Policy, Guns & Money

The ASPI special series ‘SBY’s tears: From managing crisis to managing process in Australia-Indonesia relations since the fall of Suharto’ has explored the changing nature of the Australian-Indonesian relationship since the fall of Suharto, as seen through the eyes and experiences of its ambassadors to Jakarta. In this final episode of the series, Dr David Engel and Hillary Mansour revisit some of the themes explored throughout the series, such as Indonesia’s foreign policy, its relationship with Australia and the changes to Indonesian democracy. They reflect on the past experiences of Australia’s ambassadors, and how these lessons can impact our future relationship with Indonesia. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Hillary Mansour: www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour John McCarthy AO: asialink.unimelb.edu.au/about-us/lead…n-mccarthy-ao Ric Smith AO, PSM: sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-pub…mith-ao-psm David Ritchie AO: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ritchie_(di

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, ASPI’s Anastasia Kapetas, Daria Impiombato and Katja Theodorakis explore the nexus of climate change and gender, considering the official 2022 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.’ They discuss the disproportionate gendered impacts of climate change, the agency of women in climate and security narratives, and focus on the intersectional dimensions of the climate movement within different regional contexts. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor The Strategist: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Daria Impiombato, Researcher ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/daria-impiombato Katja Theodorakis, Head of ASPI’s Counterterrorism Program: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/katja-theodorakis

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

This week, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine despite widespread international condemnation, including a vote by 141 member states of the UN condemning the invasion. Michael Shoebridge and Dr Marcus Hellyer explore how Russia’s attack has intensified, Ukraine’s long-term war-fighting capability and the potential off-ramps for this conflict. Dr Teagan Westendorf speaks to Professor Lyria Bennett Moses about the ethics of artificial intelligence in policing. They explore different ethical frameworks, oversight measures, data practices of AI in law enforcement, and consider the notion of ‘undemocratic AI’. Dr Marcus Hellyer speaks with Graeme Dunk, about the potential for an Australian ‘Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’, or DARPA. They discussed how a DARPA would support defence innovation and the delivery of capability in Australia. Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellye

In the penultimate episode 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, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program and Hillary Mansour, former ASPI Research Intern, speak to Greg Moriarty, who was ambassador to Indonesia from 2010 until 2014. Their conversation explores Indonesia’s foreign policy under SBY, the bilateral economic relationship and cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. They also discuss some of the challenges in the bilateral relationship, such as the banning of live cattle exports to Indonesia and people smuggling. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Greg Moriarty: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/leaders/secretary Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour

In this episode 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, Head of ASPI’s Indonesia Program and Hillary Mansour, former ASPI Research Intern, speak to Gary Quinlan AO, who was Ambassador to Indonesia from 2018 until 2021. Their conversation explores developments in the Australia-Indonesia economic relationship, the development of Indonesia’s democracy and the relationship between religion and politics in the country. They also consider the impacts of climate change and Covid-19 on Indonesia and Australia’s use of soft power. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Gary Quinlan AO: https://www.apln.network/members/australia/gary-quinlan/bio Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour Background music: "Moonshiner" by Jacob Field Productions: https://soundcloud.com/jacobfieldpr/moonshiner-royalty-free-music

This week, ASPI released the report ‘Taking the low road: China's influence in Australian states and territories’ which maps out the changing nature of China’s engagement with Australian states and territories, local governments, city councils, universities, research organisations and non-government organisations. Peter Jennings is joined by report editor Emeritus Professor John Fitzgerald for a conversation on the report’s findings. So far, 2022 has been full of strategic challenges; Covid-19 impacts are still being felt globally, tensions remain heightened between Russia and Ukraine, and a recent meeting between Presidents Putin and Xi has some analysts calling their relationship a de-facto alliance. Michael Shoebridge speaks to Arthur Snell about the latest developments, how the international world order is being challenged and why this is an important moment for democracies. In December last year, the White House released the first U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption. Anastasia Kapetas and Dr Teaga

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

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:

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb and Kyle Wilson from the Australian National University about the Russia-Ukraine crisis. They consider the likelihood of an invasion, Putin’s long-term strategy and whether sanctions can deter Russian military action. Guests in this episode (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb: https://researchprofiles.anu.edu.au/en/persons/paul-dibb Kyle Wilson: https://ces.cass.anu.edu.au/people/mr-kyle-wilson

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Dr Fiona Hill, senior fellow in the Foreign Policy program at Brookings and deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council from 2017 to 2019. They consider the state of US democracy, rising authoritarianism, US-Russia relations and the Russia-Ukraine situation. Dr Hill recently published the book ‘There is Nothing for You Here’ and this conversation covers some of the themes of the book. Mentioned in this episode: ‘There’s Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century’: https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/there-is-nothing-for-you-here/9780358574248 Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Dr Fiona Hill: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/fiona-hill/

In episode 3 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 and Hillary Mansour speak to David Ritchie, Ambassador to Indonesia from 2002 until 2005. During his time as ambassador, David dealt with a number of crises, including the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, a terror attack on the Australian Embassy and the arrest of the Bali Nine. They discuss Australia-Indonesia cooperation and how the bilateral relationship changed over the course of his tenure as ambassador. Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Hillary Mansour: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/hillary-mansour David Ritchie AO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ritchie_(diplomat) Background music: "Moonshiner" by Jacob Field Productions: https://soundcloud.com/jacobfieldpr/moonshiner-royalty-free-music

In this episode of ASPI’s Bigger Picture series, Peter Jennings speaks to Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Joseph Wu. They discuss Taiwan’s foreign policy priorities, Cross-Strait relations and threats to regional security, including rising authoritarianism. They also reflect on Taiwan’s relationship with Australia and the impact that recent events in Hong Kong have had on Taiwan’s thinking. Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu is Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, previously he was Secretary-General in the Office of the President, Secretary-General of the National Security Council and Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. Minister Wu has a PhD in Political Science from Ohio State University. Guests (in order of appearance): Peter Jennings: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/peter-jennings Dr Jaushieh Joseph Wu: https://en.mofa.gov.tw/MofaLeader_Content.aspx?n=1281&sms=&mls=34 Music: "Salt Lake Swerve - Chillout Remix" by Maarten Schellekens, via freemusica

In this episode 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 and Hillary Mansour speak to Ric Smith AO, PSM, who was Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia from 2001. The conversation explores economic reform after the Asian Financial Crisis, the end of Gus Dur’s presidency and the beginning of Megawati’s presidency, and the state of Australia’s relationship with Indonesia during Smith’s tenure. They also discuss the Tampa affair and the 2002 Bali bombings, and how Australia should engage with its northern neighbour. For more information and to listen to all episodes in this series, visit: https://www.aspi.org.au/report/sbys-tears-managing-crisis-managing-process-australia-indonesia-relations-fall-suharto Guests (in order of appearance): Dr David Engel: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/david-engel Ric Smith AO, PSM: https://sdsc.bellschool.anu.edu.au/experts-publications/experts/ric-smith-ao-psm Hillary

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 McCar

In September this year, the Australian Government announced it would join a new security pact with the UK and US – AUKUS – and detailed its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In this special episode, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Andrew Nicholls and Dr Marcus Hellyer about their new report ‘Implementing Australia’s nuclear submarine program’. They consider the costs and challenges of delivering this large-scale project and choosing the right strategic partner to help deliver the submarine program. This is the final episode of Policy, Guns and Money for 2021! We welcome your feedback and suggestions of topics you’d like to see us cover in 2022. Drop us a note at https://www.aspi.org.au/contact-us Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Andrew Nicholls: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/andrew-nicholls Background music: "Anons" by Ketsa, via the freemusicarchive.org Image: via pxhere

Russia’s military build-up along the country’s border with Ukraine has seen tensions rise between the two countries, leading the United States, the EU and the UK to warn Russia against invasion. Anastasia Kapetas speaks to Russia expert Professor Mark Galeotti from University College London about the likelihood of a conflict, Russia’s diplomacy approaches, Putin’s game plan and what the objective would be if Russia were to invade Ukraine. This week, South Korea and Australia signed a billion-dollar weapons contract, making it one of Australia’s largest-ever military deals with an Asian nation. Dr Marcus Hellyer and Michael Shoebridge discuss what the defence contract entails and how this new partnership will influence strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Guests (in order of appearance): Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Professor Mark Galeotti: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ssees/prof-mark-galeotti Dr Marcus Hellyer: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/marcus-hellyer Michael Shoebridg

Brendan Nicholson, Executive Editor of The Strategist and Anastasia Kapetas, National Security Editor of The Strategist break down some of the key developments in international politics and security this year. From Covid-19, to the Capitol riots, to a coup in Myanmar and the announcement of AUKUS – it’s been a big year. This episode will take you through some of the strategic highs and lows of 2021, and details developments to watch in 2022. Guests (in order of appearance): Brendan Nicholson: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/brendan-nicholson Anastasia Kapetas: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/anastasia-kapetas Music: "The Silent Grove" by Axletree - freemusicarchive.org Image: via Wikimedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg

This week on Policy, Guns and Money’s Bigger Picture series, Michael Shoebridge speaks to Dr Tanvi Madan, senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy in the Foreign Policy program, and director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution in Washington. They discuss India’s foreign policy interests, strategic partnerships including the Quad and the complexities of India’s relationships with China and Russia. Mentioned in this episode: https://warontherocks.com/2021/10/india-is-not-sitting-on-the-geopolitical-fence/ Guests (in order of appearance): Michael Shoebridge: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/michael-shoebridge Dr Tanvi Madan: https://www.brookings.edu/experts/tanvi-madan/ Music: "Little Bear" by Lobo Loco - via freemusicarchive.org

This week, ASPI released the report ‘Collaborative and agile: Intelligence community collaboration insights from the United Kingdom and the United States’ which details the lessons learned for Australia’s intelligence communities from key partners, the United States and United Kingdom. Two of the report’s authors Michael Shoebridge and Dr John Coyne discuss their key findings and some of the shared challenges that the intelligence agencies are facing. ASEAN’s response to the Myanmar coup in February this year has challenged the group’s credibility. Dr Huong Le Thu and Dr David Engel explore this in their latest ASPI report, ‘Myanmar’s coup, ASEAN’s crisis and the implications for Australia’. They explore ASEAN’s crisis of credibility, Indonesia’s leadership role and Australia’s mid-to-long term role in the regional grouping. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s government pay system was hit by a ransomware attack. ASPI’s Bart Hogeveen speaks with Cherie Lagakali, Pacific Liaison of the Global Forum on Cyber Expe