The Australian Signals Directorate is one of Australia's most secretive agencies, responsible for decoding enemy messages, protecting us from cyber threats and collaborating with allied intelligence services. 

Rachel Noble knows how the machine works, as the former head of ASD she helped shape Australia's role in the Five Eyes alliance. 

Now, with Trump's return and Signal-gate leaks, can Australia still trust its closest ally?

Guest: Rachel Noble, former Director-General of Australia Signals Directorate 

Recommendations:

Geraldine:  The Crisis of our Time by Christopher Clark

Hamish: East West Street by Philippe Sands

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As the world awaits the sitting of the conclave and the appointment of a new Pope, Geraldine sits down with the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher in the Apostolic Palace.

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The Australian election campaign was rocked by allegations that Moscow had requested access to an Indonesian air base for use by long-range Russian military planes.

Russia and Indonesia have a long and deep history of cooperation and trade going back to Indonesian independence, which appears to be strengthening under President Prabowo Subianto. Does Australia have reason to be concerned?

Guest: Dr Marty Natalegawa, former Foreign Minister of Indonesia

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There are two states that have the most to gain, and the most to lose, when it comes to AUKUS: South Australia and Western Australia. In the final episode of AUKUS Investigated Hamish and Geraldine speak to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas about why he thinks the rest of the country needs to come to the AUKUS party. 

NOTE: This podcast was first released on 20 December 2024.

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A great re-balancing is underway from the Western world to a much more diverse future.

As developing nations rise up with greater wealth, military power, demographic heft and cultural influence, will Western nations give up their privileged positions willingly?

Guest: Dr Samir Puri, author of Westlessness: The great global rebalancing; Director, Global Governance and Security Centre at Chatham House; former UK diplomat 

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AUKUS doesn't only affect us. From the time that it was announced there were mixed reactions from our neighbours - some who wanted in, and some who thought it unwise and provocative. A big part of the fear - both regionally and within Australia - concerns the nuclear question. As the first non-nuclear country to ever acquire a conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine, can we be confident of our own safety? And what happens to the waste that will remain dangerous for generations of Australians to come? 

NOTE: This podcast was first released on 20 December 2024.

GUESTS:

Gareth Evans - former Australian Foreign Minister (1988 –1996).

Maria Rost Rublee - Associate Professor of International Relations at Monash University, with expertise in international security and nuclear politics.

Dr Evan Laksmana - Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Military Modernisation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

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The death of Pope Francis closes the door on a papacy that was focused on the plight of migrants and other vulnerable groups. 

In this emergency episode, what was the Pontiff's contribution to global politics and who might come after him?

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Election day is looming at a time when events beyond our borders are shaping the debate as much as the politicians are. 

The major parties have avoided discussion of foreign policy, despite the need for new policies and partnerships for this uncertain time. 

With no scheduled debate on foreign policy, we discuss some of the key questions confronting the nation with:

Tim Watts, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs

Senator Dave Sharma 

Independent MP Zoe Daniel

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Palau is a tiny Pacific nation located in one of the hottest geo-strategic areas on Earth. 

They are highly dependent on the US for finance and defence but subject to Chinese pressure to revoke their formal recognition of Taiwan. 

Despite these challenges, Palau's greatest concern is actually the threat of climate change making parts of their country uninhabitable.

Guest: President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr. 

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Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs are laser-focused on Southeast Asia, with manufacturing countries singled out for the highest tax rates.

Australia has got off lightly, but can we avoid the blow back when our region is under pressure?

Where do Australia's best interests really lie?

Guest: Dr Joseph Liow, author of Navigating Uncertainty: Our Region in an Age of Flux; Tan Kah Kee Chair in international politics, Nanyang Technological University; Singapore representative to ASEAN advisory board. 

Recommendations:

Geraldine: 'I should have seen this coming', The Atlantic

Hamish: 'Trump’s tariffs will push Southeast Asia uncomfortably close to China', Chatham House

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We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]