Is Australia charting its own defence course—or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific.

Show Notes:

Contact Peter Layton on:

Griffith Asia Institute: p.layton@griffith.edu.au 

LinkedIn

X: @GAIGriffith 

Peter’s Top Five publications:

Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through Complex Interdependence (May 2025)

In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks. 

Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules (2024)

Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment. 

Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia (2024)

In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming.

Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications (2021)

Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches.

Grand Strategy (2018)

In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.

Is Australia charting its own defence course&mdash;or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia&rsquo;s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific.
Show Notes:
Contact Peter Layton on:
Griffith Asia Institute:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:p.layton@griffith.edu.au">p.layton@griffith.edu.au</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpeterlayton?lipi=urn:li:page:d_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details;NgVYgdAGT9SFHHjLRVOTsQ==">LinkedIn</a>
X: @GAIGriffith&nbsp;
Peter&rsquo;s Top Five publications:
Ensuring Australia&rsquo;s Defence Through Complex Interdependence&nbsp;(May 2025)
In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks.&nbsp;
Australia&rsquo;s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules&nbsp;(2024)
Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment.&nbsp;
Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia&nbsp;(2024)
In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming.
Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications&nbsp;(2021)
Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches.
Grand Strategy&nbsp;(2018)
In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.