Ray and Jim welcome Justin Bassi, former Australian National Security Advisor and current Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). Justin explains what the “Quad” grouping between the U.S., Australia, Japan and India means for Indo-Pacific security, stability and prosperity–on issues from supply chain resiliency, cyber security and maritime security.

Justin makes the case that given the threat from China, the Quad needs to mature so as to overtly include security as a key component of its remit, despite India’s status as a non-aligned nation. He also believes that developing a range of other minilateral groupings like the so-called “Squad” (U.S.-Japan-Australia-Philippines) are crucial.

Our guest addresses the tension between the Quad and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which desires “centrality” in Indo-Pacific affairs, and explains why the Quad can provide important alternatives to countering China’s growing influence across the region.

Justin turns to the U.S.-Australia alliance, and how Canberra’s approach to China has garnered respect in Washington. He delves into how the countries need to work together on issues such as defense and cyber security.

Follow Justin at the ASPI web site or on X.

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