Policy, Guns & Money

After more than five years, ASPI is saying goodbye to the Policy, Guns and Money podcast. With over 200 episodes featuring interviews with experts from around the world, we are pleased to have brought you discussions on so many important topics in security and foreign affairs and hope you have taken something away from our many interviews.  The podcast has discussed defence capabilities and budgets, mis and disinformation, cyber and technology policy, Russia and Ukraine, climate, China, counterterrorism and extremism, peacekeeping and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We've debated submarines and armoured vehicles, ransomware and AI, nuclear non-proliferation and how to counter issues such as foreign interference. We've also taken stock of Australia's relationships across the globe, in the Pacific, Southeast and East Asia and with the United States and Europe - identifying opportunities and challenges and debating ideas for bilateral and multilateral collaboration. We've covered the Quad, including its elevation to leaders' level, AUKUS Pillar One and Two, and the importance of the United Nations and opportunities for reform.  Thank you to all of our listeners and speakers, the many ambassadors, think tankers, current and former government officials, and voices from civil society and industry, there are too many great speakers to name.  While we are saying goodbye to Policy, Guns and Money, stay tuned for ASPI's new podcast, ‘Stop the World', launching in the coming days. Follow the podcast on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and take a listen to the trailer here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4HABcyghQUVyL3tdXqAtKR

This week, Dr Alex Caples speaks to Emily Harding from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies about offensive cyber operations and how to respond. They discuss how governments are integrating cyber operations with more traditional military planning, as well as responses to cyber-attacks, and how to deter in the cyber domain. With more than 2 billion people in over 70 countries expected to vote this year, 2024 has been dubbed the year of elections. To explore election related foreign interference and disinformation, David Wroe speaks to Chris Zappone, the Digital Foreign Editor for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. They discuss the current state of the information environment, how it has evolved over time, and how social media and AI are being used to spread disinformation. Guests: Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-caples Emily Harding: https://www.csis.org/people/emily-harding David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Chris Zappone: https://www.smh.com.au/by/chris-zappone-hve6u Music: "Young and Free" by Jonas Hipper, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, David Wroe hosts a discussion on the latest from Myanmar, where the military regime that seized power in 2021 has recently enforced conscription amid plummeting military morale and steady pressure from armed resistance groups. ASPI's Nathan Ruser and the Wilson Center's Lucas Myers talk about how a range of opposition groups are making military gains, and where the civil conflict is likely to go in the coming months. ASPI senior analysts Blake Johnson and Euan Graham join David Wroe to discuss geopolitics in the Pacific and what to expect in 2024. They dissect the significance of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape's recent visit to Canberra, Tuvalu's election and Nauru's switch of diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Nathan Ruser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/nathan-ruser Lucas Myers: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/person/lucas-myers Euan Graham: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/euan-graham Blake Johnson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/blake-johnson

In this special three-part episode: David Wroe speaks to economist, lawyer and author, Misha Zelinsky, about his new novel ‘The Sun Will Rise', which is inspired by his experience covering Russia's invasion of Ukraine for the Australian Financial Review. They discuss the overarching theme of the book and its characters, as well as the message Misha hopes people will take away from the book. They also discuss the latest developments in the war, the risk of war fatigue, and why democracies must continue to provide support to Ukraine. Next, Alex Bristow speaks to Dr Arzan Tarapore, South Asia research scholar at Stanford University's Asia-Pacific Research Center and Senior Fellow at ASPI. They discuss the upcoming Quad Summit in India in 2024, the topics likely to be discussed, and how the diplomatic partnership has evolved over time. They also explore how the Quad complements existing minilateral partnerships, and whether the group should have a bigger focus on security. Finally, David Wroe speaks to Jennifer Parker, the Director of Defence Policy at the Australian National University's National Security College, and Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and Capability at ASPI. They discuss Jennifer's recent ASPI report ‘An Australian Maritime Strategy: Resourcing the Royal Australian Navy' which calls for an urgent expansion of the Royal Australian Navy fleet to adequately protect Australia's vast maritime interests. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.thesunwillrisebook.com/ https://www.aspi.org.au/report/australian-maritime-strategy Guests: David Wroe Misha Zelinsky Alex Bristow Dr Arzan Tarapore Jennifer Parker Dr Malcolm Davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this special three-part episode: Alex Bristow speaks to Brigadier General Linell Letendre, the Dean of Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. They discuss the long-standing Australia-US cadet exchange programs and the importance of STEM in military education. They also discuss the repeal of the ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy in the US, and how the culture has changed in the Air Force. Linell also discusses her use of the #warfighterscholar handle on social media, including what it means and aims to do. Next, Daria Impiombato interviews Irene Fellin, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. They discuss the Women, Peace and Security agenda, its role in the online space, and NATO's role in advancing the priorities of the agenda. They also explore the dangers that female activists face today, and offer advice to young women considering a career in the field. Finally, Daria speaks to Macarena Sáez, Executive Director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. They discuss the connection between national security and human rights, as well as the current state of women's rights around the world. They also outline what Australia can do to promote women's rights on the global stage, and explore how the erosion of women's rights is often the first sign of a step towards authoritarianism. Mentioned in this episode: https://dppa.un.org/en/women-peace-and-security Guests: Alex Bristow Brigadier General Linell Letendre Daria Impiombato Irene Fellin Macarena Sáez Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In today's episode: Following the recent AI Safety Summit hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bart Hogeveen speaks with the European Union's Senior Envoy for Digital to the United States Gerard de Graaf. They discuss the EU's approach to AI regulation and how it differs from the US and other governments. They also discuss which uses of AI the EU thinks should be limited or prohibited and why, as well as provide suggestions for Australia's efforts to regulate AI. Finally, Alex Caples, speaks to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Helen Schneider. They discuss the AFP and Monash University initiative 'My Pictures Matter', which uses artificial intelligence to help combat child exploitation. They also explore the importance of using an ethically sourced database to train the AI tool that is used in the project, as well as outline how people can get involved in the campaign and help end child exploitation in Australia and overseas. Mentioned in this episode: https://mypicturesmatter.org/ Guests: Bart Hogeveen Gerard de Graaf Alex Caples Helen Schneider Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

What do Australia's parliamentarians think about cybersecurity and critical technology? In this special episode, David Wroe speaks to ASPI Chair and former parliamentarian Gai Brodtmann about the landmark study she led which canvasses the views of parliamentarians on cyber security and critical technologies. They discuss the results of this ASPI study, including gaps in knowledge, differences of opinion and unexpected responses, and how policymakers can keep pace with technological developments that underpin all aspects of society, including areas such as health, infrastructure, defence and the economy. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/what-do-australias-parliamentarians-think-about-cybersecurity-and-critical-technology Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Gai Brodtmann: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/ms-gai-brodtmann Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

On this week's episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Ian Hall, Professor of International Relations at Griffith University and a renowned India expert. Justin and Ian discuss the recent Ministerial Dialogue between Australia and India in New Delhi – which was was only the second 2+2 dialogue between the two countries' foreign and defence ministers. They talk about the priority given to maritime security, the East and South China Seas, the Pacific and climate change. They also cover India's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East and India's elections next year. Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In a special episode this week, ASPI's Director of Defence Strategy Bec Shrimpton speaks to Australia's Defence Space Commander, Air Vice Marshal Catherine Roberts, and Assistant Secretary of Strategic Plans in Defence Space Command, Jacinta Carroll. Our guests detail the importance of the space domain and offer an update on the Defence Strategic Review and the role of space in Defence's integrated and focused force. They also discuss Defence Space Command's Joint Commercial Operation's announcement, as well as the role that industry plays in space in Australia and abroad.

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Cook Islands, where he and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu announced a major new agreement – the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. In this episode, David Wroe speaks with the ABC's foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic about the significance of the agreement, its strategic importance to competition with Beijing, how the deal was done, and whether it can be replicated with other Pacific island nations. Shifting focus to Southeast Asia, the final interview from our Disruption and Deterrence series, which was recorded on the sidelines of ASPI's major Defence conference earlier this year, focuses on the South China Sea. Euan Graham speaks with Ignacio Madriaga, Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning in the Philippines Department of National Defense. They discuss the challenges the Philippines faces from China in the South China Sea through four AIs – artificial islands, alternate interpretation of the rules-based order, aggressive interaction and ability to influence. Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Stephen Dziedzic: https://www.abc.net.au/news/stephen-dziedzic/166934 Euan Graham: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/euan-graham Ignacio Madriaga

This week Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese travelled to China to meet with President Xi Jinping. Amongst the backdrop of warming relations between the two countries they represent, David Wroe speaks with ASPI executive director Justin Bass and new ASPI fellow Ami Bagia, who previously sat on the Biden-Harris Administration's National Security Council as the Director for Countering Foreign Malign Influence and Information Integrity within the Democracy and Human Rights Directorate. They speak about Australia's past and current relations with China, and the impact of official messaging. Daria Impiombato has a conversation with Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, the China reporter at Axios, and author of the weekly Axios China Newsletter. They discuss Bethany's new book "Beijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World" and explore Australia's role in the book. Mentioned in this episode: Beijing Rules: How China Weaponized Its Economy to Confront the World - https://www.bethanyallenebrahimian.com/ Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Ami Bagia Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian: https://www.axios.com/authors/baebrahimian Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This episode is all about AI, emerging technologies and China. Dr Alex Caples speaks to Simeon Gilding about his ASPI report ‘De-risking authoritarian AI: A balanced approach to protecting our digital ecosystems'. They discuss the risks of Chinese AI-enabled technologies, including through data theft, disruption and denial of services, and how nations should approach regulation of AI. David Wroe speaks to Dr Samantha Hoffman and Lilly Lee about the Metaverse and China. They discuss Beijing's approach to the Metaverse, as well as the potential national security risks associated with it and how these risks can be addressed. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/de-risking-authoritarian-ai Guests: Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-caples Simeon Gilding: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/simeon-gilding David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Lilly Lee

With Australian Prime Minister Albanese in Washington DC this week, and set to visit Beijing shortly after, Justin Bassi speaks to CNAS's Lisa Curtis and ORF's Dr Raji Pillai Rajagopalan for a special episode of the ASPI podcast. They discuss the significance of the two visits, and how PM Albanese should approach the upcoming meetings with President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They also explore regional security in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on India's foreign policy and what India's longstanding policy of non-alignment looks like in practice, as well as the India-Canada rift and whether it will impact the India-US and India-Australia relationships. Looking ahead to 2024, Justin asks Raji and Lisa about upcoming elections in the United States and India, and their potential implications for security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Lisa Curtis: https://www.cnas.org/people/lisa-curtis Raji Rajagopalan: https://www.orfonline.org/people-expert/rajeswari-pillai-rajagopalan/ Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week it is all about Southeast Asia on the ASPI pod. To kick off, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Thomas Parks from The Asia Foundation about geopolitics in Southeast Asia. While there's a lot of attention on the US-China rivalry and its implications for the region, Gatra and Tom focus on the different regional dynamics in Southeast Asia, including ASEAN, regional challenges and the relationships that countries like Australia and Japan have in the region and how they have changed. Zooming in on Indonesia, Gatra Priyandita speaks to Natalie Sambhi about Indonesian politics and foreign policy and Australia's relationship with Indonesia. They discuss Indonesia's vision for the world and how it aligns with Australia's, the roles both countries can play in shaping international rules and norms and how to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including through education. Guests: Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Thomas Parks: https://asiafoundation.org/people/thomas-parks/ Natalie Sambhi: https://www.ververesearch.org/our-team1 Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

‘Hacking for Cash' is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash', as well as a G20 leaders' commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. This week, Dr Gatra Priyandita speaks with Nadia Taggart, Chief Information Security Officer at Western Sydney University and Anna Aquilina, Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Technology Sydney. They discuss the issue of knowledge and research security and the risks of malign foreign interference and cyber espionage. They also explore the biggest threats and risks to universities, and how we can assure that critical and sensitive research data is protected from illegal access and theft. Mentioned in this episode: ASPI's Critical Technologies Tracker: https://techtracker.aspi.org.au/ Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In the third episode of our special series from the sidelines of the ASPI ‘Disruption and Deterrence' conference, ASPI's Alex Caples speaks to Sean Singleton, Partner & VP of Business Development at America's Frontier Fund. They discuss innovation, challenges to government-industry collaboration on disruptive technologies and the origins and evolution of the US Defense Innovation Unit. Thanks for listening to the ASPI podcast. That's all we have time for today, we'll back with another episode soon. Guests: Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-caples Sean Singleton: https://americasfrontier.org/team/sean-singleton Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this special episode, recorded on the sidelines of ASPI's annual conference ‘Disruption and Deterrence', Bec Shrimpton speaks with Dr Brad Roberts. Brad has served as director for the Centre for Global Security Research, and as policy director of the Obama administration's Nuclear Posture Review. Bec and Brad talk about the meaning of deterrence, what has historically made for good and bad deterrence, and what Australia and its allies can do to improve deterrence going forward. Guests: Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Brad Roberts: https://cgsr.llnl.gov/experts/fellows/brad_roberts Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this special episode, recorded on the sidelines of ASPI's annual conference ‘Disruption and Deterrence', David Wroe speaks with Kori Schake. As well as being Director of Foreign and Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute, Kori is a contributing writer for The Atlantic and a regular on the popular Deep State Radio podcast. David and Kori talk about the future of the international order, the state of American politics — from the perspective of a lapsed Republican — and Kori's irrepressible optimism about the future of democracy and open economies. Guests: David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Kori Schake: https://www.aei.org/profile/kori-schake/ Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, ASPI's Executive Director, Justin Bassi speaks with Jason Healey, Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's School for International and Public Affairs specialising in cyber conflict, competition and cooperation. Jason wrote and edited the book ‘A Fierce Domain: Cyber Conflict, 1986-2012' and has held a number of senior cyber security roles, including in the Pentagon, as a founding member of Joint Task Force - Computer Network Defense, and as Director for Cyber Infrastructure Protection in the White House from 2003-2005. Justin and Jason discuss the importance of understanding the implications of cyberspace on security and society and explain why cyber needs to be at the heart of national security. Guests: Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Jason Healey: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/communities-connections/faculty/jason-healey Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

As we fast approach ASPI's 2023 conference on deterrence and disruption, this week's podcast begins with a conversation between conference speakers Bec Shrimpton and Dr Ross Babbage about military, political and economic strategy. They discuss Dr Babbage's new book ‘The Next Major War: Can the US and its Allies Win Against China?' and the importance of net assessment to allied deterrence and defence strategy. Shifting to a more domestic focus, Dr John Coyne speaks to countering violent extremism expert Peta Lowe about terrorist prisoners and the controversial tools used to assess their risk of reoffending. They discuss how this risk assessment compares with other crimes such as child exploitation and extremely violent offences. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Next Major War: Can the US and its Allies Win Against China?: https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=966 ASPI 2023 Conference: Disruption and Deterrence: https://www.aspi.org.au/event/disruption-and-deterrence-2023-aspi-conference Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Ross Babbage: https://csbaonline.org/about/people/staff/ross-babbage Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Peta Lowe: https://www.phronesisconsultingandtraining.com.au/about Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Last month, Australia's foreign and defence ministers hosted the U.S. secretaries of state and defense in Brisbane for the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN). Dr John Coyne and Dr Euan Graham join the podcast for Part Two of ASPI's AUSMIN special to discuss the meeting's outcomes with a focus on force posture cooperation, strategic geography and the importance of Northern Australia. Guests: Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne Dr Euan Graham: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/euan-graham Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

‘Hacking for Cash' is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash', as well as a G20 leaders' commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In this third episode of the series, Teesta Prakash, Analyst at ASPI, speaks to Dr Francis Gurry, former Director General at the World Intellectual Property Organisation. They discuss the role WIPO plays in IP protection, the historical context of IP theft, and how the digital transformation has changed the way IP is protected. Teesta also speaks to Nigel Cory and Elizabeth Chien, and they unpack both US and Chinese perspectives on IP protection, theft, and prosecution. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this special episode of Policy, Guns and Money's Bigger Picture series, Alex Bristow and Jennifer Parker from ASPI's Defence, Strategy and National Security program sit down to discuss the upcoming AUSMIN meeting in Brisbane. They discuss the significance of this year's meeting being held against the backdrop of the largest ever iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre and explore some of the key outcomes they expect from the meeting. They also discuss the expansion of the alliance discussions to include critical and emerging technologies and climate change, as well as the role that statecraft will play in this year's ambitious agenda. Finally, they provide insight into what topics might be discussed behind closed doors, including the need to de-escalate rising tensions around unsafe military practices in the Taiwan Strait. Stay tuned for part two of the series where we will reflect on the outcomes from the meeting and look ahead to AUSMIN 2024. Music: "Vintage Beat" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

‘Hacking for Cash' is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash', as well as a G20 leaders' commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In this second episode of the series, Gatra Priyandita, Analyst at ASPI, speaks to Dustin McCormack and Callie Aboaf. Both work as cybersecurity analysts with The MITRE Corporation. MITRE is a US non-for-profit research and engineering company. They talk about the actors behind cyber-espionage campaigns, they unpack this phenomenon of APTs - the Advanced Persistent Threat actors , and how they're targeting intellectual property and other assets of economic and commercial value. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In May, ASPI released ‘Smooth sailing? Australia, New Zealand and the United States partnering in–and with–the Pacific islands'. The report detailed how Australia, New Zealand and the United States could improve security partnerships and coordination in the region. This week, ASPI's Bec Shrimpton speaks to report authors Joanne Wallis and Anna Powles. They discuss the key recommendations from the report, including setting up an ASEAN-style forum for Pacific island nations, as well as the need for Pacific priorities to direct the actions that partners undertake in the region. They also discuss how Australia, New Zealand and the United States have engaged with the Pacific in the past and explore opportunities to strengthen engagement. Recently, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace released the 'Indian Ocean Strategic Map', which provides a coherent, data-driven understanding of the players, security challenges, and other factors that shape the region. ASPI's Baani Grewal speaks to Darshana M. Baruah, a fellow with the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. They discuss the key takeaways from the project, the importance of viewing the region as one continuous theater, and the emergence of China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Russia as players in the region. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/smooth-sailing https://carnegieendowment.org/2023/06/15/mapping-indian-ocean-region-pub-89971 Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

‘Hacking for Cash' is a new ASPI podcast series exploring state sponsored campaigns of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Throughout the series we talk to experts who were close to the negotiations that led to a 2015 agreement between the United States and China to refrain from supporting and engaging in ‘hacking for cash', as well as a G20 leaders' commitment to stamp out cyber-enabled intellectual property (IP) theft. The series features conversations with cybersecurity experts on state-sponsored hackers and how they operate, and with industry leaders about risk and resilience. We also talk with IP experts about how the US and China protect trade secrets, and with national cybersecurity and counter-intelligence agencies about how companies and universities can protect their crown jewels. In the first episode of the series, Bart Hogeveen, Head of Cyber Capacity Building at ASPI, speaks to Chris Painter, the first Coordinator for Cyber Issues at the US State Department, as well as Justin Bassi, Executive Director of ASPI and former National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. They discuss the agreements that both the US and Australia reached with China to combat cyber enabled IP theft, the role of presidential and prime ministerial leadership and the challenge in ensuring that states adhere to their international commitments, in particular their promise to refrain from state sponsored malicious cyber activities. Music: "Lounge It" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, it's all about the US-Australia alliance with conversations on Australia-US special operations forces cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the alliance through enhanced mutual understanding. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Chris Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict in the US Department of Defense. They discuss the origin of special operations forces, the role they play in integrated deterrence and their ability to work across multiple domains. They also discuss the history of cooperation between Australian and US special operations forces and the importance of war gaming to force design. Recently, ASPI's US Army War College Fellow, Colonel Alan Throop, released the report ‘Impactful mateship' which focuses on strengthening the US-Australia defence relationship at a vital time as it develops in complexity and as it builds towards the ambitions of AUKUS. Jennifer Parker speaks to Alan about his fellowship at ASPI and the report's recommendations, including more training for inbound US personnel and conducting allied-centric training. The views expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, the US Department of Defense or the US Government. Mentioned in this episode: ‘Impactful mateship: Strengthening the US-Australia defence relationship through enhanced mutual understanding': https://www.aspi.org.au/report/impactful-mateship Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Chris Maier: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2776774/christopher-p-maier/ Jennifer Parker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jennifer-parker Colonel Alan Throop Music: "Phychic" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, the Australian Government released the Critical Minerals Strategy 2023 – 2030, which has four objectives, including building sovereign capability in critical minerals processing and creating diverse, resilient and sustainable supply chains through secure international partnerships. New ASPI analysis by the Honourable Kim Beazley and Ben Halton looks at the potential of one such partnership – AUKUS – to deliver on mineral diversification and address global supply chain vulnerabilities. The report ‘AUKUS and critical minerals' recommends critical minerals be added into AUKUS Pillar Two, and that AUKUS countries should work with friends and allies, consistent with Pillar Two's remit not being an exclusive arrangement, to create resilient critical mineral supply chains. Distinguished Senior ASPI Fellow Kim Beazley joins Dr John Coyne on the ASPI podcast to discuss the report's findings. Mentioned in this episode: ‘AUKUS and critical minerals: hedging Beijing's pervasive, clever and coordinated statecraft', new ASPI report: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/aukus-and-critical-minerals-hedging-beijings-pervasive-clever-and-coordinated-statecraft Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030: https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/critical-minerals-strategy-2023-2030 Guests: Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne The Honourable Kim Beazley AC: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/honourable-kim-beazley-ac Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, ASPI's Director of Cyber, Technology and Security Dr Alex Caples speaks to Hamish Hansford, who was recently appointed Deputy Secretary of Cyber and Infrastructure Security at the Department of Home Affairs. They discuss the links between cyber security, supply chain security and critical infrastructure, as well as the rise in ransomware attacks, including on hospitals, and lessons learned from the Colonial Pipeline attack. Alex asks Hamish about the amendments to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, what they mean for industry and the role that government and industry need to play in securing Australia's critical infrastructure. Guests: Dr Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-caples Hamish Hansford: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/our-senior-staff/hamish-hansford Music: "Just wondering" by Maarten Schellekens. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/

In April this year, the Australian Government released the Defence Strategic Review which set an agenda of ambitious reform to Defence's posture and structure. ASPI's Jen Parker speaks to the US Studies Centre's Professor Peter Dean, who co-authored the review. They discuss defence strategy in the maritime domain and next steps following on from the DSR, including the Surface Fleet Review, uncrewed capabilities and addressing workforce challenges. Amidst questions being raised around India's reliability as a partner for the U.S. and Australia, Baani Grewal speaks to ASPI's new Senior Fellow Dr Arzan Tarapore about the need to reframe the debate. They discuss the range of opportunity areas in the Australia-India relationship, how Washington views Delhi's role in the Indo-Pacific, and the benefits of clearly defined policy goals in the relationship. They also consider India's other relationships in the region, including its relationship with China, and the significance of Prime Minister Modi's visits to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Defence Strategic Review: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-strategic-review ‘America's Best Bet in the Indo-Pacific: How Washington and New Delhi Can Balance a Rising China' by Dr Arzan Tarapore: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/americas-best-bet-indo-pacific Guests (in order of appearance): Jennifer Parker: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jennifer-parker Professor Peter Dean: https://www.ussc.edu.au/experts/peter-dean Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Dr Arzan Tarapore: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-arzan-tarapore Music: "Think Different" by Scott Holmes, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In the final episode of ASPI's special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions', ASPI's David Wroe speaks to David Waterhouse, Managing Director of Hypersonix. They discuss how the company Hypersonix came about, what hypersonic technology is and how it fits into defence strategy, as well as the future of Australia's defence industry. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe David Waterhouse: https://hypersonix.com/aerospace-engineering/our-team/ Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In the penultimate episode of this special series, Justin Bassi speaks to Mr Kestutis Budrys, National Security Advisor to the President of Lithuania. They discuss Australia's relationship with Lithuania, including how they're partnering to address shared challenges to national security, and Russia's war on Ukraine and how it has galvanised Europe. ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions' is a short podcast series that features conversations with leading government, industry and civil society voices on the sidelines of The Sydney Dialogue, a major summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies hosted by ASPI on 4-5 April. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Kestutis Budrys: https://tsd.aspi.org.au/speakers Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In the latest episode of ASPI's special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions', ASPI's Director of Defence Strategy, Bec Shrimpton speaks to Misha Zelinsky, a Fulbright Scholar and national security expert. They discuss Misha's career background and what led him to work in national security. Misha details his recent experiences reporting from Ukraine on Russia's war, including his views on Russia's strategy and what's at stake for democracies globally in this conflict. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Misha Zelinsky: https://www.mishazelinsky.com.au/ Music: "Nordic" by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In 2022, then U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, despite threats of retaliation from Beijing over the visit. Dr Samantha Hoffman speaks to Nadège Rolland about Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit, Beijing's propaganda, and its effectiveness. While climate change is primarily viewed as an environmental challenge, Australia, like many other countries, is increasingly focused on the implications of climate change for Australia's national security. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Dr Tobias Ide about climate and Australia's national security and how climate hazards can lead to conflict. This week was budget week in Canberra, and to break down the Defence budget, Bec Shrimpton speaks to David Uren. They discuss defence projects and the usefulness, or otherwise, of measuring defence spending by GDP. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman Nadège Rolland: https://www.nbr.org/people/nadege-rolland/ Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Tobias Ide: http://profiles.murdoch.edu.au/myprofile/tobias-ide/ Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton David Uren: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-uren Metnioned in this episode: Climate change and Australia's national security: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10357718.2023.2170978 Music: "Rodeo Drive" by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this episode of ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions', Dr Alex Caples, Director of Cyber, Technology and Security at ASPI speaks to Dr Dirk Hager, Head of Operational Cyber Security at Germany's Federal Office for Information Security. They discuss cyber security and critical infrastructure, emerging cyber security threats, including the increasing threat of ransomware, and the challenge governments face in regulating technology, given the rapid pace at which it is developing. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Alex Caples: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/alex-caples Dr Dirk Hager Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/

In this episode of ASPI's special podcast series, The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions, John Leslie, Director of Trade and Investment and Lead for Space & Defence at Austrade speaks to Heather Richman, Entrepreneur in Residence at BMNT, and Linda Lourie, Senior Advisor with WestExec Advisors. They discuss all things defence innovation, investment and security. The conversation covers the different approaches of government and industry to innovation, how the government can support innovation and the role of industry in security innovation. Guests (in order of appearance): John Leslie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-leslie/ Heather Richman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherjrichman Linda Lourie: https://www.westexec.com/linda-lourie/ Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/

On 24 April, the Albanese Government released an unclassified version of the Defence Strategic Review. The roadmap for the ADF over the next decade has been generally well-received, albeit with questions about some of the specifics. The Review advocates the need for Australia to do more of the regional security heavy lifting, while also deepening our key partnerships. To unpack this seminal document, David Wroe speaks to Bec Shrimpton, ASPI's Director of Defence Strategy and National Security, and Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst in Defence Strategy and National Security. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk Image: Defence Strategic Review cover - c/ Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.

Earlier this month, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event's sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. These conversations are featured in ASPI's special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Session's. In this episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project. They discuss the impacts of technology on strategic competition and how democracies can remain secure in the AI age. Guests: Ylli Bajraktari: https://www.scsp.ai/ylli-bajraktari/ Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/

In this episode, Justin Bassi speaks to Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Robert Mardini. They discuss the importance of neutrality to the ICRC's work, how the development of technology is impacting conflict and the challenges international humanitarian actors face in getting access to affected populations. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Vice Admiral Louise Dedichen, Norwegian Military Representative to NATO. They discuss opportunities for progress in the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, NATO's online presence and how they are combating disinformation and NATO's views on Russia's war on Ukraine. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Robert Mardini: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/icrc-directorate Dr Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow VADM Louise Dedichen: https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/1/pdf/210128-cv-nor-milrep-dedichen.pdf Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Earlier this month, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event's sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. These conversations are featured in ASPI's special podcast series ‘The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions'. In this episode, Dr Jake Wallis speaks to Ambassador Baiba Braže, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. The conversation covers the role of NATO, the role critical technologies will play in strategic competition and the tools and tactics that are being used by autocratic governments to challenge the existing rules-based order. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Ambassador Baiba Braže: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_175615.htm Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: www.tribeofnoise.com/

Just over a week ago, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute hosted The Sydney Dialogue, a global summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. Senior government, industry and civil society leaders from across the globe joined us in Sydney for discussions on policy solutions to the biggest challenges we are facing. On the event's sidelines, we spoke to a number of special guests on topics ranging from Ukraine, international security, critical tech, cyber and defence capabilities, all with the common focus on closer international collaboration. We will release these conversations in the coming weeks in a special podcast series, The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions. In the first episode, ASPI's Bart Hogeveen speaks to David Koh, Singapore's Commissioner of Cybersecurity and the founding Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore. They discuss the formation of the digital and intelligence service in the Singapore Armed Forces as well as state behaviours in cyberspace and what it means to be a responsible cyber power. Guests: Bart Hogeveen: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bart-hogeveen David Koh: https://tsd.aspi.org.au/speakers Music: "Eclipse-6" by Michikawa. Via: https://www.tribeofnoise.com/

In a special episode of Policy, Guns and Money, we are grateful to be joined by Dr Yuriy Sak, Advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defence, for a conversation on Russia's war on Ukraine. ASPI's Bec Shrimpton speaks to Yuriy about transparency and Russian propaganda, Moscow's decision to place nuclear weapons in Belarus and the path ahead. Yuriy shares his thoughts on China's proposed peace plan, the importance of allies and partners in supporting Ukraine and an important lesson from history – “that pacifying the aggressor only leads to more aggression”. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Yuriy Sak: https://twitter.com/yurasak?lang=en Music: "Young and Free" by Jonas Hipper, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Next week, ASPI will convene The Sydney Dialogue – the world's leading policy summit on critical, emerging, cyber and space technologies. To give a preview of the discussions, Bec Shrimpton speaks to Professor Alan Duffy about opportunities in the space sector, Space 2.0 and the growing nexus between emerging technology and space. Continuing on the technology theme, Danielle Cave and Jamie Gaida discuss ASPI's landmark project, the Critical Technology Tracker. Based on a year's worth of research and analysis, the tracker looked at which countries are ahead in 44 critical technologies by published research – including defense, space, robotics, energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and quantum. China leads in 37 out of the 44 tech fields, with the US leading in the other seven. To see how other countries perform, visit techtracker.aspi.org.au. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Professor Alan Duffy: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/our-research/access-our-research/find-a-researcher-or-supervisor/researcher-profile/?id=aduffy Danielle Cave: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/danielle-cave Jamie Gaida: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jamie-gaida Music: "Righteous" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week on the podcast, we are delighted to be joined once again by Becca Wasser from the Center for New American Security. Becca joins Justin Bassi for a conversation on AUKUS, integrated deterrence and US foreign policy. Becca details some of the strategic challenges Australia and the United States face in the Indo-Pacific, and how AUKUS can contribute to security and stability in the region. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Becca Wasser: https://www.cnas.org/people/becca-wasser Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

In this special episode, Justin Bassi speaks with Richard Fontaine and Lisa Curtis from the Center for a New American Security, and Alessio Patalano from King's College London, about the strategic imperatives and future challenges of AUKUS. With the AUKUS optimal submarine pathway now unveiled, there are big plans, big promises, and a lot of work to do. Why do we need AUKUS? How do we improve information-sharing while reducing barriers to technology cooperation? How do we integrate our defence industries which are more accustomed to competing than cooperating? What are the opportunities for additional partners, including the Quad? And how is all this being explained to the public? To dissect these questions and more, ASPI has been holding a trilateral AUKUS dialogue in Washington DC with CNAS and KCL's Centre for Grand Strategy. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi, executive director of ASPI - https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi; Richard Fontaine, CEO, CNAS - https://www.cnas.org/people/richard-fontaine; Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director, Indo-Pacific Security Program - https://www.cnas.org/people/lisa-curtis; Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia, KCL - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/dr-alessio-patalano Rodeo Drive by Eazy, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

After the long-awaited AUKUS submarines announcement, ASPI director Bec Shrimpton and senior analyst Malcolm Davis give their analysis of the decisions unveiled in San Diego on Tuesday AEDT. In conversation with David Wroe, Bec and Malcolm give their views on the role nuclear submarines can play in deterrence, the cost of the program weighed against the potential costs of underinvesting in defence, the need for an overhaul in skills-creation, the risks to AUKUS of information-sharing paralysis and future political headwinds, and the merits of the phased approach to the introduction of AUKUS submarines. Guests (in order of appearance): - David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe - Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton - Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

This week, Brendan Nicholson talks to a stellar panel of guests about the future of peacekeeping and women, peace and security. We have United Nations Military Advisor General Birame Diop, the highest-ranking military officer in the UN's peace-keeping operations Former Force Commander of UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Australian Major-General Cheryl Pearce and Australia's Defence Attache to the United Nations, Group Captain Jarrod Pendlebury. The panel discusses the evolving challenges to peacekeeping operations, including cyber threats, misinformation and disinformation, and how the UN is adapting to the changing threat landscape. They also talk about progress on the women, peace and security agenda, the particular skills that women bring to peacekeeping operations and the critical role women can play in peace negotiations. Guests (in order of appearance): - General Birame Diop. https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/profiles/general-birame-diop - Major-General Cheryl Pearce. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Pearce - Group Captain Jarrod Pendlebury. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-pendlebury-1532ab160/ Image: via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brigadier_General_Vivek_Tyagi_interacting_with_Nepalese_female_peacekeepers_during_his_visit_to_Beni.jpg Music: "Long Walk" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Governments and industry are constantly innovating in the space sector, but as space becomes increasingly contested and congested, there is a need to ensure the space domain is secure – something that will be central to discussions at ASPI's Sydney Dialogue on 4-5 April. Bec Shrimpton speaks to HEO Robotics' Dr Will Crowe about the opportunities in space and the potential for Australia in the global space economy. How is climate change affecting food security in Australia and across the globe? Dr Robert Glasser speaks to ANU's Robyn Alders about food security – what it is, why it matters and how Australia can work with international partners towards achieving global food security. Guests (in order of appearance): Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Dr Will Crowe: https://www.heo-robotics.com/about-us Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser Dr Robyn Alders: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/robyn-alders Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

One year on from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, David Wroe asks Paul Dibb, Emeritus Professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre in the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, how Russia's war in Ukraine will play out in the coming months. They discuss Putin's calculations and the durability of support from the West, as well as the implications of Russia's suspension of the New START Treaty and the Russia-China relationship. Dr Alex Bristow speaks to Walter Russell Mead, Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship at Hudson Institute and James Clarke Chace Professor of Foreign Affairs and Humanities at Bard College, about the US approach to foreign policy. They discuss where Australia sits on the list of US priorities, US thinking around Russia's war on Ukraine and global support for Ukraine. Guests (in order of appearance): David Wroe: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-wroe Paul Dibb: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/paul-dibb Alex Bristow: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-alex-bristow Walter Russell Mead: https://www.hudson.org/experts/1038-walter-russell-mead Image: "Ukraine War" via PublicDomainPictures.net Music: Music: "Just Wondering" by Maarten Schellekens, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Baani Grewal speaks to Ashok Malik, Partner and Chair of the India Practice at The Asia Group and ASPI Visiting Fellow. They discuss India's foreign policy under Modi, including its relationships with the West, and China and Russia; and developments in the Australia-India relationship, including why it's significant that the Raisina Dialogue is coming to Sydney. The information domain is critical in warfare, and given the rapid developments of technology, it is increasingly weaponised by adversaries. Dr Jake Wallis asks Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, how NATO and like-minded countries such as Australia are faring in combating disinformation, and whether there is a model for deterrence in the information domain. Bec Shrimpton speaks to Netherlands Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Marcel de Vink about geopolitics and Australia-Netherlands collaboration. Bec asks the Vice Minister about the global implications of Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO's approach to international security and the need to develop social resilience. Guests (in order of appearance): Baani Grewal: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/baani-grewal Ashok Malik: https://theasiagroup.com/team/ashok-malik/ Dr Jake Wallis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jacob-wallis Janis Sarts: https://stratcomcoe.org/employees Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton Marcel de Vink Music: "Phychic" by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

As we approach a year since Russia's February invasion of Ukraine, Justin Bassi speaks to historian and writer Olesya Khromeychuk. They discuss the resilience of the Ukrainian people, Olesya's personal experience with conflict and what's at stake for the international community in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. ASPI Southeast Asia experts Dr Teesta Prakash and Dr Gatra Priyandita discuss the outcomes of the ASEAN Foreign Minister's Retreat in Jakarta. They discuss priorities for Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN, including movement on Timor-Leste's accession, as well as Indonesia's potential approach to Myanmar during its time as Chair. Guests (in order of appearance): Justin Bassi: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/justin-bassi Olesya Khromeychuk: https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/team/ Dr Teesta Prakash: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/teesta-prakash Dr Gatra Priyandita: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gatra-priyandita Music: 'Peaceful' by Crowander, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk