In the earliest days of the Biden Administration, the United States has made it clear that it wants to re-engage in multilateralism. Peter Jennings is joined by Professor Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre, to discuss Biden’s foreign policy agenda, climate policies and the importance of alliances and repairing some of America’s reputational damage. 

Following the first-ever leader-level Quad summit in March 2021, Michael Shoebridge is joined by Dr Lavina Lee, Senior Lecturer in Modern History, Politics and International Relations at Macquarie University to weigh in on the latest developments in the Quad grouping as well as Australia-India bilateral relations. 

ASPI research intern, Hillary Mansour speaks with Dr David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program about Indonesia's Defence Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement with Japan, what the agreement means for Indonesia and how Indonesia’s recent international engagements complement their foreign policy strategy.

Mentioned in this episode: 
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/indonesias-free-and-active-foreign-policy-on-show-in-ministerial-visits-to-japan-and-china/ 

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings 
Professor Gordon Flake: https://perthusasia.edu.au/staff-gordon-flake 
Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge 
Dr Lavina Lee: https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/lavina-rajendram-lee 
Hillary Mansour:  https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour 
David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel 

Background music: "Classical Landscapes" by Kesta. Via the Free Music Archive.
Image: US Passport via PXHere

Biden’s commitment to multilateralism, developments in the Quad & Indonesia’s foreign policy

This special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ explores the history of Indonesia since the fall of Suharto and Australia’s part in it through the eyes and experience of its ambassadors to Jakarta over this period. The series will look at democracy, counterterrorism, natural disasters and economic developments, and how Australia’s relationship with Indonesia has changed over the years.
 
In this episode, David Engel, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia program, and former ASPI Research Intern Hillary Mansour speak to John McCarthy AO, who was Ambassador to Indonesia from 1997 to 2001. They discuss some of the major developments during his time in the post, including the fall of Suharto, President Habibie and the Reformasi, East Timor, the election of Gus Dur and former prime minister John Howard’s relationship with the country’s leaders.
 
Guests (in order of appearance):
David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel
John McCarthy AO: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/leadership-team/john-mccarthy-ao
Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour

SBY'S tears, featuring John McCarthy AO

Fergus Ryan speaks to China expert Joanna Chiu about her new book ‘China Unbound: A new world disorder’. They discuss the changing attitudes towards China in Western countries and the importance of developing China expertise.

Critical and emerging technologies are quickly becoming a key focus area of geopolitical competition. Karly Winkler speaks to Bonnie Glick about the newly established Center for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and the links between technology advances and national interests.  

Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Gidon Bromberg about climate and security in the Middle East. They discuss the ‘green blue deal’ concept and climate progress in the region.

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan
Joanna Chiu: https://www.joannachiu.com/about
Karly Winkler: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/karly-winkler
The Hon. Bonnie Glick: https://techdiplomacy.org/member/the-hon-bonnie-glick/
Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas
Gidon Bromberg: https://twitter.com/gidonb

Understanding China, tech diplomacy, climate security in the Middle East

In episode 4 of ASPI’s special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’, Dr David Engel speaks to Bill Farmer AO, Ambassador to Indonesia from 2005 until 2010. They discuss the pivotal moments in the Australia-Indonesia relationship, SBY’s presidency and the Global Financial Crisis, and Indonesia’s foreign policy. They also talk about the Lombok Treaty, people smuggling and counterterrorism and how Australia should approach its northern neighbour going forward. 

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel
Bill Farmer AO

SBY’s tears, featuring Bill Farmer AO

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Brendan Nicholson speaks to the Embassy of Ukraine’s Chargé d'Affaires, Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, on the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has sent shockwaves across Europe and the international community, with countries pledging humanitarian aid and military assistance to the Ukrainian government. They discuss how the conflict is currently unfolding, the different war-fighting capabilities of Russian and Ukrainian forces, and potential avenues for the resolution of the war.

Guests (in order of appearance):
Brendan Nicholson: www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson
Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi

Music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens, via freemusicarchive.org

A conversation with Ukraine's Chargé d'Affaires Mr Volodymyr Shalkivskyi

Recently, Peter Jennings spoke to Victorian Senator James Paterson, who Chairs the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. They discuss the Committee's recent inquiry into national security risks affecting Australia's higher education and research sectors, the Senator's role as Chair, and Australia's foreign interference laws.

Dr John Coyne and Gill Savage from ASPI’s Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre sat down to discuss what the latest Budget holds for Northern Australia. They discuss the disconnect between decisions made in southern Australia for initiatives in the north, the limitations of siloed policy approaches and the need for cohesive ‘bigger picture’ planning.

Mentioned in this episode: 
‘Collaborative nation building: Port of Townsville case study’ by Gill Savage and Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/collaborative-nation-building-port-townsville-case-study

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings
Senator James Paterson: https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=144138
Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne
Gill Savage: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/gill-savage

Background music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens - via freemusicarchive.org

Foreign interference in Australia, the Federal Budget and northern Australia

The floods in South-East Queensland and New South Wales earlier this year were some of the most extreme disasters in Australian history, with the Insurance Council of Australia highlighting the event as the country’s costliest flood ever. Dr Robert Glasser speaks to Dr Annika Dean about recent analysis by the Climate Council on the links between climate change and extreme weather events and insurability risks across Australia. Baseline data for the report Uninsurable Nation: Australia's Most Climate Vulnerable Places and the Climate Risk Map was provided by Climate Valuation. All reproduction, aggregations and conclusions drawn from the data are the work of the Climate Council.

In September last year, the Australian Government announced it would enter into a trilateral security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom – AUKUS. As part of that partnership, Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Anastasia Kapetas is joined by John Carlson for a conversation on nuclear non-proliferation and whether the submarines can be safeguarded. 
- Look out for further work on counter-proliferation in the coming weeks as part of a developing collaboration with CSIS in Washington and the Centre for Grand Strategy at King's College London focused on the opportunities and challenges arising from AUKUS.

Following a landslide victory, Mr Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been elected as the next President of the Philippines. Dr David Engel speaks to Dr Yusuke Takagi about the geostrategic implications of President Marcos election for the Quad countries, the bilateral relationship between the US and the Philippines, and what China’s growing regional influence means for Manila.

Mentioned in this episode: 
‘Uninsurable Nation: Australia’s Most Climate Vulnerable Places’: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/uninsurable-nation-australias-most-climate-vulnerable-places/ 

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Dr Robert Glasser: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/robert-glasser 
Dr Annika Dean: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/author/annika/ 
Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas
John Carlson: https://vcdnp.org/john-carlson/
Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel
Dr Yusuke Takagi: https://www.grips.ac.jp/list/en/facultyinfo/takagi_yusuke/

Music: Free Music Archive: Scott Holmes Music - Digital Age
Image: https://nara.getarchive.net/media/chemical-reaction-team-personnel-wearing-nuclear-biological-chemical-nbc-protective-4e51b1

Climate insurance, AUKUS and non-proliferation, Philippines election

Recently, we saw the third and final launch of a NASA rocket from Australia’s Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory – the first successful sub-orbital rocket launch from an Australian commercial centre, and the first commercial launch ever by NASA outside of the United States. ASPI’s resident space-wonks Bec Shrimpton and Dr Malcolm Davis discuss the significance of these launches, what it means for the Australian space industry, and how the Australian government can support this industry’s development into an international and national asset.

Recently, the Lowy Institute released its annual poll, which captures Australian views of the world and current global issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China and climate. Fergus Ryan speaks to the author of the 2022 Poll, Natasha Kassam about the notable shifts in this year’s poll and what surprised her in the polling results. 

China’s recent security agreement with Solomon Islands gives Beijing the ability to send police and military forces to the Pacific nation. Dr John Coyne speaks to Senator Vern White about the risks associated with China playing a bigger role in the region’s policing, and the important role Australia and its partners play in policing in the Pacific.

Mentioned in this episode: 
https://poll.lowyinstitute.org/report/2022

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton
Dr Malcolm Davis: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/malcolm-davis
Fergus Ryan: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-ryan
Natasha Kassam: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/people/experts/bio/natasha-kassam
Dr John Coyne: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/john-coyne
Senator Vern White: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vern-white

Image: c/ Google Maps
Music: 'Mismatch' by Ketsa - via the FreeMusicArchive.org

Australian space launch, tracking public opinion & policing in the Pacific

Last week, Optus notified the media and its customers that personal data had been compromised in a cyber attack. The compromised data included names, dates of birth, postal addresses, drivers licence and passport numbers. Fergus Hanson and Jocelinn Kang discuss the implications of this breach, the dangers of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, and why Australia should consider prohibiting the payment of ransom demands. 

Since 2017, Wall Street Journal’s Liza Lin and Josh Chin have been covering the CCP’s increasing use of surveillance technology to control society, which is featured in their new book ‘Surveillance State’. Dr Samantha Hoffman speaks to Liza and Josh about the use of surveillance tech in smart cities and the challenges of reporting on China following their expulsion.  

Olivia Nelson speaks to Lisa Sharland about the prospects for UN reform and what the reforms might look like, why the UN remains relevant and key outcomes from the UN General Assembly’s High-level Week.  

Mentioned in this episode:
‘Surveillance State: Inside China's Quest to Launch a New Era of Social Control’ : https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250821386/surveillancestate

Guests: 
Fergus Hanson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/fergus-hanson
Jocelinn Kang: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/jocelinn-kang
Dr Samantha Hoffman: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman
Josh Chin: https://www.wsj.com/news/author/josh-chin
Liza Lin: https://www.wsj.com/news/author/liza-lin
Olivia Nelson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/olivia-nelson
Lisa Sharland: https://www.stimson.org/ppl/lisa-sharland/

Music: "Caribetron" by Quincas Moreira

Optus hack, state surveillance in China, UNGA and UN reform

This week at ASPI has been all about space security. We were delighted to be joined by Lieutenant General Nina Armagno, Director of Staff, Headquarters at U.S. Space Force, and Lieutenant General John Shaw, Deputy Commander at U.S. Space Command for a series of space-focused events. To continue the conversation, ASPI’s Bec Shrimpton asks General Armagno and General Shaw about opportunities and competition in space, the difference between U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force, and how Australia and the United States can work together to make sure space is secure and sustainable for all.


Guests (in order of appearance): 
Bec Shrimpton: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/bec-shrimpton
Lt Gen Nina Armagno: https://www.spaceforce.mil/SFB/Display/Article/2387835/lt-gen-nina-m-armagno/
Lt Gen John Shaw: https://www.spacecom.mil/Leaders/Bio/Article/2433977/lt-gen-john-e-shaw/

Background music: Phychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Space security with Lt Gen Nina Armagno & Lt Gen John Shaw

Daria Impiombato speaks with ASPI Senior Fellow Vicky Xu about the anti-government protests sweeping through some of China’s largest cities. Vicky, who has spoken with protesters on the ground, gives up-to-the-minute insights into the protesters’ motivation and tactics, and discusses what the demonstrations mean for the Chinese Communist Party’s rule.

Guests (in order of appearance): 
Daria Impiombato: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato
Vicky Xu: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/vicky-xiuzhong-xu

Background music: Phychic by Ketsa, licensed with permission from the Independent Music Licensing Collective - imlcollective.uk

Anti-government protests in China, with Daria Impiombato and Vicky Xu

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

The future of peacekeeping and women, peace and security

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/

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Ylli Bajraktari

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.

Unpacking Australia’s Defence Strategic Review

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/

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Heather Richman, Linda Lourie & John Leslie

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

Beijing’s propaganda, climate and Australia’s national security, federal budget & Defence spending

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

The Sydney Dialogue Summit Sessions: Misha Zelinsky

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

Defence Strategic Review & implications for the maritime domain; Delhi's role in the Indo-Pacific

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-conversation with Home Affairs’ Hamish Hansford. Cyber security & critical infrastructure

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

AUKUS and critical minerals, with the Honourable Kim Beazley AC

‘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

Hacking for Cash: Dustin McCormack and Callie Aboaf

‘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-Hale, 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

Hacking for Cash: Francis Gurry, Nigel Corey, and Elizabeth Chien-Hale

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

Ross Babbage on deterrence and defence strategy; jailed terrorists and the risk of reoffending

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

A modern look at deterrence with Brad Roberts

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

Geopolitics in Southeast Asia; Australia-Indonesia relations

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

Authoritarian AI, China and the metaverse

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

Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, Philippines and the South China Sea

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.

Australia and space with Australia's Defence Space Commander

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

Professor Ian Hall on India, Australia, and the region

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

How parliamentarians view cybersecurity and critical technology, with Gai Brodtmann

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

AI horizons: Navigating regulations, safety, and the use of AI

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

Air Force education, the WPS agenda and women’s rights

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

Ukraine, the Quad and an Australian maritime strategy

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

Myanmar’s junta under pressure; geopolitics in the Pacific

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

Offensive cyber operations; election integrity and disinformation

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

Policy, Guns and Money – that’s a wrap!

Policy, Guns & Money is produced by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).  

ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for strategic and defence leaders. ASPI has offices in Canberra, Australia and Washington DC, USA.

ASPI Podcast: Policy, Guns & Money

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