Episode 733: AUKUS, Australia, Alliances & the Pacific, with Gray Connolly

Yes, September is Australian Appreciation Month on the Midrats Podcast. Building on our discussion earlier this month with Liz Buchanan, we are returning to the perspective from the Antipodes with returning guest Gray Connolly.From Afghanistan, to the Antarctic, to the approaches to the Arctic through the Pacific, we’ll have a broad-reaching discussion of allied national security concerns from the Australian perspective.Gray Connolly served as a Naval Intelligence officer in the Royal Australian Navy. He graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College and holds the King’s Commission. Gray is a graduate in Arts (Honours - History) from the University of Sydney and in Law (Dean’s Merit List) from the University of New South Wales.Gray served previously in Asia and the Middle East, including service in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, East Timor, and the Middle East. Gray served in the Iraq War (two deployments) and Afghanistan.Gray is now a Barrister-at-Law in Sydney. He has advised the Australian Government on national security and public law matters and served as a Senior Member of the federal Administrative Appeals Tribunal.He keeps a blog at “Strategy Counsel” and his Twitter is @GrayConnollyAll of Gray’s comments and opinions are his alone and do NOT represent the view of the Australian Government.SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, the discussion revolves around Australia's national security, particularly in the context of the AUKUS agreement, its relationships with major powers like China and India, and the importance of alliances. Gray shares insights on the public support for AUKUS, the challenges posed by Australia's geographic isolation, and the historical context of Australia's military contributions. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Australia's relationship with Indonesia and the implications of China's influence in Antarctica.TakeawaysAUKUS is popular among Australians, reflecting a bipartisan agreement.Australia's geographic isolation necessitates strong military capabilities.The AUKUS agreement is crucial for Australia's national security.Australia's resource management is complicated by economic dependencies.Alliances are vital for Australia due to its size and population.Australia values its historical military contributions to global conflicts.The Australian character emphasizes internationalism and support for allies.China's influence in Antarctica poses significant concerns for Australia.Australia's relationship with Indonesia has improved over the years.Cricket serves as a cultural bridge between Australia and India.Chapters00:00: Introduction to MidRats and Australia Appreciation Month02:30: AUKUS Agreement: A National Security Perspective03:50: Public Support for AUKUS in Australia06:20: Australia's Resource Management and Economic Dependencies08:28: The Importance of Alliances in National Security10:00: Australia's Geographic Challenges and Military Needs11:04: Australia's Commitment to the Alliance12:32: The Impact of European Defense Spending on Australia13:00: Australia's Historical Military Contributions15:22: The Australian National Character and Internationalism18:23: Concerns Over China's Influence in Antarctica40:06: Australia's Relationship with Indonesia55:04: Australia's Growing Ties with India