Prof. Maria Rost Rublee1
1University Of Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Maria Rost Rublee is President of Women in International Security-Australia, as well as founder and chair of the Global Taskforce on Diversity in Security Studies. Her research is internationally recognized, leading to an award-winning monograph, two edited books, and over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.
Abstract:
The trilateral AUKUS agreement between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia- under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines at an estimated $368 billion cost – has been described as providing long-term strategic benefits for the three partners and is widely considered to be a response to the rise of China. This panel interrogates the intersection of AUKUS and the public: how political leaders have pitched the security partnership to the public, the public response to AUKUS, and the importance of public consent around the nuclear technology and waste inherent to the project. This panel sheds light on questions of public legitimacy, transparency and consultation around AUKUS.