Deterring China: Military Modernization, A2AD, and the Indo‑Pacific Balance

Extended Deterrence and Nuclear Sharing in the Indo‑Pacific

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, hosts Christine and Carl take a deep dive into extended nuclear deterrence, nuclear sharing, and Australia’s evolving defense strategy in an increasingly contested Asia‑Pacific region. The discussion examines whether nuclear sharing—long debated in Europe—could play a role in Australia’s security posture, and what the strategic, political, and regional consequences might be. From alliance reliability and the credibility of U.S. extended deterrence to the risks and benefits of hosting nuclear weapons on Australian soil, this episode tackles some of the most complex questions facing policymakers today. They unpack the implications of Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy, including the push toward greater self‑reliance, the role of AUKUS, and how nuclear capabilities factor into regional stability and deterrence dynamics involving China. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/] Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml [https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence] X.com [http://X.com]: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence [https://x.com/thinkdeterrence] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ] Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence [https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence] Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com [https://globalsecurityreview.com] Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/]

Decoding China’s Influence in the Indo‑Pacific: Strategies and Perspectives

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, defense analyst Derek Grossman joins the discussion with Carl to unpack how countries across the Indo‑Pacific view—and respond to—China’s growing influence. As Grossman notes, the Indo‑Pacific is far from monolithic, with regional actors pursuing distinct strategies shaped by history, geography, and national interest. The conversation examines Australia’s evolving defense posture, the implications of AUKUS, and the role of U.S. alliances in shaping regional security. It also explores China’s expanding diplomatic footprint, including the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside concerns over coercion, influence, and strategic signaling. From ASEAN’s careful balancing to Vietnam’s nuanced approach, this episode highlights why calibrated engagement and credible deterrence remain essential in managing great‑power competition. This discussion offers valuable insight into the complexity of Indo‑Pacific security dynamics—and why understanding regional perspectives is critical to shaping effective strategy. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/] Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml [https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence] X.com [http://X.com]: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence [https://x.com/thinkdeterrence] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ] Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence [https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence] Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com [https://globalsecurityreview.com] Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/]

Deterring China: Military Modernization, A2AD, and the Indo‑Pacific Balance

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Christine and Carl examine the accelerating pace of China’s military modernization and what it means for Australia, regional allies, and stability in the Indo‑Pacific. The discussion explores Beijing’s strategic objectives—particularly its anti‑access/area denial (A2AD) approach—and how these capabilities shape deterrence dynamics surrounding Taiwan and U.S. and allied forces operating in the region. The conversation also highlights Australia’s evolving defense posture, including industrial cooperation with partners such as Germany, the growing importance of alliances, and the challenges posed by operating exquisite but finite military systems across vast distances. Drawing lessons from recent conflicts, the panel assesses how multi‑domain precision warfare, forward basing vulnerabilities, and alliance cohesion factor into deterring conflict in an increasingly contested strategic environment. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/] Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/] Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies [https://thinkdeterrence.com/nids-podcast-network/] Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml [https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence] X.com [http://X.com]: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence [https://x.com/thinkdeterrence] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ] Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence [https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence] Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com [https://globalsecurityreview.com] Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/]

China’s Nuclear Rise and the Indo‑Pacific Security Reckoning

China’s rapid nuclear expansion is reshaping global deterrence—and it’s happening faster than many realize. In this episode, Christine and Carl break down China’s evolving nuclear strategy, from new missile systems and submarine-launched capabilities to alarming tests near Lop Nur. They explore what a growing arsenal—potentially reaching the thousands by the 2030s—means for strategic stability, first‑strike dynamics, and regional security in Australia and the Indo‑Pacific. Essential listening for anyone concerned about the future of nuclear deterrence and global security. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/] Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/] Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies [https://thinkdeterrence.com/nids-podcast-network/] Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml [https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence] X.com [http://X.com]: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence [https://x.com/thinkdeterrence] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ] Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence [https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence] Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com [https://globalsecurityreview.com] Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/]

China’s Vision for the Future Global Order with Dr. Fei-Ling Wang

In this episode of Deterrence Down Under, Carl speaks with Dr. Fei‑Ling Wang about China’s worldview, the Chinese Communist Party’s vision for a new global order, and the strategic implications of China’s military and technological rise. The conversation explores why Taiwan is central to CCP legitimacy, how China seeks influence through both power and institutions, and why long‑term coordination among Western allies is essential to counter Beijing’s ambitions. Get Involved with more NIDS Services: https://thinkdeterrence.com/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/] Deterrence Education at NIDS https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/deterrence-education/] Listen to our Podcasts NIDS Podcast Network - National Institute for Deterrence Studies Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml [https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence] X.com [http://X.com]: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence [https://x.com/thinkdeterrence] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ] Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence [https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence] Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com [https://globalsecurityreview.com] Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/ [https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/]