🍾 Congratulations to Professor
@Rory_Medcalf
AM, Head of the ANU National Security College, for his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, awarded for significant service to international relations and the tertiary sector.
We pay tribute to Professor Brendan Sargeant – a respected mentor, colleague, and friend to many at the College. We will remember him for his intellect, integrity and commitment to public service, and his personal kindness and decency. Vale Brendan.
How should Australia address foreign influence that falls short of interference, but is nonetheless inconsistent with Australian values, interests or sovereignty? Our latest occasional paper by
@KMansted
provides some recommendations.
@ANUmedia
Vale Allan Gyngell.
Rightly described as the “finest mind in Australian foreign policy” by Foreign Minister Wong, he contributed so much to our nation. Allan was a good friend and mentor to many at the NSC – always generous with his time and intellect. He will be dearly missed.
We're pleased to announce that Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director-General of
@ASDGovAu
, will deliver her inaugural speech to
@NSC_ANU
— followed by an in conversation discussion with
@Rory_Medcalf
— as part of our 10th Anniversary Conversation Series.
#auspol
Diplomat turned scholar, Dr Coral Bell AO was one of Australia's most distinguished analysts of international politics. She broke down barriers for women in international relations and "forged a path for others through her practice and scholarship."
More:
The College is deeply saddened by the passing of David Irvine AO. He was an outstanding security leader, who contributed much to the NSC. He will be greatly missed by us all.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Kevin Rudd
@MrKRudd
today for a roundtable on strategic issues ahead of his posting as Ambassador to the United States. As PM he founded our College in 2010. It was a privilege for us to show what this national institution has achieved.
🎙️NEW PODCAST🎙️
In this episode,
@Rory_Medcalf
is joined by Director-General of Security
@ASIOGovAu
,
@MikePBurgess
, and Director-General of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, to discuss the state of Australian intelligence.
🎧Listen:
Tomorrow at 12:30pm
@NSC_ANU
will host the inaugural speech of Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director-General of
@ASDGovAu
, to talk about the organisation's history, its growing security role and the importance of balancing transparency and secrecy. Register here:
We're pleased to announce that Secretary of
@dfat
Frances Adamson will join
@Rory_Medcalf
in conversation — following an opening address — next Wednesday from 6pm. Watch live or on-demand via the ANU TV YouTube channel. Find out more:
"But above all, AUKUS is about Australia itself, and our coming-of-age as a power to match our unique place in the world."
@Rory_Medcalf
's take on yesterday's AUKUS announcement in the
@FinancialReview
.
Full article available via our website:
Our Head of College
@Rory_Medcalf
is delivering the 2022 Order of Australia Lecture this evening
@ourANU
on making sense of national security.
“A prepared Australia will need to make the most of our most valued resource, our people.”
In his opening address to the
@NSC_ANU
#SecuringOurFuture
conference, Professor
@Rory_Medcalf
announces that NSC will initiate a process of nation-wide community consultations on security.
The
@NSC_ANU
's
@KMansted
recently appeared at a hearing of the Select Committee on Foreign Interference through Social Media to explain why Australia needs a new approach to combating social media disinformation. Read some of her remarks here:
“There are times to pursue quiet diplomacy behind the scenes, but there are also times to voice our concerns and persuade others of the need for a course of action,” Foriegn Minister
@MarisePayne
explains.
Today we launched NS23 with the help of
@SenatorWong
and
@Birmo
. This unique program provides a series of briefings for Australian parliamentarians on a range of vital
#nationalsecurity
issues.
Presenting a first-of-its-kind conference.
‘Securing our future’
9–10 April 2024
Join us to forge a shared understanding of our national interests, values and identity – in pursuit of a secure Australian future.
Register your interest below⬇️
🎉 WELCOME TO THE TEAM! 🎉
Today, two of 🇦🇺’s leading national security and intelligence experts have joined the NSC – Dr Heather Smith PSM, former Secretary of
@IndustryGovAu
, and MAJGEN (Ret'd) Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC, former Head of
@ASIOGovAu
|
We're pleased to announce Greg Moriarty, Secretary of the
@DeptDefence
, will join
@Rory_Medcalf
in conversation on Tuesday 8 December to discuss the challenges of a more contested
#IndoPacific
and Australia's new
#Defence
objectives. Find out more:
We are delighted to introduce the Quad Tech Network (QTN) Series — a collection of papers offering analysis and recommendations on key
#cyber
and technology issues facing the
#IndoPacific
region:
The College pays tribute to Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest serving Prime Minister. The Japan-Australia relationship reached new heights during his time in office. He was also an international leader in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Vale.
Addressing Australia's Vulnerability to Weaponised Narratives, by Associate Professor
@matthew_sussex
and
@chrizap
. The 9th Policy Options Paper from
@NSC_ANU
is out now:
We are honored to have Major General Susan Coyle, Head Information Warfare at Joint Capabilities Group
@DeptDefence
, share her insights on leadership in the national security community to our EL1 National Security Development Program participants!
Wrapping up
#NS23
– NSC's program for parliamentarians. Grateful for insightful briefings from ASIS, ONI, and
@pmc_gov_au
. Big thanks to all presenters and participants for their valuable contributions. Excited to carry on this crucial work with a new group next year.
#NS24
"The [Australian] Defence Force is for deterrence. It's preparing for war-like scenarios — and the public really needs to be aware and prepared for those possibilities," explains
@Rory_Medcalf
on
@abc730
regarding the Talisman Sabre exercise.
Sincere thanks to Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director-General of
@ASDGovAu
, for joining us today.
If you missed her speech and the following conversation, catch-up here:
"Of course the future cannot be predicted. But it can be projected," argues
@Rory_Medcalf
. Visit our new
#futuresanalysis
website to explore some of these projections for yourself:
“Knowledge dispels fear. Knowledge can make us stronger. And knowledge can help to keep us safe,” says
@ClareONeilMP
on foreign interference in 🇦🇺 – which
@ASIOGovAu
points out is one of the biggest domestic security challenges we face.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of RADM and Professor James Goldrick AO CSC – a cherished friend of the College who made a major contribution to our programs.
He will be remembered for many outstanding achievements, including as a generous teacher, mentor and colleague.
The College was delighted to host ANU Chancellor
@HonJulieBishop
today, and highlight some of the key programs we deliver in pursuit of the national interest.
#NationalSecurity
Today, Frances Adamson will end her 5 yr term as
@dfat
's Secretary – we appreciate her strong support for NSC, including as a member of our Advisory Board and featuring in our 10th Anniversary Series:
We wish her well in her new role as
@sagovau
governor
"🇦🇺 and the 🇬🇧 are set to deepen collaboration in
#nationalsecurity
education, following the establishment today of a UK College for National Security (CfNS), modelled on the ANU National Security College (NSC)." Find out more:
It's not that you disagree, it's how you disagree that matters
Social cohesion is a key element of national security, division creates vulnerabilities that adversaries can leverage
Respect & dignity are as important online as they are in real life
#natsec
#natsecpod
#auspol
#Respect
works both ways and if you want respect you have to give it in return. Expressing hate, racism, sexism and violence online is NOT okay.
@youngandesafe
empowering young people to take control of their online experiences.
📢 NEW PODCAST 📢
We’re pleased to have hosted
@SenPaterson
, Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, for the latest
#NatSecPod
to discuss 🇦🇺-🇨🇳 relations, countering
#ForeignInterference
in Australian unis 🎓 and more!
Congratulations to Georgia Gough who graduated today with a Master of National Security Policy! 🎓🎉 We are looking forward to having Georgia join us as a full-time NSC staff member very soon.
@ourANU
The College is delighted to welcome Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, to deliver a key policy address on Expanding Australia’s Power and Influence. Broadcast live tomorrow from 11am AEDT:
@SenatorWong
“There are big challenges for Australia over the next 10 years which I am confident we will be able to tackle, together with our global partners and trusted partners at home – including, of course, the National Security College.” –
@dfat
Secretary Frances Adamson.
📢Securing our future – National Security Conference🚨
🌏This conference will inform a distinctly
#Australian
🇦🇺, people-centred vision of national security.
🚪Canberra, 9–10 April 2024
🎟️Buy your tickets now!
🖱️Find out more⬇️
🚨 NEW PAPER 🚨 We are thrilled to release the latest paper from the
#QuadTechNetwork
Series!
This paper by
@JDWilson08
@PerthUSAsia
examines batteries as a critical technology for the 21st century 🔋
Read the paper here: and follow the thread below 🧵
🚨 NEW QTN SERIES PAPER 🚨
@LisaCurtisDC
and
@MartijnRasser
from
@CNASdc
argue the Quad has an opportunity to shape the telecommunications ecosystem in the
#IndoPacific
so 5G and undersea cable infrastructure is more secure, resilient, and open. 🌏
We were delighted to welcome
@samirsaran
, President of
@orfonline
, to the College today to discuss closer collaboration between our institutions, and the broader India-Australia relationship.
In the latest
@quarterly_essay
,
@Rory_Medcalf
responds to Emeritus Professor Hugh White's June 2022 essay "Sleepwalk to War: Australia’s Unthinking Alliance with America".
👀 Read the full text here:
A big thanks to Mr Andrew Shearer — Director-General of National Intelligence — for visiting the College to address our alumni event and EL2 cohort on the future of the intelligence community.
🇦🇺 🇮🇳 🇯🇵 🇺🇸 Due to popular demand, we are delighted to announce that we've increased our tickets for the launch of the Quad Tech Network!
Please register for the event ➡️
The 1st paper of the QTN Paper Series is now available ➡️
We're delighted to announce that Head of the College
@Rory_Medcalf
will deliver the 2022 annual Order of Australia lecture on 'making sense of national security'.
🗓️ Wednesday 7 December
⏰ 6-8pm
🎟️Secure your seat:
Looking forward to hosting
@IanKemish
in conversation with
@Rory_Medcalf
to launch his new book, 'The Consul', with foreword author,
@HonJulieBishop
, providing the evening's opening remarks.
⏰ Monday 22 August, 6.15pm
🎫 still time to register:
“Without the U.S. alliance…Australia would need to commit very, very significant additional resources to have the type of capabilities and range of capabilities that we do," explains
@DeptDefence
Secretary Greg Moriarty.
#natsec
#natsecpod
We were delighted to help launch the Indian Ocean Strategic Map this morning.
Congratulations to
@CarnegieEndow
and NSC Expert Associate
@darshanabaruah
on an excellent, enduring resource for policymakers and researchers alike.
🗺️Check it out➡️
A pleasure to host Vietnam's Vice Foreign Minister, His Excellency Dr Nguyễn Minh Vũ, and
@VNamAus
at the College.
Discussing the potential for deeper cooperation between our countries in important areas such as climate change, digital transformation, education and more.
Kicking off
@ourANU
'Woman in National Security: Diversity in the National Interest' event - Kathy Klugman, Deputy Secretary
@dfat
, provided her thoughts on why
#gender
and
#diversity
matters in national security
#NSCWiNS
With a federal election on the horizon, we’re delighted that Tom Rogers, the Australian Electoral Commissioner, was able to join
@Rory_Medcalf
in conversation today for our latest episode of the
#NatSecPod
. The program will be available later this week, so stay tuned. 🎧
NEW
#NatSecPod
– inside the
#DSR
In this episode, co-lead of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review Secretariat,
@DefenceProf
, joins
@Rory_Medcalf
to provide an insider's analysis of the government’s latest strategic defence document.
🎧Listen now:
🎉 We launched the
@NSC_ANU
Students’ Society this morning! What a brilliant experience – bringing together students and national security experts from the worlds of policy, academia and think-tanks. Thanks to our mentors for supporting these next-generation security leaders.
Shinzo Abe has made Japan a leader again.
@NSC_ANU
Head,
@Rory_Medcalf
argues that "China cannot dominate the
#IndoPacific
region when Japan and India — and Australia too — are co-operating with each other."
Don't miss our launch of
@graham_euan
's fascinating new book 'Australia’s Security in China’s Shadow' next week. Registration is essential.
📍ANU, Canberra
📅 Thurs 11 May
🕕 6-8:30PM
🎟️👉
The paper recommends that Australia’s response be guided by four principles:
1⃣ Active transparency
2⃣ Country agnostic, but context-aware
3⃣ Prioritise democratic political rights and social cohesion
4⃣ Empower a decentralised response
Read it here:
"Penny Wong is right that Australians don’t want our region’s future to look like its past."
@Rory_Medcalf
's latest piece for
@FinancialReview
unpacks why Senator Wong's latest speech was an important diplomatic point.
Read more➡️
"We must not give adversaries the impression that people are Australia’s soft underbelly." Read our latest Policy Options Paper: Activating People Power to Counter Foreign Interference & Coercion👉, via
@KMansted
This morning
@Rory_Medcalf
and
@ClareONeilMP
recorded a wide-ranging podcast on national security and Australia's future, following on from the important conversation hosted by the College earlier this week.
Stay tuned for the episode, coming soon to the
#NatSecPod
.
We are delighted to have hosted Director of
@GCHQ
Sir Jeremy Fleming today for an important address on the "generational upheaval" facing global security. 🇬🇧🇦🇺
Read his remarks here:
🎙️ NEW PODCAST🎙️
@bueti
– Chair of the
@Europarl_EN
's China delegation –outlines how European and German views of China are shifting, and lessons for the
#IndoPacific
from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
💡 Listen here:
Professor
@alessionaval
discusses the importance of Indo-Pacific connectivity with world theatres, amidst global challenges.
"Connectivity leads to prosperity but it also creates an enormous vulnerability which is reflected in the Red Sea."
#SecuringOurFuture
Sincere thanks to Duncan Lewis AO, who joined
@NSC_ANU
Head
@Rory_Medcalf
for a wide-ranging discussion covering Australia’s strategic challenges, security capabilities, national interests and more. If you missed it, catch up here:
#auspol
🚨NEW PUBLICATION🚨
How should Australia approach the space domain in the years ahead? 🇦🇺
In our latest Policy Options Paper – 'Australia as a Space Power' –
@CassandraSteer
explores this question, sharing policy recommendations for the path ahead.
Don't forget to tune into the next instalment of our 10th Anniversary Conversation Series tomorrow night from 6pm. Secretary of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo, will join
@Rory_Medcalf
in conversation following an opening address. Find out more:
The
@NSC_ANU
is pleased to introduce its
#Futures
Council for 2020/2021. This select group of distinguished academics, former senior government officials, opinion leaders and strategic thinkers act as a high-level advisory panel for the NSC Futures Hub.
The 'EL1 National Security Development Program' is now underway!
Our Head of NSC,
@Rory_Medcalf
opens up this interactive and practical nine-day program by providing a overview of the nature of national security 🌏
👀 Find out more here:
As
#AUKUS
advances, so too does the 🇦🇺🇬🇧 partnership. A pleasure to host UK Minister for Armed Forces
@JSHeappey
and High Commissioner to 🇦🇺
@VickiTreadell
for a discussion of geopolitical trends in the
#IndoPacific
, the UK Defence Command Paper and more.
In his keynote address at
#SecuringOurFuture
, Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie sheds light on the current global disorder and how it impacts Australia.
“From the Red Sea to Israel and Gaza, from Ukraine to the Taiwan Strait—we are seeing breakouts of strategic
“Australia has real strengths to bring to the international table: our values, such as fairness, equality, openness, but also our well-earned reputation for a practical approach to solving problems,” says Foreign Minister
@MarisePayne
at
@NSC_ANU
.
Want to stay on top of the latest news and analysis about Australia's security landscape, but overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content?
We've prepared a reading list containing the best bits from the last week. Check out our thread and let us know what you've been reading!
The College recently welcomed visitors from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam for an important discussion reflecting on 50 years of Australia-Vietnam relations and looking at our shared strategic priorities moving forward, amid complex security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
A pleasure to host Professor the Hon Gareth Evans at the College today for both a roundtable discussion and podcast recording on 'The new geopolitics: repositioning Australia'.
Keep an eye out for the conversation dropping on the
#NatSecPod
later this week. 🎙️🎧