In this exclusive episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former prime minister and treasurer of Australia, Scott Morrison. The pair discuss:

• Morrison’s departure from politics and plans for the future, his new role as non-executive vice-chairman at American Global Strategies, and as adviser with venture capital firm DYNE.
• A recent visit to South Korea, Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific as well as speculation surrounding defence companies Hanwha and Austal.
• About a modern, grey-zone Cold War between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
• Australia’s increasingly complex relationship with the People’s Republic of China and a recent incident between a PLA fighter jet and a Royal Australian Navy helicopter.
• The empowerment of Australia’s closest neighbourhood partnerships with Nauru and the Solomon Islands, and maintaining the Indo-Pacific status quo.
• Australian involvement in, and the behind-the-scenes formation of, the AUKUS trilateral partnership, its original intent and vision.
• The US presidential election and possible re-election of Donald Trump.
• The accomplishments and downfalls of Morrison’s career in politics and during his time as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia.
• Morrison’s own experiences with Australian Defence Force equipment such as F-35 stealth aircraft, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and a personal favourite – the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team