CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast

This episode examines how uncrewed systems have been used in the Ukraine war and how the US can use this information to develop countermeasures.  Guest Biographies Samuel Bendett is an advisor with CNA’s Russia Studies Program. His research focuses on Russian defense and technology developments; uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous military systems; artificial intelligence; and Russian military capabilities. His analysis of Russia’s war against Ukraine has appeared in globally read news outlets such as VICE and The Washington Post.   Michael Petersen is a principal research scientist in CNA's Russia Studies Program. He is an expert on Russian military strategy, operations, and net assessments of high-intensity conflict. From 2023-2024, he served as senior advisor to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti.  Further Reading CNA InDepth: Drones Over Ukraine CNA Report: Russia’s Use of Uncrewed Systems in Ukraine

Julian G. Waller, a Research Analyst specializing in Russian political-military affairs, and Elizabeth Wishnick, an expert on China-Russian relations, delve into the intricate and evolving partnership between Russia and Iran. They discuss how the Ukraine war has intensified military cooperation, including Iran's weapon supply to Russia. Key moments like the Syrian civil war and the complexities of joint drone production reveal the strategic depth of their alliance. The podcast explores their navigations through sanctions and the dynamics involving China, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding.

Our partners from the FAA’s Center for Excellence’s ASSUREd Safe join the show to discuss integrating uncrewed aerial systems into the national airspace.  Guest Biographies BJ McClenton is the Associate Director of ASSUREd Safe, brings over 20 years of first responder and emergency service experience as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Prior to joining ASSUREd Safe, he spent 15 years working with Mississippi State University Extension conducting adult education and outreach programs. Michelle Hanlon is the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi. She is the Editor-in-Chief of both the Journal of Space Law and the Journal of Drone Law & Policy. As a key partner with ASSURE, the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research, Michelle drives advancements in drone policy, from airspace integration to beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Steven Habicht is the director of CNA’s Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization.  Further Reading CNA: Agent-Based Modeling of Uncrewed Aircraft System Flight Planning for Airspace Fairness CNA: Port Security and Emergency Response Using Autonomous Systems: Virginia Pilot Program  

This episode covers South Korean President Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law, his impeachment, and what this means for US/ROK security cooperation.  Guest Biographies Dr. Thomas Bickford is a principal research scientist in the CNA Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Program. His research has focused on Chinese maritime strategy, Chinese national security policy, and China’s relations with its neighbors. Carita Reid is the Research Assistant for the China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Her research focuses on the Korean peninsula, and she is interested in the domestic environment of both Koreas, nuclear proliferation, democratization efforts, and human rights.

In this discussion, April Herlevi and Christopher Cairns, both experts in Chinese security and technology, dive into China's rapid advancements in dual-use technology. They explore the PLA's military AI developments, revealing how civilian tech is intertwining with defense strategies. The conversation also highlights China's semiconductor ambitions, emphasizing the role of nationalism and government support. Additionally, they touch on the significance of subsea technologies for military and civilian applications, and the implications of China's growing commercial space industry on global security.

Experts from across CNA join the show to discuss their research on challenges the industrial base faces in meeting U.S. government demands.  Guest Biographies  Dr. Charles A. Cartier is a research scientist in CNA’s Gaming and Integration Program. He was a lead analyst and co-designer of the CAMOLAND wargame on Clothing and Textiles for the Defense Logistics Agency.  Dawn Thomas is a co-director of the Center for Emergency Management and Operations and director of the Center for Critical Incident Analysis. She is an expert in large-scale incident planning and response. April Cho is a research scientist in CNA’s Data Science Predictive Analytics Program. She has worked on various projects supporting the Navy, including the munitions industrial base study for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition.    Further Reading CNA Report: Camoland Clothing and Textile Industrial Base Wargame Report The Blue Book Project Registration Link: Blue Book TV Hosts: Planning for National Security Emergencies

This episode covers the fall of the Assad regime and what it means for Syria, Russia, Iran, and Turkey.  Guest Biographies Michael Connell is a specialist in Russia and the Middle East in CNA’s Russia Studies Program. His primary area of expertise is the armed forces of Iran and Russia, and he has published extensively on these topics both inside and outside of CNA. Jeffrey Edmonds is an expert on Russia and Eurasia in CNA’s Russia Studies Program. Edmonds previously served as the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, covering topics in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa. Jeff also served as acting Senior Director for Russia on the National Security Council.  Further Reading  CNA’s Russia Studies Program

April A. Herlevi, a Senior Research Scientist in China Studies, and Kevin Pollpeter, Director of Research at the Air University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute, explore Taiwan's military adaptations inspired by the Ukraine War. They discuss Taiwan's strategic reforms, including increased conscription and drone initiatives, to enhance deterrence against China. They also analyze the critical roles of satellite communications in warfare and tackle the challenges of misinformation, emphasizing the necessity of internal and external support for Taiwan's defense.

David M. Finkelstein, a retired U.S. Army officer and expert on China, joins Gordon Jaquith, formerly of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Ann Parcell, who directs Navy HR programs. They discuss how the Navy must adapt to strategic competition with China without resorting to armed conflict. Key topics include the balance of high-end warfare and peacetime operations, the integration of commercial drones in naval strategy, and the recruitment challenges facing the Navy amid evolving military needs.

Rachel Hartley, a research analyst at CNA, specializes in military recruitment and performance optimization. In this conversation, she introduces RShiny, a new tool that helps Navy leaders analyze the complex shipbuilding plan and its long-term impact on fleet readiness. The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding current shipbuilding formats and how the Shiny Code Package can visualize data effectively. Hartley also emphasizes the innovative initiatives from CNA's Innovation Incubator, showcasing unique solutions for essential naval challenges.