Sep 14, 2023
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior analyst
Steve Kuper is joined by Sam Roggeveen, director of
the Lowy Institute’s International
Security Program, to discuss the Echidna
Strategy in the context of great power competition.
The pair begin the podcast discussing Roggeveen’s career working
across Australia’s defence and foreign policy apparatus, including
with the Office of National Assessments, Defence Intelligence
Organisation, and the Australian Department of Foreign
Affairs.
The pair then discuss the politics of
Roggeveen’s first book – Our Very Own Brexit: Australia’s
Hollow Politics and Where it Could Lead Us – and the
implications domestic political polarisation and collapsing support
for the major parties will have on Australia’s future position and
security in the Indo-Pacific.
The pair then discuss the historic basis of Australia’s
defence policy and doctrine, beginning with the Forward Defence
doctrine, then moving through the Defence
of Australia-era to the current incarnation, as
identified through the Defence Strategic Review, and the
implications of major decisions like the AUKUS submarines.
Finally, the pair discuss Roggeveen’s latest book, The
Echidna Strategy: Australia’s Search for Power and Peace, the
basis for its central thesis, the implications for Australia’s
defence posture and force structure as the nation seeks power and
peace in the era of great power competition.
Enjoy the podcast
The Defence Connect team