Is BRICS primarily a challenge to Western-led institutions, or does it serve a broader purpose in global governance? 

How effective has BRICS been at pursuing its objectives? 

Does BRICS membership provide newer states with greater strategic influence through engagement with major economies like China, India, and Russia? 

In this episode, Flavia Zimmermann and Fitriani join David Andrews to explore the evolving role of BRICS, its effectiveness, and its potential influence on global governance and power dynamics. 

Dr Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann is a Lecturer in Public Policy in the school of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne and an international political analyst. 

Dr Fitriani is a senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Cyber, Technology and Security program, specialising in hybrid threats in the Indo-Pacific, as well as foreign policy and non-traditional security issues. 

David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). 

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes 

• NSC academic programs – find out more 
• Joining BRICS, Indonesia sticks with multi-alignment strategy
•  BRICS 2025 
• 2025 UNFCCC COP 30 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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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How should Australia strengthen engagement with Africa?

How do perceptions of Africa influence Australia’s approach to bilateral and regional partnerships, and what opportunities might we be overlooking?

How do African nations view China? And how does China shape the dynamics of African geopolitics? 

In this episode, Babatunde Obamamoye, Matthew Neuhaus and Lisa Filipetto join David Andrews and Melissa Permezel to discuss opportunities and barriers to Africa–Australia relations and the role of perception in engagement.

Dr Babatunde Obamamoye is a sessional lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU).  

Matthew Neuhaus is an Honorary Professor at the ANU College of Law.  

Lisa Filipetto AM is a former United Nations Assistant Secretary General, leading the UN Peace Operations Support Mission in Somalia from 2018 to 2023.  

David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). 

Dr Melissa Permezel is an Advisor at NSC’s Futures Hub and the convenor of NSC’s Africa Working Group.  

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes  

• NSC academic programs – find out more 
• Matthew Neuhaus: Australia needs to take Africa seriously – really, this time 
• Ibrahim Index of African Governance  

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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.  

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

How can fiction and storytelling effectively engage the public with the complex challenges of national security?

How does storytelling bridge gaps in historical narratives and deepen our understanding of contemporary conflicts?

How can fiction help project future scenarios and explore potential outcomes?

In this episode, Misha Zelinsky and Mick Ryan join David Andrews to explore the intersection of fiction and national security – sharing personal experiences on how storytelling can shape public perceptions, and inspire action in the realm.

Misha Zelinsky is an Expert Associate with the ANU National Security College. He is a leading authority on the rise of global authoritarianism, a Fulbright Scholar, economist, lawyer, and author.

Major General (Retd) Mick Ryan AM is a Senior Fellow for Military Studies in the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program. He spent 35 years in the Australian Army and had the honour of commanding soldiers at multiple levels.

David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC. 

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes:  

• NSC academic programs – find out more
• The Sun Will Rise by Misha Zelinsky
• White Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan by Mick Ryan
• Zero Day (Taiwanese TV show) 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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.

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

Only three percent of Australian adults were able to demonstrate the ability to verify information online, in a recent study. 

How can media literacy help inoculate citizens against mis- and disinformation?  

Why are critical thinking and media skills essential in a thriving democracy? 

And how can best-practice examples from around the globe and leading domestic research help shape the recently announced National Media Literacy Strategy? 

In this episode, Tanya Notley and Sora Park join Tim Wilford to discuss Australian media habits, media literacy, and how people can better equip themselves to identify mis/disinformation. 

Professor Sora Park is a Professor of Communication and a Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre. 

Associate Professor Tanya Notley is an Associate Professor at Western Sydney University's Institute for Culture and Society. 

Tim Wilford is Senior Manager, Policy and Engagement at the ANU National Security College. 

TRANSCRIPT 

Show notes:  

• NSC academic programs
• Digital news report: Australia 
• Adult media literacy in 2024
• News and young Australians
• Towards a national media literacy strategy
• Online misinformation in Australia
• News media assistance program 
• Media literacy and education in Finland 
• The full list of materials on media literacy can be found here.

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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. 

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

How can Australia continue to champion the rules-based order, while balancing its strategic relationships and defence priorities?   

How is the government modernising the Australian Defence Force to address evolving challenges?   

What is Australia doing to ensure it remains the partner of choice in the Pacific? And how does the NRL deal with PNG impact security in the region?   

In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his strategic worldview, Australia’s ties with the Pacific and the Albanese Government’s continued push to invest more in the Australian Defence Force.

The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. 

Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College (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    
• Address to the National Press Club by the Hon Pat Conroy MP 
• Defence Strategic Review 2023 
• Address to the Hunter Defence Conference Gala Dinner by the Hon Pat Conroy MP 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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.  

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

As the notion of a single ‘global theatre of struggle’ gains traction, what are the major challenges that Australia currently faces?

How has Australia’s defence investment evolved over the years, and is the nation equipped to address today’s pressing challenges?

What steps can Australia take to strengthen social cohesion while navigating political compromise and disruptive forces?

In this episode, Andrew Hastie joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his formative influences, strategic worldviews, and Australia’s defence challenges. 

The Hon Andrew Hastie MP is the Shadow Minister for Defence, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, and Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel. 

Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College (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 
• The Hon Andrew Hastie MP’s speech at Securing our Future 
• What are the most underappreciated threats to Australia’s security? 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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. 

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

How does the United States' presidential transition process work, and how does it compare to the Australian electoral system? 

How might the election of Donald Trump impact US foreign and security policies?  

How can Australia best engage with a new Trump administration on critical issues like AUKUS, defence strategy, and tariffs? 

In this episode, Charles Edel joins Bianca Birdsall to discuss the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency, his proposed cabinet and staff nominees, and the security and foreign policy implications of a new administration for Australia and its region.   

Dr Charles Edel is a Senior Advisor and inaugural Australia Chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.   

Bianca Birdsall is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). 

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes:  

• Listener survey: The National Security Podcast 
• NSC academic programs – find out more 
• Inflation Reduction Act | U.S. Department of the Treasury 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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. 

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

How does our strategic environment inform leadership in intelligence and national security? 

How do partnerships assist intel collection in an increasingly complex world?  

What are the foundations of trust in a leader?  

This episode is a panel discussion, hosted by Meg Tapia at the 2024 Women in National Security LIVE, features Kerri Hartland, Heather Smith, and Heather Cook. They explore leadership in a complex strategic environment, being a 'first,' and the importance of relationships in national security. 

Kerri Hartland is the Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. 

Dr Heather Smith PSM FAIIA is the National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. 

Heather Cook is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. 

Meg Tapia is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College.  

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes  

• NSC academic programs – find out more 
• 2024 Independent Intelligence Review overview 
• Australian Institute of International Affairs  
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission 
• Australian Secret Intelligence Service  

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected].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. 

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

What is the relationship between national security and politics? 

How does national security policymaking differ from other areas of public policy?

And how might the decline of major parties in Australia impact the national security policymaking process?

In this episode, George Brandis – Australia's former Attorney-General and High Commissioner to the United kingdom – joins David Andrews to discuss the politics of national security policymaking.  

Professor The Honourable George Brandis KC is a Professor in the Practice of National Security in a joint appoint to the ANU National Security College (NSC) and the ANU College of Law.  

David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC. 

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes:  

• Listener survey: The National Security Podcast 
• NSC academic programs – find out more 

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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. 

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

What is the role of the Army in an era shaped by strategic competition?

How is the Army adapting for wars of the future?

Why is it important to build trust between the Army and Australian society?

In this episode, Simon Stuart joins Rory Medcalf discuss the changing nature of warfare, and how the Australian Army is positioned to succeed in facing future challenges.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC is Chief of the Australian Army.

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

TRANSCRIPT

Show notes

·        Listener survey: The Nation Security Podcast 

·        NSC academic programs – find out more  

·        Defence Strategic Review 2023

·        National Defence Strategy 2024

·        A2/AD systems

We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. 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.

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