The evolution of strategic deterrence

The evolution of strategic deterrence

Author: ANU National Security College August 21, 2025 Duration: 43:28

How has strategic deterrence evolved from the Cold War to contemporary times?

What is ‘strategic substitution,’ and how has China used it to craft its unique approach to deterrence?

How does the ‘Golden Dome’ proposed by the US fit into today’s debates on missile defence and counter-space capabilities?

Does Australia need to do more to close the capability gap in relation to China’s recent modernisation?

 

In this episode, Fiona Cunningham and Aaron Bateman join David Andrews to explore the evolution of strategic deterrence from the Cold War to contemporary times, with a focus on nuclear weapons, space capabilities and alternative approaches.

 

Dr Aaron Bateman is Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University.

Dr Fiona Cunningham is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC).

David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at NSC.

 

TRANSCRIPT

 

Show notes

·        NSC academic programs – find out more

·        Under the Nuclear Shadow: China’s Information-Age Weapons in International Security by Fiona Cunningham

·        Weapons in Space: Technology, Politics, and the Rise and Fall of the Strategic Defense Initiative by Aaron Bateman

·        Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on Golden Dome for America

·        THAAD – The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System

 

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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