Security, power and the perspectives we miss

Security, power and the perspectives we miss

Author: ANU National Security College June 11, 2026 Duration: 44:56

Can national security be fully understood through hard power alone?

Is it time for Australia to have a broader national security strategy – one that goes beyond defence and brings in federal, state and community perspectives?

How can women’s experiences be integrated into a more traditional understanding of national security?

 

In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Professor Valerie Hudson and Dr Elise Stephenson about realism, power and the perspectives often missing from traditional security debates.


Professor Valerie Hudson is Professor and George H.W. Bush Chair in the Department of International Affairs of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

Dr Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, Australian National University.

Sharryn Parker is a Senior Policy Advisor at the ANU National Security College (NSC), on secondment from the Department of Defence. 

 

TRANSCRIPT


Show notes 

·    NSC academic programs – find out more 

·    Whither Women and Peace and Security?

·    Gender and National Security

·    Community Consultations Findings Report


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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