How can we avoid conflict in our region?

How can we avoid conflict in our region?

Author: ANU National Security College July 31, 2025 Duration: 51:51

What are some of the key mechanisms for avoiding conflict?

Why is ASEAN a key player in preventive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region?

What challenges are faced in trying to prevent conflict in the region? And what role does Australia play?


In this episode, Bec Strating, Huong Le Thu and Collin Koh join Rory Medcalf to delve into the complexities of conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the role of ASEAN, Australia and other partners.


Rebecca (Bec) Strating FAIIA is the Director of La Trobe Asia and Professor of International Relations at La Trobe University. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).

Dr Huong Le Thu is Deputy Director of Asia at the International Crisis Group – a conflict prevention organisation. She is also an Expert Associate at NSC.

Dr Collin Koh is Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies and an Expert Associate at NSC.

Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of NSC. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia.


TRANSCRIPT


Show notes

·      NSC academic programs – study with us

·      Preventing conflict in our region: options for Australian statecraft

·      ASEAN Community Vision 2045

·      COLREGS


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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