The National Security Podcast

• BRICS and the global order: shifting tides or a club of convenience?

  Is BRICS primarily a challenge to Western-led institutions, or does it serve a broader purpose in global governance? How effective has BRICS been at pursuing its objectives? Does BRICS membership provide newer states with greater strategic influence through engagement with major economies like China, India, and Russia? In this episode, Flavia Zimmermann and Fitriani join David Andrews to explore the evolving role of BRICS, its effectiveness, and its potential influence on global governance and power dynamics. Dr Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann is a Lecturer in Public Policy in the school of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne and an international political analyst. Dr Fitriani is a senior analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Cyber, Technology and Security program, specialising in hybrid threats in the Indo-Pacific, as well as foreign policy and non-traditional security issues. David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more Joining BRICS, Indonesia sticks with multi-alignment strategy BRICS 2025 2025 UNFCCC COP 30 We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Africa: Australia’s Indo-Pacific “blind spot”

  How should Australia strengthen engagement with Africa?How do perceptions of Africa influence Australia’s approach to bilateral and regional partnerships, and what opportunities might we be overlooking?How do African nations view China? And how does China shape the dynamics of African geopolitics? In this episode, Babatunde Obamamoye, Matthew Neuhaus and Lisa Filipetto join David Andrews and Melissa Permezel to discuss opportunities and barriers to Africa–Australia relations and the role of perception in engagement.Dr Babatunde Obamamoye is a sessional lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU). Matthew Neuhaus is an Honorary Professor at the ANU College of Law. Lisa Filipetto AM is a former United Nations Assistant Secretary General, leading the UN Peace Operations Support Mission in Somalia from 2018 to 2023. David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC). Dr Melissa Permezel is an Advisor at NSC’s Futures Hub and the convenor of NSC’s Africa Working Group. TRANSCRIPTShow notes NSC academic programs – find out more Matthew Neuhaus: Australia needs to take Africa seriously – really, this time Ibrahim Index of African Governance We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The power of fiction and storytelling in understanding national security

  How can fiction and storytelling effectively engage the public with the complex challenges of national security?How does storytelling bridge gaps in historical narratives and deepen our understanding of contemporary conflicts?How can fiction help project future scenarios and explore potential outcomes? In this episode, Misha Zelinsky and Mick Ryan join David Andrews to explore the intersection of fiction and national security – sharing personal experiences on how storytelling can shape public perceptions, and inspire action in the realm. Misha Zelinsky is an Expert Associate with the ANU National Security College. He is a leading authority on the rise of global authoritarianism, a Fulbright Scholar, economist, lawyer, and author.Major General (Retd) Mick Ryan AM is a Senior Fellow for Military Studies in the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program. He spent 35 years in the Australian Army and had the honour of commanding soldiers at multiple levels.David Andrews is a Senior Policy Advisor at NSC. TRANSCRIPTShow notes:  NSC academic programs – find out moreThe Sun Will Rise by Misha ZelinskyWhite Sun War: The Campaign for Taiwan by Mick RyanZero Day (Taiwanese TV show) We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Think you can identify misinformation online? Research shows you probably can’t

  Only three percent of Australian adults were able to demonstrate the ability to verify information online, in a recent study. How can media literacy help inoculate citizens against mis- and disinformation? Why are critical thinking and media skills essential in a thriving democracy? And how can best-practice examples from around the globe and leading domestic research help shape the recently announced National Media Literacy Strategy? In this episode, Tanya Notley and Sora Park join Tim Wilford to discuss Australian media habits, media literacy, and how people can better equip themselves to identify mis/disinformation. Professor Sora Park is a Professor of Communication and a Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Canberra's News and Media Research Centre. Associate Professor Tanya Notley is an Associate Professor at Western Sydney University's Institute for Culture and Society. Tim Wilford is Senior Manager, Policy and Engagement at the ANU National Security College. TRANSCRIPT Show notes:  NSC academic programsDigital news report: Australia Adult media literacy in 2024News and young AustraliansTowards a national media literacy strategyOnline misinformation in AustraliaNews media assistance program Media literacy and education in Finland The full list of materials on media literacy can be found here. We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  41:45
• Pat Conroy on defending Australia and Pacific partnerships

  How can Australia continue to champion the rules-based order, while balancing its strategic relationships and defence priorities? How is the government modernising the Australian Defence Force to address evolving challenges? What is Australia doing to ensure it remains the partner of choice in the Pacific? And how does the NRL deal with PNG impact security in the region? In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss his strategic worldview, Australia’s ties with the Pacific and the Albanese Government’s continued push to invest more in the Australian Defence Force. The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Professor Rory Medcalf AM is Head of the ANU National Security College (NSC). His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. TRANSCRIPTShow notes:   NSC academic programs – find out more    Address to the National Press Club by the Hon Pat Conroy MP Defence Strategic Review 2023 Address to the Hunter Defence Conference Gala Dinner by the Hon Pat Conroy MP   We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected]. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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