Insights into intelligence: statecraft, security, and truth

Insights into intelligence: statecraft, security, and truth

Author: ANU National Security College April 4, 2024 Duration: 52:35

What is the role of intelligence with respect to policy-making and national security? 

What is the concept of ‘truth to power’ and is it the right approach for intelligence assessment?  

Should intelligence agencies to be more public and open about their threat assessments? 

What is the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in the intelligence community (IC)? And would the Australian IC stand to benefit from a standalone OSINT agency? 

 

In this episode, Beth Sanner joins Peter Ford and Ben Scott to discuss how intelligence and statecraft interact and look at some key events to analyse the role of intelligence. 


Beth Sanner is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University Belfer Center and the former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration. 

Peter Ford is a Senior Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC).  

Ben Scott is a Senior Advisor at NSC.  


Show notes:  

 

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. The National Security Podcast is available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The National Security Podcast
Podcast Episodes
George Brandis on how politics and national security intersect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:22
What is the relationship between national security and politics? How does national security policymaking differ from other areas of public policy?And how might the decline of major parties in Australia impact the nationa…
In conversation with Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:37
What is the role of the Army in an era shaped by strategic competition?How is the Army adapting for wars of the future?Why is it important to build trust between the Army and Australian society? In this episode, Simon St…
Beyond the ballot: misinformation, trust and truth in elections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:31
How do electoral commissions balance public trust with the growing role of technology (like Artificial Intelligence) in electoral processes? Can AI be a democratic tool? How are the electoral commissions in Australia and…
The politics of migration, refugees and national security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:41
How do negative portrayals of migrants and refugees impact social cohesion within a society? What is "crimmigration," and what are the issues with using criminal law frameworks in immigration contexts?Do political incent…
The impact of climate change on national security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:48
Collective mobilisation is needed for an adequate response to climate change. How do we get there?How does climate change affect militaries? What role can technology play in mitigating the risks?What challenges does fede…
Quad Leaders’ Summit: setting it up for success in "phase 3" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
What are the key takeaways from the 2024 Quad Leaders’ Summit? The Quad has helped its members to align and coordinate key policies, but what more needs to be done to improve its ability to deliver on major initiatives?…