SPOTLIGHT: Preparing for the next major war, with Dr Ross Babbage

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

  • The pair discuss Dr Babbage’s background working as a senior policymaker and public servant in Australia through to his role working to reform Australian defence industry and the launch of his new book.
  • They then discuss the reasoning behind the writing of Dr Babbage’s new book, The Next Major War, which takes a detailed look at the economic, industrial and strategic challenges facing the United States, Australia and the broader Western alliance network as they seek to respond to increased Chinese aggression.
  • They also discuss the domestic challenges facing an expansion of Australia’s own industrial capacity and how it can better support and benefit from the global realignment.
  • Finally, the pair discuss how to engage the Australian public, in particular young Australians, to help them understand the challenges facing the nation and the opportunities presented if we act now.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 10: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 9: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 8: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 6: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 4: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 2: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully