One and free: interests, values and national identity

One and free: interests, values and national identity

Author: ANU National Security College April 18, 2024 Duration: 1:01:29

Why is it important to consider Australia's national identity when discussing matters related to national security?

What does a shared sense of national identity look like for Australia today? 

What are some of the frailties and risks that Australia faces when it comes to maintaining social cohesion? 


In this episode, Zoe McKenzie, Allegra Spender, Wesa Chau, Asmi Wood and Afeeya Akhand join Ian Kemish to discuss the importance of Australian values, national identity, and social cohesion in guiding Australia’s strategic priorities.


Zoe McKenzie MP is the Federal Member for Flinders 

Allegra Spender MP is the Federal Member for Wentworth 

Wesa Chau is the Director of Public Policy at the Multicultural Leadership Initiative 

Professor Asmi Wood is a Professor at the ANU College of Law and Sub-Dean (Indigenous) 

Afeeya Akhand is a Youth Council Member at the ANU National Security College (NSC). 

Ian Kemish AM is a Distinguished Advisor at NSC.  


Show notes: 


Note: This episode was recorded during the NSC’s ‘Securing our Future’ conference on 10 April 2024. 


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. 


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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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