#27 Why is the Pacific so important to the security of America and the world: What’s at Stake?

The Indo-Pacific is becoming an important battleground for global influence, with escalating U.S.-China rivalry shaping the region’s security dynamics. In this episode, John Hennessey-Niland and Matt Ort analyse the stakes for Australia and its allies, focusing on military strategies, critical infrastructure, and maritime security. As both superpowers vie for control over vital trade routes and undersea cables, Australia’s role becomes increasingly critical in securing stability.

Key Takeaways:
✔️Significance of the region for global security and prosperity 
✔️ How U.S.-China competition affects regional security in the Pacific.
✔️ Strategic implications for Australia’s defence and logistics.
✔️ The significance of Pacific islands in global trade and military positioning.
✔️ Allied cooperation to secure maritime routes and infrastructure.

Guests: 
John Hennessey-Niland 
John is a former U.S. Ambassador to Palau and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Australia. He is now a lecturer at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. With over 35 years of diplomatic experience, he has played key roles in shaping U.S. policies in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on military logistics, strategic alliances, and regional stability.

Cap. Matt Ort (ret) 
Matt is a former U.S. Naval Attache to Australia and the Managing Partner at Vaxa Bureau USA. He brings extensive expertise in defence strategy and international relations, having served as a senior military adviser and naval attaché in Australia. His work focuses on the Pacific's evolving dynamics, logistics, and geopolitical risks.

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