The National Security Podcast cover art

The National Security Podcast

The National Security Podcast

Written by: ANU National Security College
Listen for free

About this listen

Expert analysis, insights and opinion on the national security challenges facing Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ANU National Security College
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific
    Jan 22 2026

    How integrated is Australia’s approach to statecraft across defence, diplomacy, development and industry – and how visible is that integration to the public?

    What is the strategic logic behind Australia’s expanding network of Pacific partnerships and treaties?

    What are the details of the reforms to defence acquisition and how will this impact the future of Australia’s defence industry?

    In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition.

    The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and the Federal Member for Shortland.

    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.


    TRANSCRIPT


    Show Notes

    · NSC academic programs – find out more

    · Press Conference, Parliament House | Defence Ministers

    · Government unveils Department of Defence overhaul amid delays and cost blowouts - ABC News

    · Papua New Guinea – Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • The future will thank us: an intergenerational approach to security
    Dec 4 2025

    What is intergenerational security and how does it intersect with traditional concepts of national security?

    How do intergenerational dynamics and differing interactions with technology, social media and AI impact security and resilience?

    What are the security issues that young Australians care about and how do these differ from the concerns of older Australians?

    In this episode Sally Bulkeley is joined by Afeeya Akhand and Victoria Cooper to discuss intergenerational security and the differing perspectives across age demographics in Australia.


    Afeeya Akhand is an Emerging Associate with the ANU National Security College (NSC). Her research focuses on South Korean foreign policy, Indo-Pacific security, inclusion and social cohesion.

    Victoria Cooper is a Senior Analyst at the Development Intelligence Lab and focused on foreign policy and the interaction of socio-political trends, development and security. She is also an Emerging Associate with NSC.

    Sally Bulkeley is Deputy Head of College at NSC.


    TRANSCRIPT


    Show notes

    • NSC academic programs – find out more
    • Dinner Table Politics | Victoria Cooper | Substack
    • Recent stabbings highlight danger of online misinformation | Afeeya Akhand | The Strategist


    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force: reflections on half a century of service
    Nov 20 2025

    How is the Australian Defence Force preparing for the challenges of a changing world?

    Does the appointment of a naval officer as the Chief of the Defence Force signal a shift in focus to the maritime domain?

    What does a career in the Australian Defence Force mean in the 21st century?

    In this episode, Admiral David Johnston joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the insights he has gained through his career in the Royal Australian Navy, and how he sees the future of Australia’s defence.

    Admiral David Johnston AC RAN was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience across a range of leadership, maritime and joint operations, training and capability management appointments in Australia and overseas.

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


    TRANSCRIPT

    Show notes

    • NSC academic programs – find out more
    • CDF Speaking at the ASPI 2025 Defence Conference: National preparedness and national support for defence
    • CDF Podcast on Australia’s defence strategy in the indo-pacific

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
No reviews yet