla Chingaiipe about the African diaspora in Australia and how different communities have been affected by Covid-19. In this episode: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Isaiya Kabira: https://www.kenya.asn.au/copy-of-about-kenya Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Claire Ireland: https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/Pages/high-commissioner-to-nigeria Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Santilla Chingaipe: http://www.santillachingaipe.com/ Photo: James Brorson, ASPI Background music: "Unrest" by ELPHNT, via the YouTube Audio Library.
5/22/202053 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

The US-China relationship, and atrocities & climate impacts in the time of Covid-19

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money Kelsey Munro, ASPI Senior Analyst, speaks to Charles Edel, Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, about the current tensions between Australia and China and the US-China relationship in the Covid era. Then, ASPI Researcher Geneveieve Feely speaks to Nikki Marczak from the University of Queensland’s Asia Pacific Centre for The Responsibility to Protect about the impact of Covid-19 in conflict-affected areas and the risk of atrocity crimes. Finally, research interns Alexandra Pascoe, Albert Zhang and Hal Crichton-Standish talk about climate change and Covid-19 and how the crisis provides an opportunity for climate action going forward. In this episode: Kelsey Munro https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro Charles Edel https://www.ussc.edu.au/people/charles-edel Geneveieve Feely https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Nikki Marczak https://polsis.uq.edu.au/profile/4244/nikki-marczak Alexandra Pascoe https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alexandra-pascoe Albert Zhang https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Hal Crichton-Standish https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hal-crichton-standish Background music: "Ticker" by Silent Partner, via the You Tube Audio Library
5/15/202039 minutes, 33 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia’s Next Steps, Episode Four: The future of the global supply chain

The fourth and final episode of ‘Australia’s Next Steps’ examines the future of the global supply chain. Host Michael Shoebridge, Director of Defence, Strategy, and national security Program at ASPI, talks to Louise McGrath, General Manager for International Competitiveness with the Australian Industry Group, and Pieter Els, Oracle’s Director of Supply Chain Management Cloud solutions in the Japan and Asia-Pacific region. The conversation examines the impact of the pandemic and finds that the resilience of our supply chains have proven themselves throughout the crisis, while also presenting an opportunity to learn from the lessons of the past few months and build our supply chains more flexibly. Throughout the episode what is revealed is a story of strength and adaptability, not weakness. Australia’s Next Steps is brought to you by Oracle.
5/13/202028 minutes, 35 seconds
Episode Artwork

Covid-19 in Vietnam, more disinformation research and Corona virus impacts in Myanmar and Yemen

In this episode, ASPI’s Dr Huong Le Thu talks Australia's Ambassador to Vietnam, Her Excellency Robyn Mudie, about the situation on the ground in Vietnam and the lessons to be learnt from the country's response to Covid-19. Next, senior analyst Dr Jake Wallis and research intern Albert Zhang chatted about their recent research on Covid-19 disinformation and social media manipulation and the rise in patriotic trolling campaigns in support of China on social media platforms. Finally, ASPI's Professional Development Program Coordinator Julia Butler spoke to research interns Daria Impiombato and Tracy Beattie about the intersection of conflict and crisis and the potential impacts of a large Covid-19 outbreak in conflict-ridden Yemen and Myanmar. * NOTE: In this interview, Daria slips and mentions that '100 people have died in the Yemeni war' - what was intended of course was the figure '100,000'. In this episode: Dr Huong Le Thu https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Ms Robyn Mudie https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/Pages/ambassador-to-vietnam Dr Jake Wallis https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Albert Zhang https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/albert-zhang Julia Butler https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/julia-butler Daria Impiombato https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Tracy Beattie https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tracy-beattie Background music: "Cages" by Density & Time, via the You Tube Audio Library.
5/8/202035 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia's Next Steps, Episode Three: The future of nation building

In episode three of Australia’s Next Steps, host Michael Shoebridge talks to Alison Pennington, Senior Economist at the Centre for Future Work associated with the Australian Institute, and Tom Murphy, Head of Agriculture and Regional Investment Strategy with the Queensland Investment Corporation about the future of nation building for Australia. The discussion centres on the Australian economy, focusing on the strengths and resilience demonstrated throughout the pandemic that can be leveraged as Australia rebuilds post-crisis. Background music: "Under Cover" by Wayne Jones, via the YouTube audio library.
5/7/202036 minutes, 31 seconds
Episode Artwork

Weaponised deep fakes

"Fakes are all around us. Academic analysis suggests that they’re difficult to spot without new sensors, software or other specialised equipment, with 1 in 5 photos you see being fraudulent." In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Danielle Cave speaks to authors Hannah Smith and Katherine Mansted about the research behind their recent ASPI report. The report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/weaponised-deep-fakes People in this episode: Danielle Cave - Deputy Director, ICPC: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Hannah Smith - Researcher ICPC: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hannah-smith Katherine Mansted: Senior Adviser Public Policy, National Security College, ANU: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/professional/katherine-mansted Background music: "Scarab" by Quincas Moreira - via the YouTube Audio Library.
5/1/202033 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia's Next Steps, Episode Two: The Future of Work

Welcome to ASPI’s mini-series, ‘Australia’s Next Steps’, brought to you by Oracle. Episode Two looks at the future of work in Australia. For many, the pandemic has changed our daily working lives, and has allowed businesses to realise both the benefits and drawbacks to this style of work. Host, Michael Shoebridge, Director of ASPI’s Defence, Strategy and National Security Program, talks to Brenda Banning, Head of Architecture & Industry Strategy at Oracle, and David Schofield, Principal Consultant for leadership, teams and organisational culture with Bendelta. They discuss how the pandemic changed the future of work for Australia, what we have learned and adapted, and where may need further development. Background music: "Under Cover" by Wayne Jones, via the YouTube audio library.
4/30/202030 minutes, 52 seconds
Episode Artwork

Uyghurs for sale

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Kelly Smith speaks to ICPC’s Vicky Xu, Kelsey Munro, and Nathan Ruser, authors of ASPI’s ‘Uyghurs for sale’ - the ground-breaking report which exposes the forced labour programs being inflicted on the Uyghur population of Xinjiang, China. They discuss their open-source research approach and the impact the report has had. Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/uyghurs-sale Vicky Xu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vicky-xiuzhong-xu Kelsey Munro: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelsey-munro Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Background music: "A Quiet Thought" by Wayne Jones, via the You-Tube Audio Library.
4/24/202025 minutes, 22 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia’s Next Steps, Episode One: The future of national security

Welcome to ASPI’s new mini-series podcast, ‘Australia’s Next Steps’. ASPI, together with Oracle, is excited to launch the first episode of a new podcast that examines Australia’s strategic environment, opportunities for the future and the possible next steps for the nation. Episode One examines the future of national security for Australia and the outlook for our region. Host Michael Shoebridge, Director of ASPI’s Defence, Strategy and National Security Program, talks to ASPI’s Executive Director, Peter Jennings and Senior ASPI analyst, Dr Huong Le Thu.
4/22/202029 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode Artwork

Covid-19 in Indonesia and the Pacific. Tips on surviving isolation.

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Lisa Sharland, head of ASPI's International Program speaks to Dr Anna Powles, senior lecturer in security studies at Massey University for an update on the impact of Covid-19 on the Pacific. Kelly Smith catches up with Colonel Ned Holt, ASPI's US Army War College Fellow to get some tips on looking after yourself while in isolation in difficult circumstances. Dr Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at ASPI speaks with Dr Donald Greenlees of Melbourne Universities Asialink on the impact Covid-19 is having in Indonesia. In this episode: Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Dr Anna Powles: https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=287250 Colonel Ned C. Holt: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ned-c-holt Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Dr Donald Greenlees: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/leadership-team/donald-greenlees ASPI Roundtable: ICT and emerging technologies in the Pacific: https://youtu.be/EP7ll28kOTg Background music: "Fountation" by Vibe Tracks via the You Tube Audio Library.
4/17/202038 minutes, 3 seconds
Episode Artwork

Afghanistan peace efforts, reflecting on Russia and Covid-19 impact on Space

In this episode, ASPI’s Genevieve Feely speaks to Dr Sue Harris-Rimmer, Gender Policy Expert and Associate Professor at Griffith University Law School, about the Afghanistan peace process and why it's so important that women are represented and their rights protected in any agreement that is made Michael Shoebridge talks to Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb about the implications of Covid-19 for Russia, Vladimir Putin and Russia’s relationship with China. Finally, Charlie Lyons Jones speaks to Dr Malcolm Davis about how Covid-19 is impacting the space industry, how space is the new arena for strategic competition and how space has enabled effective connectivity to deal with a workforce working remotely. In this episode: Dr Susan Harris Rimmer - https://experts.griffith.edu.au/7374-susan-harris-rimmer Genevieve Feely - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Prof Paul Dibb - http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-publications/experts/paul-dibb-am Michael Shoebridge - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Malcolm Davis - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Charlie Lyon Jones https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/charlie-lyons-jones Background music: "Lost Time" by 'Evening Land' via the YouTube audio library.
4/9/202041 minutes, 8 seconds
Episode Artwork

The UN and Covid-19, Pacific ICT Development and changing roles for the ADF

In this episode; ASPI’s Lisa Sharland talks to Richard Gowan, International Crisis Group's UN Director, to discuss the International Crisis Group’s recent report: "Covid-19 and Conflict: Seven Trends to Watch". The report is available here: https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/sb4-covid-19-and-conflict-seven-trends-watch Earlier this year Bart Hogeveen of ASPI's ICPC released the report: "ICT for development in the Pacific Islands". Bart speaks with Louisa Bochner about the report and his work assessing e-governance facilities in the Pacific. The report is available here: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/ict-development-pacific-islands Finally, ICPC's Tom Uren and ASPI's Director of Defence, Strategy & National Security Michael Shoebridge discuss how Australia's Defence department has adapted to changing roles and whether the organisation's structure and processes are fit for purpose or a redesign is needed. People in this episode: Richard Gowan: https://www.crisisgroup.org/who-we-are/people/richard-gowan Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen Louisa Bochner: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Background music: "The Missing Link" by The Whole Other - via the YouTube Audio Library.
4/3/202041 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

Counterterrorism Yearbook 2020

This special episode marks the publication of ASPI's Counterterrorism Yearbook for 2020. This is the fourth annual edition of the CT Yearbook and while circumstance dictates we cannot host our traditional launch at the ASPI Auditorium, we invite you to listen to this special episode and join in the conversation about this incredibly important topic. In this episode, we hear an introduction from ASPI Executive Director, Peter Jennings, followed by a conversation between the publication’s co-author John Coyne and Executive Editor of The Strategist, Brendan Nicholson. John then speaks with contributing authors Peta Lowe, Principal Consultant at Phronesis Consulting, and ICPC’s Elise Thomas. As the publication and podcast detail, the threat of terrorism has plateaued at an unacceptably high level, and as attention in the news cycle is focussed on COVID-19, this report shines a light on an important topic for national security that must be addressed. You can download the ASPI CT Yearbook 2020 here: aspi.org.au/report/counterterrorism-yearbook-2020 In this episode: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Peta Lowe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peta-lowe Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Background music: "Low" by ELPHNT, via the YouTube Audio Library.
3/31/202037 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

WPS and regional security, analysing disinformation online and healthcare cyber security

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money ASPI’s Head of the International Program, Lisa Sharland speaks to experienced human rights and women’s rights advocate, Louise Allen about her recent ASPI publication ‘Australia's implementation of women, peace and security: Promoting regional security’. You can read the full report here: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-implementation-women-peace-and-security-promoting-regional-security Renee DiResta, Technical Research Manager at Stanford Internet Observatory, talks with ICPC’s Elise Thomas about misinformation and malign narratives across social networks, focusing on the trends the world is witnessing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we hear from ICPC’s Tom Uren and Jocelinn Kang who discuss how cyber criminals are exploiting COVID-19 to carry out cyber-attacks on hospitals. In this episode: Louise Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-allen-70b7138/?originalSubdomain=au Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang Renee DiResta: http://www.reneediresta.com/ Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Music: 'Stranger Danger' by Francis Preve via the YouTube Audio Library.
3/26/202036 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

COVID-19 the Corona virus

In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money we look at COVID-19, the Corona Virus. We speak with three prominent experts to help understand the current situation and consider where we are heading. You'll hear from Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity at the University of New South Wales. Professor MacIntyre heads the Biosecurity Program at the Kirby Institute, which conducts research in epidemiology, vaccinology, bioterrorism prevention, mathematical modelling, genetic epidemiology, public health and clinical trials in infectious diseases. We also speak with Dr Robert Glasser, Visiting Fellow at ASPI and former head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). Finally, we speak with Dr Anna Powles, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies at Massey University on the impact of the virus on the South Pacific. People in this episode: Professor Raina MacIntyre: https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/professor-raina-macintyre Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Anna Powles: https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=287250 Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Music: 'Scratch the itch' by Quincas Moreira - via the YouTube Audio Library.
3/20/202040 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode Artwork

Triton, Taiwan & Testing times...

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, our two grumpy strategists Michael and Marcus make a welcome return discussing the implications of the recent US Government decision to pause the Triton UAV program. Huong and Jake discuss the recent Taiwanese elections and Kelly speaks to Madeleine Gordon, Climate Change and Energy Security Fellow at Young Australians in International Affairs. Guests in this episode; Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/huong-le-thu Dr Jake Wallis:https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jake-wallis Kelly Smith: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/kelly-smith Madeleine Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-gordon-026360169/?originalSubdomain=au Music: "Late night drive" by Nat Keef & Beetmower via the YouTube Audio Library.
3/10/202038 minutes, 6 seconds
Episode Artwork

Islamic Law, Covid-19 and Middle Eastern affairs.

We bring you three great conversations in this episode of Policy, Guns and Money. First, Brendan Nicholson speaks with Dr Ahmed Al-Dawoody, Legal Adviser for Islamic law and jurisprudence at the ICRC (0:35). We then move on to a discussion of censorship and state media relating to Covid-19, the Corona virus between Fergus Ryan and Elise Thomas of the ASPI International Cyber Policy Centre (11:55). We close with ASPI Executive Director Peter Jennings in discussion with Mr Ehud Yaari, an Israel-based international fellow of The Washington Institute and guest of the Australian/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council on recent Middle East events (23:25). In this episode; Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Ehud Yaari: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/view/yaari-ehud Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Dr Ahmed Al-Dawoody: https://www.geneva-academy.ch/the-academy/about-us/experts/detail/130-ahmed-al-dawoody Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Music: "Pictures of the Floating World" by Bumbling, via the Free Music Archive. freemusicarchive.org
2/21/202041 minutes, 44 seconds
Episode Artwork

The threat of a China-Russia partnership and examining misinformation online.

ASPI Executive Director Peter Jennings discusses the recent ASPI report "How the geopolitical partnership between China and Russia threatens the West" with His Excellency Kim Beazley, Governor of Western Australia and report author Professor Paul Dibb of the ANU. Tom Uren and Elise Thomas from our Cyber team discuss the misinformation and hype that surrounded two recent high profile incidents; the Jeff Bezos phone incident and the alleged hack of Ukrainian gas company, Burisma. In this episode; Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Kim Beazley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Beazley Paul Dibb: http://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-publications/experts/paul-dibb-am Report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/how-geopolitical-partnership-between-china-and-russia-threatens-west Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Music in this episode; "Sun Machine One" by Loopop - via the You Tube Music Library.
2/7/202025 minutes, 21 seconds
Episode Artwork

Gender Advisors in the ADF and UN Resolution 1325.

In this special episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Lisa Sharland discusses the vital work of Gender Advisors in the Australian Defence Force with Commander Jen Macklin, Group Captain Dee Gibbons and Wing Commander Angeline Lewis. Lisa Sharland: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Music in this episode: “The Lone Woodlouse” by Rachael K. Collier, via the You Tube Audio Library.
1/30/202040 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

Fires in the sky and the ground. Tensions in the Middle East while Australia burns.

In our first episode of 2020, we examine two of the big events that are impacting the world currently; the US killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and the terrible bushfires currently ravaging Australia. Peter Jennings, ASPI’s Executive Director discusses the tense situation in the middle-east with US Army War College Fellow, Lt COL Ned Holt. On the bushfires, we’ve spoken to three experts in the fields of Disaster and Risk preparedness. Dr Robert Glasser is the former head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mark Crosweller is the former head of the National Resilience Taskforce and former Director-General of Emergency Management Australia and Dr Paul Barnes, head of the Risk and Resilience program here at ASPI. In this episode; Report: Preparing for the Era of Disasters. https://www.aspi.org.au/report/preparing-era-disasters - Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings - LTCOL Ned Holt: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ned-c-holt - Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser - Mark Crosweller: https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/ - Dr Paul Barnes: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/paul-barnes Music: 'Pale Rider Blues' by Mini Vandals via the YouTube Audio Library.
1/13/202044 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

China's challenge to US primacy, CVE Online: the Google approach and Indigenous STEM engagement

Mali interviews Oriana Skylar Mastro, Assistant Professor of Security Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, about her most recent book ‘The Costs of Conversation: Obstacles to Peace Talks in Wartime (Cornell University Press 2019)’ and her latest project on China’s challenge to U.S primacy. Louisa spoke with Dion Devow, Indigenous engagement specialist working with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre and 2018 ACT Australian of the Year, on closing the information technology gap for Indigenous Australians. Plus Jake interviewed Vijay Padmanabhan, Google’s Lead for Countering Violent Extremism & Hate Speech. People in this ep: Oriana Skylar Mastro: https://www.orianaskylarmastro.com/ Vijay Padmanadhan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijay-padmanabhan-78337794 Dion Devow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dion-devow Jacob Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Mali Walker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mali-walker Louisa Bochner: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Music in this ep: "Trapped" by Quincas Moreira via the You Tube Audio Library.
12/12/201931 minutes, 23 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Beersheba dialogue 2019

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Strategist editor Jack Norton covers this year’s Beersheba Dialogue, the annual conference between ASPI and the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in Tel Aviv. He spoke to former Labor MP and shadow assistant minister for defence and cybersecurity Gai Brodtmann about the state of the Australia–Israel relationship and arms control expert Emily Landau about the Iran nuclear deal and the possible threat posed by Tehran. Jack also interviews veteran journalist Yossi Melman about Israel’s relationship with China, with a focus on Chinese infrastructure and investment in the country. In this episode: Gai Brodtmann: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gai_Brodtmann Emily B. Landau: https://www.inss.org.il/person/b-landauemily/ Yossi Melman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yossi_Melman Background music: "Fonkee Ryde" by Noir Et Blanc Vie, via the You Tube Audio Library.
11/29/201940 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Australia-China relationship

In this special episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Peter Jennings, ASPI's Executive Director and Michael Shoebridge, Director of Defence, Strategy and National Security at ASPI discuss the recent events relating to the unprecedented leak of hundreds of internal CCP documents, the refusal of Australian politician's visas , and the future of the Australian-China relationship. Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge NY Times on the documents: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/16/world/asia/china-xinjiang-documents.html Music in this ep: "Skewls Owt" by Noir Et Blanc Vie - via the You Tube Audio Library.
11/22/201915 minutes, 5 seconds
Episode Artwork

A new Defence Minister for Indonesia, Future Submarine costs, & the security of Australia's north

In this episode, Andrew Davies talks with Marcus Hellyer on the costs of the Future Submarine project and discusses the current long range strike debate. Mali interviewed Natalie Sambhi on the recent appointment of Prabowo Subianto as Indonesia's Defence Minister. Genevieve chats with John Coyne on the impact of his recent report on the future security of Australia's north. Links: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/strong-and-free-future-security-australias-north https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indonesias-defence-and-foreign-policy-and-widodos-new-look-cabinet/ People in this episode: Dr Andrew Davies: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-davies Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Natalie Sambhi: https://www.ververesearch.org/our-team1 Mali Walker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mali-walker Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Music in this episode: "Biggie" by Albis - via the You Tube Audio Library
11/8/201931 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode Artwork

Syria, on the ground and in cyberspace, and an uncertain nuclear future

Our two grumpy strategists Michael and Marcus discuss the US withdrawal from Syria, debated Putin’s role and grappled with the complex issue of Australian returning foreign fighters (1:05). Continuing our coverage of Syria, Elise and Tom from our cyber team chat about different social media campaigns that are targeting the narratives surrounding Turkey’s offensive against Kurdish forces in the region (14:40). Finally, Jack interviews Rod Lyon, senior fellow at ASPI, to celebrate the release of his Strategist Selections, a collection of his articles on nuclear strategy (23:10). If you liked this episode don’t forget to recommend it to a fellow strategy wonk. As always you can leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or tweet us @ASPI_org. We’ll be back in two weeks. In this episode: Michael Shoebridge https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Marcus Hellyer https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Elise Thomas https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Tom Uren https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Rod Lyon https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/rod-lyon Jack Norton https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jack-norton Renee Jones https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/renee-jones Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/nuclear-strategy-changing-world Music in this ep: "Stars and Constellations" by Sarah, The Illstrumentalist via the You Tube Audio Library.
10/24/201933 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode Artwork

Morrison goes to Washington, UNGA Games, and contested space

We're back ahead of schedule because there is so much to talk about. In this episode, Michael Shoebridge offers his thoughts on Prime Minister Scott Morrison's trip to the United States and the impact it may have had on the Aus-China relationship. Lisa Sharland and Sarah O'Connor unpack the United Nations General Assembly's Leaders' Week and assess Scott Morrison's performance. Finally, former ASPI ANU research intern returns to chat with Malcolm about the Australian Defence Force and contested space. Featured in this episode: Michael Shoebridge https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Renee Jones https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/renee-jones Lisa Sharland https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Sarah O'Connor https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/sarah-oconnor Malcolm Davis https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Lauren Hanley https://twitter.com/1auren_Hanley Mentioned in this episode: ADF & Contested Space https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australian-defence-force-and-contested-space Morrison's UNGA games https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/morrisons-unga-games-trump-china-and-the-future-of-global-cooperation/ Follow ASPI on Twitter https://twitter.com/ASPI_org Music: Life Illusion by Ketsa
9/27/201929 minutes, 31 seconds
Episode Artwork

Climate Change & The Pacific, Gender & Counterterrorism, & the future of Hong Kong

Genevieve Feely chats with Tess Newton Cain to unravel the recent Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu. (16m15s) Sofia Patel returns to Aus to discuss gender & counterterrorism, PhD life, and Brexit with Lisa Sharland. (27m23s) Louisa Bochner interviews Bonnie Glaser, Director of the China Power Project, to get her take on the implications of the ongoing demonstrations in Hong Kong. (0m41s) In this episode: Louisa Bochner https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/louisa-bochner Bonnie Glaser https://twitter.com/BonnieGlaser Genevieve Feely https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Dr Tess Newton Cain https://twitter.com/CainTess Lisa Sharland https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/lisa-sharland Sofia Patel https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/sofia-patel
9/20/201937 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode Artwork

Pro-Democracy protests in Hong Kong & the opioid crisis in Australia - lessons from Canada

Our two grumpy strategists Michael and Marcus discuss the continuing pro-democracy protests rocking Hong Kong and the likelihood of a violent intervention from Beijing (0m55s). Renee talks to Senator Vern White, former Chief of Police in Ottawa about the challenges facing modern policing, the opioid crisis and pill testing (12m38s). In this episode:: - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/two-ideas-to-help-trump-and-morrison-reinvigorate-the-us-australia-alliance/ - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/beijing-is-manufacturing-the-circumstances-to-justify-brutal-intervention-in-hong-kong/ - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vern-white Music: "Intermittent" by Ketsa - via the Free Music Archive: http://freemusicarchive.org/
9/5/201929 minutes, 48 seconds
Episode Artwork

US Defence Budget and Indo-Pacific, Australia in Hormuz & Tweets from China

In this episode; Marcus Hellyer talks to guests from the US Studies Centre on their recently released paper, 'Averting Crisis: American Strategy, Military Spending and Collective Defence in the Indo-Pacific' (16:45). Two of our grumpy strategists, Marcus and Malcolm discuss the recent announcement of Australian support for operations in the Straits of Hormuz (9:05) Tom and Elise from our Cyber team discuss their preliminary findings of the recently released Twitter and Facebook data dumps of Chinese bot driven accounts (1:25). Mentioned in this episode: China’s information warfare darkens the doorstep of Twitter and Facebook: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/chinas-information-warfare-darkens-the-doorstep-of-twitter-and-facebook/ ICPC initial findings: https://twitter.com/elisethoma5/status/1163949710832328704 https://twitter.com/JakeWallis_ASPI/status/1163755593305210881 Averting Crisis: American strategy, military spending and collective defence in the Indo-Pacific: https://www.ussc.edu.au/analysis/averting-crisis-american-strategy-military-spending-and-collective-defence-in-the-indo-pacific Back to the Middle East, but at what cost?: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/back-to-the-middle-east-but-at-what-cost/ Speakers: Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Ashley Townshend: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/ashley-townshend Brendan Thomas-Noone: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/brendan-thomas-noone Matilda Steward: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/matilda-steward Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Music: "Scuba" by Nul Tiel Records via the Free Music Archive.
8/22/201931 minutes, 33 seconds
Episode Artwork

Australia's fuel security, Darwin port, Enough Project & India, the Indo-Pacific & Quad

In this huge episode, Michael Shoebridge and Paul Barnes discuss Australia’s fuel security, US missiles in the Indo-Pacific and revoking the Port of Darwin lease (7:20). Aakriti Bachawat chats with Professor Harsh Pant about India’s perceptions on the Indo-Pacific and the Quad as well as the foreign Policy priorities under new Modi government (32:45). Brendan Nicholson interviewed Brian Adeba from the Enough Project on efforts to prevent atrocities and corruption in Eastern and Central Africa (19:50). And Renee Jones also caught up with Greg Moriarty, Secretary of Defence (1:20) and Gai Brodtmann, former Shadow Minister for Cyber Security and Defence (2:50) at ASPI's recent speed mentoring event. In this episode: Greg Moriarty: http://www.defence.gov.au/Secretary/ Gai Brodtmann: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gai_Brodtmann Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Paul Barnes: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/paul-barnes Brian Adeba: https://enoughproject.org/author/brian-adeba Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Professor Harsh Pant: Aakriti Bachawat: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/aakriti-bachhawat Music: "Gently Onwards" by ELPHNT and "A Quiet Thought" by Wayne Jones both via the You Tube audio library.
8/9/201946 minutes, 38 seconds
Episode Artwork

General Angus Campbell & Mapping conditions in Rakhine state

In our final episode looking at ASPI's 'War in 2025' conference we bring you analysis of the fabulous speech delivered by Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell. We also talk with the ASPI Cyber team about their latest ground-breaking research report; Mapping conditions in Rakhine state. You can watch General Campbell's full speech here: https://youtu.be/P7O40S9W7ks The ICPC Rakhine state report is available here: https://pageflow.aspi.org.au/rakhine-state General Angus Campbell: http://www.defence.gov.au/CDF/ Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Mali Walker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/mali-walker Tweet feedback to: @ASPI_ORG Music in this episode: 'Plaidness' by Francis Preve via the You Tube Audio library.
7/29/201916 minutes, 50 seconds
Episode Artwork

Like War, the Indo-Pacific & Hypersonics: War in 2025 conference special

The recent ASPI Conference, ‘War in 2025’, attracted thought leaders in Defence, Strategy and Policy. We took the opportunity for some one on one discussions and we are excited to bring you these interviews in this second ‘War in 2025’ special episode. You’ll hear from; Peter W. Singer on 'Like War' - information warfare and social media (0:50). Drs Rebecca Strating and Huong Le Thu on the strategic policy challenges of the Indo Pacific (18:35)and Tom Uren talks to Dr Andrew Davies on future force structures, defence spending and Hypersonics (32:00). In this episode; Peter W. Singer: https://www.pwsinger.com/biography/ Sarah O'Connor: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/sarah-oconnor Dr Rebecca Strating: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/display/bstrating Dr Huong Le Thu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-huong-le-thu Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Dr Andrew Davies: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-davies Music in this episode: "Level Up" by Quincas Moreira, via the You Tube audio library.
7/11/201945 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Directors Cut: War in 2025 conference special

The theme of ASPI's annual conference this year was 'War in 2025 - debating the key drivers of potential conflict in the next decade. In this special episode, Peter Jennings Executive Director and Michael Shoebridge, Director of Defence and Strategy discuss the messages they took from the gathering. In this episode: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds address: https://www.aspi.org.au/video/war-2025-keynote-address-senator-hon-linda-reynolds-csc General Angus Campbell's address: https://www.aspi.org.au/video/general-angus-campbell-war-2025 Vice Admiral David Johnston's address: https://www.aspi.org.au/video/vice-admiral-david-johnston-war-2025 Music in this episode: 'Plaidness' by Francis Preve via the You Tube Audio library.
6/27/201915 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money: The Cost of Defence, the ANU data breach & perspectives from India.

In this packed episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Marcus and Michael discuss the key findings of this year's Cost of Defence Budget Brief (0:55). From the Cyber side of the house, Tom and Danielle discuss the ANU data breach (13:10) and Alex and Elise discuss the impact of Alex's report, Picking Flowers, Making Honey (19:20) and to wrap up, roving reporter Brendan Nicholson sat down with Sameer Patil of the Gateway House think-tank to discuss all things India (29:30). Referenced in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/cost-defence-aspi-defence-budget-brief-2019-2020 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/anu-data-hack-bank-records-personal-information/11176788 https://www.aspi.org.au/report/picking-flowers-making-honey https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-03/xinjiang-china-surveillance-company-partnership-with-aus-unis/11074122 https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-hartzler-introduce-bill-ban-chinese-military-scientists-american-labs Guests: Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Tom Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/tom-uren Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Alex Joske: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-joske Elise Thomas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/elise-thomas Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Sameer Patil: https://www.gatewayhouse.in/author/sameer-patil/ Music in this episode: "Ticker" by Silent Partner, via the You Tube Audio Library.
6/6/201941 minutes, 41 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money: The Interns take control!

As our current group of Interns come to the end of their time with ASPI we pulled them aside to speak with them, to learn about their time with the Institute, how their research interests have evolved and the opportunities they’ve explored. We also speak to Fiona, ASPI’s HR manager to get the low-down on applying for an internship, the qualities and passions that make a great intern candidate and some helpful tips for people thinking of applying in future. Mentioned in this episode: Election interference report ‘Hacking democracies’: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/hacking-democracies Indonesia’s democracy at risk from disinformation: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indonesias-democracy-at-risk-from-disinformation/ Thailand’s flawed Election Commission: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/thailands-flawed-election-commission/ Water management in northern Australia is a national security issue: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/water-management-in-northern-australia-is-a-national-security-issue/ Australia & the Pacific Panel: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/australia-pacific-panel ASPI Future Warfare conference: https://warin2025.aspi.org.au Guests in this episode: Luke Courtois https://twitter.com/luke_courtois Mali Walker https://twitter.com/Maliwaan1 Rhys De Wilde https://twitter.com/RhysDeWilde Genevieve Feely https://twitter.com/genevievefeely Music in this episode: "Soul and Mind" by ... and "Lights Out" byJimmy Fontanez / Doug Maxwell. Via the You Tube Audio library.
5/20/201933 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money talks Cyber with Admiral Mike Rogers.

ASPI's roving report Brendan Nicholson talks all things Cyber with Admiral Mike Rogers, recently retired Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the U.S. National Security Agency. Mike has recently joined ASPI as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow. For Game of Thrones fans, MAJOR SPOILERS (from 21:17). A very emotional Renee Jones talks to Malcolm Davis & Hannah Smith about tactics from Team Alive in the Siege of Winterfell and its strategic implications for the rest of the series. If you’re not up to date on GoT stop listening from 21:17... Music in this episode; "Cypher" by Wayne Jones and "Tribal Affair" by SYBS. Both via the You Tube Audio Library.
5/6/201934 minutes, 26 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money: Election Interference, the Defence Budget & perspectives from PNG

In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money we talk to Fergus Hanson, head of ASPI's International Cyber Policy Centre about the likelihood and dangers of election interference. Our two grumpy strategists discuss the status of the Defence Budget in light of the upcoming election and we hear extracts of the keynote address delivered by Stephanie Copus-Campbell at the annual ASPI Gala Dinner. Stephanie has extensive experience in Papua New Guinea and provided an insightful view of PNG and it's growing importance to Australia as our closest international neighbour. In this episode; Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Stephanie Copus-Campbell: https://www.oilsearchfoundation.org/expansion-programs-1 Stephanie's keynote address: https://youtu.be/Sac-ccRs2Oo Please drop us a review on iTunes and let us know how we are going! https://twitter.com/ASPI_org Music in this episode: 'Soul and Mind' by 'E's Jammy Jams via the You Tube Audio Library.
4/12/201940 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. The Christchurch terror attack & The North and Australia's Security.

In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Christchurch we talk to two eminent thinkers on National Security and Counterterrorism, ASPI's Executive Director Mr Peter Jennings and Jacinta Carroll of the ANU National Security College. We also talk to Dr John Coyne about the newly established research program at ASPI, The North and Australia's National Security. References; North of 26 South: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/dinkus/north-of-26-south/ People: Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Jacinta Carroll: https://crawford.anu.edu.au/people/professional/jacinta-carroll Genevieve Feely: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/genevieve-feely Music in this episode: Shattered Paths by Aakash Gandhi via the You Tube audio library.
3/28/201940 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. International Women's Day - Special 2

In our second special episode for International Women’s Day we’re celebrating the Young Australians in International Affairs IWD initiatives for 2019 – which included a week-long line-up of women writing for their insights blog and their list of 25 Young Women to Watch in International Affairs. Our guests for this episode: Jean Du Hannah Smith - https://twitter.com/Hannah_ASPI Aakriti Bachhawat - https://twitter.com/AakritiBh Elise Thomas - https://twitter.com/elisethoma5 Elliot Brennan - https://twitter.com/elliott_brennan Charlotte Owens - https://twitter.com/charlotteaowens Mentioned in this episode: 2019 Young Women to Watch in International Affairs https://www.youngausint.org.au/single-post/2019/03/08/2019-Young-Women-to-Watch-in-International-Affairs 2020 Vision podcast https://www.ussc.edu.au/programs/2020vision 2019 Counterterrorism Yearbook https://www.aspi.org.au/report/counterterrorism-yearbook-2019 Australia’s second seas: Facing our multipolar future in the Indian Ocean https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australias-second-sea-facing-our-multipolar-future-indian-ocean Jobs, internships & opportunities board https://www.youngausint.org.au/job-internship-and-opportunities-board Unequal suffering: female vulnerability in climate change https://www.youngausint.org.au/single-post/2019/03/08/Unequal-Suffering-Female-Vulnerability-in-Climate-Change Please leave us a review on iTunes or send us your feedback via Twitter https://twitter.com/ASPI_org Music in this episode: 'Sleeplessness' by The Brothers Records - via the You Tube Audio Library.
3/22/201938 minutes, 2 seconds
Episode Artwork

Avalon Airshow Special

This special edition of Policy, Guns and Money is brought to you from the Avalon Airshow. Avalon is the biggest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere and is a chance for major aircraft manufacturers and operators to showcase their latest kit. In this issue, we report on the launch of the Boeing Loyal Wingman project, we talk all things F35 with the RAAF and Lockheed Martin and we kick the tyres of a RAAF P8 Poseidon. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify! Thanks!
3/13/20191 hour, 4 minutes, 1 second
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money: International Women's Day Special

Recently, ASPI hosted a delegation of prominent women from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has gone through a period of significant change and the current dialogues for peace provide an opportunity to discuss the role of women in security, policy and society. The visit of this group not only served as an opportunity to discuss Australia-Afghanistan bilateral relations but to also look at the achievements and challenges faced by Afghani women and address issues of women’s empowerment globally including the role of women as agents for change. During the visit, ASPI’s roving reporter Brendan Nicholson spoke with Hadeia AMIRY, Special Advisor to the National Security Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Freshta KARIM, Director of Charmaghz – a local Afghan NGO promoting critical thinking among Afghan children and Ms Nargis AZARYUN – civil society activist. Music in this episode: "Plaidness" by Francis Preve via the YouTube Audio Library.
3/8/201917 minutes, 40 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 13

In episode 13 of Policy, Guns & Money, Lisa Sharland talks to Clare Hutchinson, NATO Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security (10:50). Tom Uren and Elise Thomas discuss the recent Australian Parliament House cyber attack (0:50) and Huong Le Thu talks to Rod Lyon about the upcoming Trump/Kim summit in Vietnam (21:50). References: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-18/someone-tried-to-hack-parliament-are-our-politicians-vulnerable/10822072 https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/espionage-or-interference-the-attack-on-australias-parliament-and-political-parties/ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-18/someone-tried-to-hack-parliament-are-our-politicians-vulnerable/10822072 Clare Hutchinson: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_156598.htm WPS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ASPIwps Music in this ep: "Dusk" by DivKid via the You Tube Audio Library.
2/21/201931 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 12

In our second ep for 2019 we hear from Dr John Coyne about the recent drug fatalities at music festivals and what we should be doing about it; Danielle and Tom from our Cyber team discuss the latest ructions from Huawei (12:45) and Aakriti talks to Lisa Sharland about the future of international peacekeeping operations (20:20). Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes to let us know how we’re going… and we’d love to hear from you – tweet us! https://twitter.com/ASPI_org Referenced in this episode; Attack in Mali: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-21/al-qaeda-attack-mali-un-peacekeepers-terrorism/10733594 Security of Peacekeepers: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/security-un-peacekeepers-minefield-politics-people-principles/ ‘Women, Gender and the A4P Agenda’ Paper: https://www.aspi.org.au/journal-article/women-gender-and-a4p-agenda Challenges Annual Forum 2018 (draft report): http://www.challengesforum.org/en/Events/Annual-Forums/Challenges-Annual-Forum-2018/Challenges-Annual-Forum-2018/ Action for Peacekeeping Agenda: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p Background music in this episode: “Plaidness” by Francic Preve – via the You Tube Audio Library.
1/31/201930 minutes, 54 seconds
Episode Artwork

Brexit - A Policy, Guns & Money special

In this Special Brexit edition of Policy Guns and Money, Dr Isaac Kfir, Director of the National Security Program at ASPI speaks with two special guests for an insight into Brexit - the process and status. Isaac speaks first with Professor Philomena Murray of the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Professor Murray is a former diplomat and an internationally recognised expert on the European Union. Next, Isaac spoke with Dr Margherita Matera ( also from the School of Social and Political Sciences) who provided fascinating insights into what Brexit might mean in the security and defence context. Professor Murray: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/display/person13932 Dr Matera: https://www.findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/display/person6511 Dr Kfir: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/isaac-kfir & https://twitter.com/isaac_kfir
1/21/201921 minutes, 1 second
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 11

In our first episode for 2019, Marcus and Malcolm, our two grumpy strategists, discuss China’s space ambitions and progress of Australia’s naval ship building program. Jack catches up with Graeme Dobell to discover who won this year’s Madeline award (starts at 12:10) and Renee talks with Dr Gorana Grgic of the US Studies Centre to ask ‘the US Government shutdown – what’s it all about?’ (starts at 20:50). Referenced in this episode; China and Space: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-new-space-race-pits-the-us-against-china-the-us-is-losing-badly/2019/01/10/bcdcad10-14f9-11e9-b6ad-9cfd62dbb0a8_story.html https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2019/01/far-side-moon-china/579349/ https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/editors-picks-for-2018-china-the-us-and-the-race-for-space/ https://www.policyforum.net/the-highest-ground/ Naval long range strike: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/preparing-for-stormy-skies-part-1-the-raafs-future-fighter-force/ https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/preparing-for-stormy-skies-part-2-long-range-strike/ https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/preparing-for-stormy-skies-part-3-the-raafs-strike-power-beyond-2040/ The Madeleine Awards: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-10th-madeleine-award-glare-and-stare-wonder-and-ponder/ Dr Gorana Grgic: https://www.ussc.edu.au/people/gorana-grgic Background music in this episode: 'Crater Lake' by The Mini Vandals - via the You Tube Audio Library.
1/17/201937 minutes, 36 seconds
Episode Artwork

The Director's Cut 2018

In this, our final episode for 2018, ASPI's Executive Director, Peter Jennings, discusses the year with Michael Shoebridge, ASPI's Director of Defence and Strategy.
12/20/201824 minutes, 4 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 10

In this episode: Are nuclear weapons becoming more or less relevant? Georgia Grice talks to deterrence expert Dr Brad Roberts. Aakriti Bacchawat interviews Derek Grossman, Senior Defence Analyst for the RAND corporation on the Quad and Trump in the Indo-Pacific Region and Lisa Sharland speaks with Aussie Major General Cheryl Pearce on her appointment as the next force commander of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus. Background music: "The Missing Link" by "the Whole Other" via the You Tube Audio Library.
12/18/201836 minutes, 39 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. Episode 9

In Episode 9 of Policy, Guns & Money, Tom Uren talks to Anne Lyons about her recent report, 'Identity of a nation', Brendan Nicholson interviews Dr Robert Glasser, the former Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)about Climate Change and we have some fantastic reporting from the latest Women in Defence and Security Network 'Speed Mentoring' event in Sydney.
12/7/201840 minutes, 34 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. Episode 8

In ep 8 of Policy, Guns and Money, Michael Shoebridge discusses the strategic implications of the US-PNG-Australia joint naval base on Manus Island and the message that sends to China. Maddie chats with Dr Emily Corner, Lecturer at ANU’s Centre for Social Research Methods, on the misinformation that surrounds discussion of terrorism, radicalisation and mental health following an attack and Jacky speaks with Dr Isaac Kfir on the latest developments in the Brexit process. Music in this episode; "Scratch the Itch" by Quincas Moreira - via the You Tube Audio library.
11/22/201831 minutes, 59 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. Episode 7

In episode 7 of Policy, Guns & Money, Maddie talks to Michael Shoebridge on the connections between Human Rights and Global Security, Danielle Cave, Fergus Ryan and Nathan Ruser of our Cyber team discuss their latest research into China's rapidly growing internment camps and Brendan Nicholson discusses the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. Referenced in this episode: Maddie & Michael https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/state-sanctioned-murder-and-mass-radicalisation-why-upholding-our-values-matters/ https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/saudi-arabia-should-face-real-consequences-over-khashoggi-killing/ https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2018/mp_mr_181020.aspx https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/trump-names-former-reagan-lawyer-as-new-us-ambassador-in-canberra-20181106-p50ecy.html Cyber team on Xinjiang internment camps https://www.aspi.org.au/report/mapping-xinjiangs-re-education-camps ICPC Database https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vR48u6lKYD21gv6mqM-2dV2lL8axuJ3yG5QJr2KNfG6bZNhy2dXDib_ZyFl9QKwvTRP0EBKZPYczwp9/pubhtml Brendan on the centenary of armistice https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/has-anybody-here-seen-kelly-the-lost-and-the-loss-of-world-war-i/ Music in this episode: "Lost Time" by Eveningland (You Tube audio library) and "Elegy in Memoriam - Rupert Brooke" by Frederick Septimus Kelly.
11/8/201836 minutes, 37 seconds
Episode Artwork

The US midterms: A Policy, Guns and Money Special

In this special edition of Policy, Guns and Money, we look at the up-coming US midterm elections. Our guests are Stephen Loosley AM and Dr Gorana Grgic. Both US specialists and both offer fascinating insights into this keenly observed election.
11/2/201824 minutes, 10 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - CT Special

In this special episode, we consider the state of Counterterrorism through the lens of the UK and Australian experiences. For the UK perspective; ASPI roving reporter Brendan Nicholson speaks with Sir Paul Stephenson; Commissioner of the UK Metropolitan Police from 2009 to 2011. For the Australian perspective we talk to Dr Isaac Kfir; head of ASPI's National Security and Counter terrorism programs.
10/25/201831 minutes, 20 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. Episode 6

In episode 6 of Policy, Guns and Money we talk to Dr Jonathan Quick, author of "The End of Epidemics". Lisa Sharland gives us her views on the departure of US UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Danielle Cave and Bart Hogeveen discuss Cyber Attribution and we talk to Elizabeth Blackney on the Nobel Peace prize recipients; Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad. Referenced in this episode. Dr Jono Quick: - http://www.endofepidemics.com/ - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/30549/pandemic Lisa Sharland on Nikki Haley: - https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/10/nikki-haley-resignation-donald-trump - https://www.afr.com/news/world/north-america/with-john-bolton-ascendant-un-ambassador-nikki-haleys-departure-sparks-fears-20181010-h16ftu Danielle Cave & Bart Hogeveen - Russian Cyber Attribution: - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/reckless-campaign-cyber-attacks-russian-military-intelligence-service-exposed - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-04/australia-britain-condemn-russia-cyber-attacks/10337266 - https://www.pm.gov.au/media/attribution-pattern-malicious-cyber-activity-russia - https://brica.de/alerts/alert/public/1232520/uk-ncsc-head-says-attribution-of-gru-attacks-important/ - https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-charges-russian-gru-officers-international-hacking-and-related-influence-and Nobel Peace Prizes: - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2018/summary/ - https://www.panzifoundation.org/ - http://www.unwomen.org/en/docs/2008/6/un-security-council-resolution-1820 Music in this episode: "Awaken" by Anno Domini Beats - courtesy of You Tube Audio Library.
10/11/201840 minutes, 56 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money. Episode 5

In Episode 5, our analysts discuss; Conventional v Nuclear Submarines for Australia, an Australian Cyber force - lessons learned from the US, emerging Biosecurity threats and how we can prepare and UNGA - the United Nations General Assembly - who's been saying what. Mentioned in this episode: - John Coyne and Paul Barne's special report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/weapons-mass-economic-disruption
9/27/201835 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 4

In episode 4, our strategists discuss the expansion of PLA capabilities, recent concerns about the Chinese surveillance state, the continuing rise of right-wing extremism in Europe and some welcome good news from India. We'd love to hear from you: Please let us know what you think of the podcast at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/policy-guns-money Referenced in this episode: Maddie & Jacky; - Swedish election: deadlock as far right makes gains – as it happened: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/sep/09/sweden-election-live - Swedes give boost to far-right anti-immigration party, even as it falls short of goals: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/swedes-give-boost-to-far-right-anti-immigration-party-even-as-it-falls-short-of-goals/2018/09/09/ec14c7d0-b2d3-11e8-8b53-50116768e499_story.html?utm_term=.a665c37c0e1b - The united German extreme right: https://www.opendemocracy.net/can-europe-make-it/cynthia-miller-idriss-daniel-k-hler/united-german-extreme-right - Exploring the threat of far right extremism in Australia: https://hopenothate.com/2018/09/09/exploring-threat-far-right-extremism-australia/ - India Gay Sex Ban Is Struck Down. ‘Indefensible,’ Court Says: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/world/asia/india-gay-sex-377.html - The British Empire’s homophobic legacy could finally be overturned in India: https://theconversation.com/the-british-empires-homophobic-legacy-could-finally-be-overturned-in-india-81284 - https://www.politico.eu/blogs/berlin-calling/2018/09/chemnitz-germany-afd-the-bad-german/ - https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/77161 - https://berlinpolicyjournal.com/lessons-from-chemnitz/ - https://hopenothate.com/2018/09/09/exploring-threat-far-right-extremism-australia/ Simon Norton: - https://www.aspi.org.au/report/detect-disrupt-and-deny-optimising-australias-counterterrorism-financing-system - Keep in touch with Simon at: https://twitter.com/simonmnorton
9/13/201833 minutes
Episode Artwork

Voices from Land Forces 2018

In this Special Edition of Policy, Guns and Money, our roving reporter Brendan Nicholson spent time with several speakers at the recent Land Forces2018 conference held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. In this episode you'll hear from Katja Theodorakis from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the ANU. Kate Louis of the Australian Industry Group and Dr Albert Palazzo.
9/11/201832 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 3

Policy, Guns and Money is the fortnightly ASPI podcast. In episode 3 our strategists discuss the foreign policy and defence implications of the recent leadership spill, the decision to ban Huawei from the 5G build and economic crisis in Venezuela. Referenced in this episode: Danielle and Tom; - https://www.ft.com/content/e90c3800-aad3-11e8-94bd-cba20d67390c - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/huawei-highlights-chinas-expansion-dilemma-espionage-or-profit/ - https://www.afr.com/opinion/columnists/the-technical-reasons-why-huawei-too-great-a-5g-risk-20180614-h11e3o - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/huawei-lessons-from-the-united-kingdom/ - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-african-union-headquarters-hack-and-australias-5g-network/ - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/much-ado-huawei-part-1/ - https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/much-ado-huawei-part-2/ Maddie and Jacky; - Why a Free Press Matters- Dan Rather and Elliott Kirschner https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/08/why-a-free-press-matters/567676/ - Life on the line: Inside Venezuela's crisis | Talk to Al Jazeera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0wPU3KOr90 - Takeaways from Venezuela’s long descent – Michael Dempsey https://warontherocks.com/2018/08/takeaways-from-venezuelas-long-descent/ - Drastic new measures for stricken Venezuelan economy https://www.dw.com/en/drastic-new-measures-for-stricken-venezuelan-economy/a-45140757 - Fresh hope for Australian James Ricketson after release of government critics https://www.sbs.com.au/news/fresh-hope-for-australian-james-ricketson-after-release-of-government-critics - Cambodian court details Australian filmmaker's contact with outlawed opposition party http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-29/james-ricketson-contact-with-cambodian-opposition-party-detailed/10175484 - "Hidden Figure" Katherine Johnson Turns 100 https://www.makers.com/blog/hidden-figures-katherine-johnson-turns-100?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=makers_women
8/30/201829 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 2

Policy, Guns and Money is the fortnightly ASPI podcast. In episode 2 our strategists discuss Australia's reset with China, the true cost of our new Submarine fleet, big tech companies & online censorship and Madeleine Nyst interviews Indonesia expert, Natalie Sambhi. Mentioned in this episode: The Two Grumpy Strategists. - ‘Australia’s China reset’ by John Garnaut. https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2018/august/1533045600/john-garnaut/australia-s-china-reset - Rowan Callick’s ASPI public address: Xi Jinping’s New Era for China https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mNaf9Z16Ic - Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speech at the University of New South Wales: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/speech-university-new-south-wales Fergus Ryan & Hannah Smith. - Sen. Mark Warner's policy paper for regulating big tech: https://regmedia.co.uk/2018/07/30/warner_social_media_proposal.pdf - Fergus Ryan on Big Tech: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-roadmap-for-reining-in-big-tech/ Madeleine Nyst & Natalie Sambhi - Philosophize This! http://philosophizethis.org/ - War on the Rocks. https://warontherocks.com/ - Bombshell. https://warontherocks.com/category/podcasts/bombshell/
8/16/201834 minutes, 9 seconds
Episode Artwork

Policy, Guns & Money - Episode 1

Policy, Guns and Money is the fortnightly ASPI podcast. In this episode our strategists discuss the recent AUSMIN meeting and the state of the alliance. 'Free Speech Panic', judicial changes in Poland and the latest cyber news including the Government's MyHealth record. Links: ‘Free speech panic’: The free speech panic: how the right concocted a crisis: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jul/26/the-free-speech-panic-censorship-how-the-right-concocted-a-crisis How To Disagree Better with Arthur Brooks | The Ezra Klein Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRJuZlTtXVU (section on the ‘art of disagreement’ starts at 30 minutes) Brisbane writers' festival under fire after Germaine Greer and Bob Carr 'disinvited': https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jul/25/brisbane-writers-festival-under-fire-after-germaine-greer-and-bob-carr-disinvited Chatting with Alternative for Germany: https://alicegreschkow.com/2018/07/18/auf-einen-drink-mit-der-jungen-alternativen/ (in German) NZ Domestic Violence bill: 'A huge win': New Zealand brings in paid domestic violence leave: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/26/new-zealand-paid-domestic-violence-leave-jan-logie New Zealand Grants Domestic Violence Victims Paid Leave: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/26/world/asia/new-zealand-domestic-violence-leave.html Judicial changes in Poland: Is Poland Retreating from democracy?: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/07/30/is-poland-retreating-from-democracy British ex-spies warn of risks dealing with Chinese telecom Huawei http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-27/huawei-uk-ex-spies-warn-of-risks/10040944 A Roadmap for reigning in big tech https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-roadmap-for-reining-in-big-tech/ And the paper: https://graphics.axios.com/pdf/PlatformPolicyPaper.pdf Health Minister backs down on my health record https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/health-minister-backs-down-on-my-health-record-20180731-p4zuqo.html Audit finds new evidence of cyber security failings within government https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/643126/audit-finds-new-evidence-cyber-security-failings-within-government/ My Health Record agency adds 'reputation', 'public interest' cancellation options to app contracts http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-24/digital-health-agency-changes-my-health-record-app-contracts/10026644 Facebook Identifies an Active Political Influence Campaign Using Fake Accounts https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/31/us/politics/facebook-political-campaign-midterms.html Music: "Wicked Things" by Quincas Moreira. YouTube Audio Library.
8/2/201826 minutes, 29 seconds
Episode Artwork

Ask ASPI - Trump's Russia Problem

Renee Jones talks to Stephen Loosley AM about Trump and Russia
8/7/201719 minutes, 25 seconds
Episode Artwork

Big Data in national security. Dr John Coyne and Michael Chi

John Coyne talks to Michael Chi about Michaels latest ASPI report, Big Data in national security. Dr John Coyne is Head of the Border Security program at ASPI. Michael Chi is a research Inten at ASPI. Supporting music: Goodnight by Coldnoise. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Coldnoise/Good_Night/ Released under Creative Commons: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
8/2/201718 minutes, 41 seconds