Aid, development, and Australia’s national security: why it matters now more than ever

Aid, development, and Australia’s national security: why it matters now more than ever

Author: ANU National Security College April 10, 2025 Duration: 48:13

What impact will cuts to foreign aid have on security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific? 

Why is international development essential to Australia’s diplomacy and security outlook? 

Do the recent Trump tariffs and withdrawal of aid demand a more active role for Australia and other middle powers? 


In this episode Melissa Conley Tyler and Mira Sulistiyanto join David Andrews to unpack the current state of foreign aid and international development, with a focus on cuts to USAID, its implications, and Australia’s role as aid partner for the region. 


Melissa Conley Tyler FAIIA is Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue. 

Mira Sulistiyanto is an international development expert currently working at the Development Intelligence Lab as Senior Analyst. 

David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  


TRANSCRIPT


Show notes 

 

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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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