The National Security Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Bots, trolls and geopolitics: examining the dark side of social media Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

While social media has many benefits, there are a growing number of users – both human and machine – spreading harmful disinformation and misinformation on these networks.

What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? How do different actors – both state and non-state – affect society and geopolitics using social media? And what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Associate Professor Darren Linvill from Clemson University and Associate Professor Will Grant from ANU, join David Andrews in conversation to discuss the state of disinformation and misinformation on social media.

Darren Linvill is an Associate Professor and Co-director of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub. He studies state-affiliated social media information operations.

Will J Grant is Associate Professor at The Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU, where he researches the interaction of science and politics. He podcasts on science at The Wholesome Show.

David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.

Show notes:

ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more
Darren Linvill’s recent article for Irregular Warfare Initiative covers some of the themes discussed in today’s episode: Custer’s last tweet: avoiding a digital little bighorn in the fight for hearts and minds.

We’d love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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An integral part of governing: Women, Peace and Security Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

What is the Women, Peace and Security framework and how did it come about? What was this agenda designed to do, and has it achieved the original ambition?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Professor Jacqui True from Monash University, and Lisa Sharland from the Stimson Centre, join Gai Brodtmann in conversation to unpack the Women Peace and Security agenda 23 years on from its creation.

Jacqui True is a Professor of international relations and Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for The Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Lisa Sharland is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Protecting Civilians & Human Security Program at the Stimson Centre in Washington DC.

Gai Brodtmann is a Distinguished Advisor to the ANU National Security College, having previously served as a diplomat, defence consultant, Member of Parliament, Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security and Defence and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence.

Show notes:

National Intelligence Community and National Security College Scholarship for Women: find out more
The Australian WPS Coalition: The Women, Peace and Security Agenda

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Beyond the ‘comfort zone’: Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

How will Canada engage with partners in the Indo-Pacific? What does its new Indo-Pacific Strategy outline for the years ahead? And how does this document shed light on the nation’s strategic outlook?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Jonathan Berkshire Miller and Paul Chamberlain join David Andrews in conversation to examine Canada’s recent Indo-Pacific Strategy, its interests in the region and what it aims to achieve.

Jonathan Berkshire Miller is Senior Fellow and Director of the Foreign Affairs, National Security and Defence Program at the Ottawa-based Macdonald Laurier Institute. He also holds concurrent roles as Senior Fellow at the Tokyo-based Japan Institute of International Affairs, and the Asian Forum Japan.

Paul Chamberlain is a PhD candidate at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at The Australian National University. His research is on the role of navies in statecraft in the Indo-Pacific.

David Andrews is the acting Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.

Show notes:

Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more

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Why big tech is now in the geopolitical driver’s seat Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

Technological innovation is now one of the most consequential realms of geopolitical contestation. And in the era of big tech, the private sector has assumed power that once resided with governments. In response, we’ve seen a reassertion of industry policy, with governments trying to re-establish control.

What happens to Australia’s national security when private companies, such as TikTok, are in the geopolitical driver’s seat? And how can policymakers keep up with this ever-changing industry?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Bec Shrimpton from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, joins Katherine Mansted in conversation to explore the rapidly changing landscape of big tech.

Bec Shrimpton is a Director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, responsible for convening The Sydney Dialogue.

Katherine Mansted is a Senior Fellow at the ANU National Security College, and the Director of Cyber Intelligence and Public Policy at CyberCX.

Show notes:

National Intelligence Community and National Security College Scholarship for Women: find out more

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Gaining strategic advantage through cultural and linguistic diversity Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population is under-represented in the national security community.

In the latest National Security Podcast mini-series, Olivia Shen and Meg Tapiaexplore this gap — its causes, effects and potential solutions — and analyse the role of CALD in promoting strategic advantage.

Coinciding with Harmony Week, in the first episode of the mini-series, Carl Chang from the Office of National Intelligence joins Olivia and Meg. They unpack what CALD is and its value in a security context, sharing stories of how they each ended up in the national security community.

Carl Chang is co-leader of the Mission Management Division at the Office of National Intelligence (ONI) and is ONI's Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Champion.

Olivia Shen is a Director in the Executive and Professional Development team at the ANU National Security College.

Meg Tapia is Principal Director of Defence and National Security at Accenture Australia.

Show notes:

ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more

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Australia’s population 'reality check' Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

Australia’s most recent Population Statement details the early impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic and projects where the nation’s population is heading over the next decade.

How can this information be used to inform policy and decision-making in pursuit of a secure Australian future?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Liz Allen, demographer and Senior Lecturer at the ANU Center for Social Research and Methods, joins Dr Will Stoltz to discuss the state of Australia's population and what needs to be done to prepare for an increasingly complex strategic environment.

Dr Liz Allen is a demographer and Senior Lecturer at the ANU Centre for Social Research and Methods.

Dr William A Stoltz is the former Policy Director at the ANU National Security College.

Show notes:

2022 Population Statement, Centre for Population
2021 Intergenerational Report, Department of the Treasury
ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more

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ANZUS, AUKUS and everything in between: Australians’ views of the US Alliance Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

The Alliance with the United States is historically one of the most important aspects of Australia’s strategic policy — including in relation to Australia’s response to the changing strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific.

Recent qualitative research on Australian public opinion on the US Alliance, conducted by the United States Studies Centre, sheds new light on how the relationship is viewed, and what future cooperation could look like.

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Professor Rory Medcalf is joined by Professor Caitlin Byrne and Professor Stephan Frühling, two authors of the recently published report, 'An incomplete project': Australians' views of the US alliance, to discuss their findings.

Caitlin Byrne is a Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) at Griffith University.

Stephan Frühling is a Professor at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at The Australian National University.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.

Show notes:

ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more
‘An incomplete project': Australians' views of the US Alliance, research by the United States Studies Centre

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In conversation with Minister Clare O’Neil Mar 02, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, the Hon Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, joins Professor Rory Medcalf in conversation. They discuss Australia’s current and future geopolitical environment, national resilience and maintaining integrity in Australia’s democracy.

The conversation frames some significant developments in Australian government policy on foreign interference and cyber security. The Minister also shares insights on the new role of the Department of Home Affairs in national preparedness for future international conflicts.

The Hon Clare O’Neil MP is the Federal Member for Hotham and the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.

Show notes:

ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more
‘Foreign interference in Australia: an address by Home Affairs Minister the Hon Clare O’Neil MP’, YouTube: https://bit.ly/3SERC9h
‘Two Futures: Australia at a Critical Moment’, Clare O'Neil and Tim Watts, Text Publishing: https://bit.ly/3J10VNj
‘Home Affairs and the long view’, National Press Club Address by Clare O’Neil: https://bit.ly/3ZwCsFh

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One year of war in Ukraine: is the end in sight? Feb 23, 2023

Show notes

How has civilian life been impacted by the war? What more can be done to end the conflict? Will President Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan lead to a treaty?

24 February 2023 marks one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Sonia Mycak and Dr Anton Moiseienko join David Andrews to reflect on the last 12 months and discuss how the war might end.

Dr Sonia Mycak is a Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies. She is a regular commentator on Russia’s war against Ukraine, both in Australia and abroad.

Dr Anton Moiseienko is a Lecturer at the ANU College of Law. His work focuses on transnational crime, economic crime and cybercrime, as well as legal and policy aspects of targeted sanctions.

David Andrews is the Policy Manager at the ANU National Security College.

Show notes:

ANU National Security College academic programs: find out more

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The future of space security Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

Why should policy practitioners and law makers focus their attention on space? What does space security look like from a gendered perspective? Is commercialisation disrupting the way that space is used for warfare? And why is space diplomacy important for Australia – regionally and internationally?

In this episode of the National Security Podcast, Dr Cassandra Steer joins Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss the security dimensions of space and the consequences of it being a dual-use environment.

Dr Cassandra Steer is the Deputy Director – Mission Specialist with the ANU Institute of Space (InSpace).

Dr Danielle Ireland-Piper is Associate Professor and Academic Convenor at the ANU National Security College.

Show notes: