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Join us for another instalment of our series with Women in International Security - Australia. For this episode, we're joined by Susan Coles, a senior Australian diplomat whose pathway into international affairs began through the United Nations and has since spanned diplomacy, trade negotiations and ambassadorial appointments across the Indo-Pacific. Susan has served as Australia's Ambassador to the Indian Ocean region and Consul-General to French Polynesia, and has worked at the intersection of international law, trade, security and gender equality throughout her career.

Welcome to the second episode of Diplomacy in Motion, a series produced in collaboration between Women in International Security Australia (WIIS-A) and the Young Diplomats Society. This series is about the moments when work in international affairs leaves the page and enters practice. While the field is underpinned by deep policy analysis, research, and bureaucratic process, there are points when that groundwork is tested in real time. Through conversations with international affairs professionals, we examine how decisions are made when negotiations are live, events move quickly, or stakes are high.In this episode, Poppy sits down with Jane Hardy — Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre and former Australian senior career diplomat. Over three decades, Jane served in seven Australian embassies across the Indo-Pacific, the United States, and Europe, including four at ambassador level. Her expertise spans US-Asia relations, Indo-Pacific security, arms control, and the Australia-US alliance. (edited)

YDS x WIIS-A: Diplomacy in Motion - Shannon Zimmerman

Dr. Shirah Z Mansaray is the Managing Partner of Themis Crown Advocates and a solicitor-advocate with over 20 years of experience in legal advisory, governance, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Amnesty International UK and is the Founder and CEO of I Am Somebody’s Child Soldier, an NGO supporting war-affected children in Uganda. With a PhD in Sustainable Architecture and Mental Wellbeing from University College London, her work bridges law, human rights, and sustainability. Her mission is to deliver values-driven solutions that promote justice, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Joining us today is international criminal lawyer Dr. Emma Collins, Special Counsel at Nyman Gibson Miralis in Sydney. She holds multiple degrees from the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford, including a PhD in International Criminal Law. As well as a range of experience in UK and Australian criminal law, she has worked in the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, and also represented a state party before the  Court in the first successful admissibility challenge. From global tribunals and transnational crime to high-stakes defence work, Emma brings a deep expertise in the complexity of international justice.

Dario holds a Master’s in International Relations from the Hertie School in Berlin and is one of the co-founders of the youth-led international relations think tank RAIA, where he has been actively involved for the past seven years and has served as Managing Director for the last four. RAIA is a youth-focused global think tank dedicated to making international affairs more accessible by simplifying complex ideas, using visual storytelling, and exploring leaders’ motives without fueling division.  Currently based in Berlin, Dario shares why he started RAIA, discusses his latest venture, the podcast The Western Bubble, co-founded with his former Professor Balder Hageraats, and reflects on his career journey so far.  We hope you enjoy this conversation with a passionate international relations specialist and youth organization leader.

Culture, conflict and global chess? Headlines about the Islamic Republic of Iran are frequent, but true understanding often remains limited. Oz and Thien take a sharp 30-minute dive into some of the most poignant points to consider when evaluating Iran, offering a concise but insightful look at the state and its complexities.

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome someone whose career began right here at the Young Diplomats Society, and has since transformed that spark into a really dynamic path. Rhiannon Van Vliet is currently a Policy Advisor at University College London’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy. There, she works at the intersection of cutting-edge research and real-world policymaking, from science diplomacy to EU-UK trade relations. Before moving to London, Rhiannon worked at the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, leading key projects on domestic and sexual violence responses, mental health in policing, and education reform. Her career so far has bridged disciplines, countries, and big ideas - and we’re so excited to have her back with us today to share her journey.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Natalia Grincheva, Program Leader in Arts Management at LASALLE, University of the Arts Singapore, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. A globally recognized expert in contemporary museology, digital diplomacy, and international cultural relations, Dr. Grincheva shares insights from her illustrious career—spanning prestigious research fellowships, groundbreaking work with UNESCO, and industry collaborations from ACMI to ICR Research in London. Tune in to explore how culture, technology, and global dialogue intersect in today’s digital world.

In this episode, hosts Thien and Oz dive into the vital role of cultural diplomacy in Australia—how the arts are used to foster international relationships, promote national identity, and project soft power on the global stage. Oz, our in-house cultural diplomacy expert, unpacks the institutions, strategies, and stories behind Australia’s international cultural engagement—including the role of Creative Australia as a key player in shaping cultural narratives at home and abroad. From policy to practice, funding to festivals, this conversation explores how Australia’s creative sector intersects with global diplomacy. Whether you're an artist, policymaker, or globally curious listener, this episode sheds light on the cultural forces influencing Australia’s place in the world.

Xenia Hanusiak wears many hats—artistic director, cultural diplomat, and scholar are just a few of the impressive roles that define her multifaceted career. With a resume that spans continents and disciplines, Hanusiak brings a rare blend of creativity, intellect, and global perspective to everything she touches. In this captivating episode, Poppy sits down with Xenia to delve into her journey through the world of cultural diplomacy. From curating groundbreaking international projects to bridging cultural divides through the arts, Xenia shares insights into what it truly means to work at the intersection of creativity and diplomacy. She opens up about the defining moments of her career, the challenges and triumphs of her path, and how she carved out a space for herself in such a unique and influential field. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in the global arts scene.

In this episode, we explore the foreign policy frontlines of the Australian election. From rising tensions with China to migration and climate diplomacy, we break down how international dynamics are influencing the domestic debate. Whether you're a foreign affairs junkie or just curious about how global issues play out at the ballot box, this is your ticket to understanding how Australia’s vote echoes around the world.

Introducing Jeremy Dicker, the current Managing Director of International Intrigue, a premier geopolitical news platform, offering unparalleled insights from the experts who know international relations better than anyone—diplomats. With a distinguished 14-year career at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jeremy has worked across diverse global regions, including Mexico, Peru, and the United States. In this episode, Poppy delves deep into Jeremy Dicker’s remarkable journey, from his early days as a young lawyer with the United Nations in Fiji to his pivotal decision to pivot into his current role leading International Intrigue. Discover what sparked his passion for international law and diplomacy, what shaped his extensive career, and the experiences that led him to become the driving force behind one of the most respected sources of geopolitical news today. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s fascinated by the world of foreign affairs, and it offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from someone who has truly “been there and done that” in the realm of Australian diplomacy and international relations.

In this episode, we dive into some of the most pressing global conflicts and political shifts for 2025. We’ll explore the Ukraine-Russia peace plan, with a spotlight on Donald Trump's involvement and its potential impact on the region. The conversation then shifts to the Israel-Palestine situation, focusing on the latest ceasefire developments. We also provide background on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, shedding light on its complex roots and current state. Finally, we examine the rise of far-right politics across Europe, sharing insights on its growing influence. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of today’s most critical global issues.