2026 National Defence Strategy: evolution, not revolution

2026 National Defence Strategy: evolution, not revolution

Author: ANU National Security College April 30, 2026 Duration: 44:51

What are the real differences between the 2024 and 2026 National Defence Strategy – and why is this an evolution, not a revolution?

How is Australia thinking about national resilience, and what does a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to security look like in practice?

Are we investing in the right capabilities – and at the right speed – to meet the challenges ahead?

How do global conflicts, from Ukraine to the Middle East, shape Australia’s defence outlook and strategic choices?


In this episode, David Andrews joins Sharryn Parker to unpack Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy – what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it means for national resilience and deterrence.


David Andrews is Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC).

Sharryn Parker is Senior Policy Advisor at NSC, on secondment from the Department of Defence.


TRANSCRIPT


Show notes:

·     ANU National Security College academic programs – find out more

·     2026 National Defence Strategy

·     2026 Integrated Investment Program


We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes.  



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Produced by the ANU National Security College, The National Security Podcast offers a deep and nuanced examination of the forces shaping regional and global stability. This isn't just a surface-level news recap; it's a forum for serious, informed discussion grounded in academic rigor and policy expertise. Each episode features conversations with leading thinkers, practitioners, and analysts who unpack the complex security landscape, from geopolitical shifts and economic coercion to cyber threats and climate-related risks. The focus is consistently on the pressing challenges and strategic choices confronting Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Listeners will gain access to a range of perspectives that cut through the noise, providing clarity on how today's decisions shape tomorrow's security environment. By engaging with this podcast, you join a conversation that is both timely and essential, one that connects theoretical understanding with the practical realities of government and international affairs. The dialogue here is built on evidence and experience, offering listeners a trusted source to better comprehend the intricate dynamics of power, diplomacy, and defense. It's an ongoing exploration of what security means in a rapidly changing world, delivered through thoughtful, long-form discussions that prioritize depth and insight.
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