INSIGHT: Responding to new security challenges – John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, ANU

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
John Blaxland

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University, weighs in on Australia’s defence and national security agenda.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University, weighs in on Australia’s defence and national security agenda.

  

 
 

Professor Blaxland, a veteran of the Australian Army, begins by explaining how he transitioned into a career in academia, and reflects on his latest work.

He notes the growing interest in international security education among young Australians, and the value of increased geopolitical awareness in preparing the nation for future challenges.

The Army veteran then discusses current and emerging threats to Australia’s peace and security, particularly following the ramp up in grey-zone aggression from China.

Professor Blaxland goes on to question whether the ADF is adequately equipped to respond to new and emerging threats, given the changing nature of warfare.

The ANU professor concludes by proposing short and long-term recommendations aimed at advancing Australia’s place in the world and establishing an inter-generational security framework.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

 

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 9: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia’s Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?
Episode 4: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia’s defence industry
Episode 3: PODCAST: Australian defence industry faces a changing strategic landscape, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia slowly regulating away its own prosperity – and, with it, its national resilience?