PODCAST: Unpacking the history of Australia’s defence policy and posture, with Michael Pezzullo

The pair begin their discussion focusing on the early days of Australia’s “sovereign” defence policy, beginning in the aftermath of the Second World War, and our double-edged sword fear of “entrapment” and “abandonment”.

They also discuss:

• The evolution of Australia’s defence policy and posture during the Cold War, culminating in the 1986 Dibb Report and 1987 Defence White Paper which continues to influence the nation’s posture and policy to this day.
• The 2009 Defence White Paper whose development was led by Pezzullo and the Force 2030 concept which marks the first time China’s regional ambitions are highlighted and accounted for in Australian planning.
• The current predicament Australia finds itself facing in light of mounting great power tension and competition in the Indo-Pacific and our need to rapidly prepare.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 526: PODCAST: Getting our naval force structure right, with Jennifer Parker
Episode 525: CONTESTED GROUND: The expanding world of state-sponsored cyber warfare
Episode 524: SPOTLIGHT: Training – key to the National Defence Strategy, with CAE’s James Digges
Episode 523: PODCAST: Unpacking the impacts of a disruptive new US Defense secretary
Episode 522: PODCAST: Threats, theatre and tariffs in Trump’s world, with the Defence Connect team
Episode 521: CONTESTED GROUND: Regaining the qualitative advantage
Episode 520: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025? Part 2
Episode 519: PODCAST: Boosting women’s involvement in defence industry, with Rachel Falzon, Women in Defence Association
Episode 518: SPOTLIGHT: Delivering a sovereign small arms and load carriage capability, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 517: PODCAST: Royal Australian Navy minehunters’ new purpose after service, with Frank van der Linde