Australia's 'barking mad' bet on nuclear submarines
Summary
The Conversation Weekly examines the five-year anniversary of the AUKUS defense pact, featuring defense analyst Hugh White. The episode explores how the secretive 2021 announcement, which promised nuclear-powered submarines, has evolved into a controversial $368 billion project plagued by delays and skepticism. White discusses the strategic rationale behind the deal, the cancellation of the French submarine contract, and growing doubts about whether the US and UK can deliver the vessels on time. The discussion also highlights the impact of shifting US political dynamics under Donald Trump a…
Topics discussed
Introduction: AUKUS five years later and the sovereignty debate
Hugh White recalls the surprise announcement of AUKUS
Criticism of the secrecy and lack of expert input
The original 2021 deal: vague details and no timeline
The $368 billion price tag and emerging doubts
Abandoning the French submarine contract and political theater
Strategic context: deteriorating security and US alliance
Domestic politics: The 2022 election and Labor's support
Sponsor break: Jane Austen's Paper Trail podcast
Declining public support and delivery challenges
Impact of Trump's presidency on the strategic rationale
Budget constraints and the cost of nuclear submarines
Future risks: Collins class retirement and capability gap
Closing remarks and credits
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