We are currently experiencing a reset of the strategic order and rules that have governed our region for more than 70 years. China is challenging American dominance. We’re seeing the rise of other powers such as India and Indonesia, and a more assertive Japan. This, compounded with climate change, stress on the natural systems and food sources, has created a strategic environment that Australia hasn’t had to deal with before. Policy makers – in fact all Australians – need to reconsider how we operate in the region, how we contribute, how we exercise leadership and what role we will play in responding to these enormous changes.
This episode is a special one, as it was recorded shortly before the untimely passing of Brendan Sargeant. Brendan was the Professor of Practice in Defence and Strategic Studies and Head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University (ANU), former Associate Secretary of Defence, and long-time supporter and Deputy President of IPAA ACT. In the episode, Brendan is joined by Katherine Mansted, Director of Cyber Intelligence and Public Policy at CyberCX and Senior Fellow at the ANU’s National Security College.
Discussed in this episode:
- A rapidly changing Asia-Pacific region and its impact on Australia.
- Articulating difficult conversations to develop a robust sense of defence in a complex time.
- The impact of climate change on the strategic order.
- The APS response.
Transcript