The true costs of an ‘independent’ foreign and defence policy, with Strategic Analysis Australia’s Michael Shoebridge

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia’s level of defence spending and a host of other topics.

The pair discuss a range of issues, including:

• Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the “shackles” of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly “independent” foreign and defence policy and posture.
• The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent.
• The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team