Midrats

For a decade and a half, since President Obama’s Pacific Pivot speech, there has been a rising tide in the conversation about the need to fix the US Navy’s shortfall to meet the challenge of the People’s Republic of China.Faced with systemic and cascading failures in everything from surface ship design to maintenance, and distractions as frivolous as Great Green Fleets at sea and as serious as the Islamic State ashore, navalists have been waiting for serious action on the waterfront to match the rising tide of the strategic situation.Rhetorically at least, the second Trump administration came in saying all the right things to give hope that, at last, we would turn into the wind.Are we?Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Chris Servello, CDR, USN (Ret.), cofounder of Provision Advisors PR Consultancy. SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, Mark, Sal, and Chris Servello discuss the current state of the U.S. Navy, focusing on leadership challenges, the importance of communication, and the need for innovation in naval strategy and technology. They explore the cultural issues within the Navy that hinder progress and the necessity for reform in acquisition processes. The conversation also touches on the role of allied navies and the importance of domestic shipbuilding capabilities in maintaining American sea power.TakeawaysThe Navy is at a critical juncture in reclaiming its sea power.Leadership changes are necessary to address the Navy’s challenges.Communication with Congress and the public is vital for naval support.Cultural issues within the Navy contribute to a lack of innovation.The Navy must learn from allied navies and their practices.Acquisition processes need significant reform to be effective.Risk-taking and creativity are essential for naval success.Domestic shipbuilding capabilities must be prioritized over outsourcing.The current political climate affects national security discussions.The Navy’s future depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.Chapters00:00: Introduction05:04: Reflections on Naval Strategy and Leadership09:51: Challenges in Navy Leadership and Administration14:47: Comparative Analysis of Military Services19:50: The Importance of Communication and Public Engagement24:51: Innovations in Naval Technology and Acquisition Reform30:07: Concluding Thoughts on Naval Future and Leadership32:18: Navigating Leadership Challenges in the Navy34:28: The State of American Sea Power36:42: Balancing Domestic and Foreign Shipbuilding40:52: The Future of Naval Strategy and Technology45:18: The Role of Congress in Naval Affairs48:32: Innovating Beyond Traditional Naval Constructs51:43: Cultural Barriers to Risk and Innovation56:40: Reviving Experimentation in Naval Programs01:00:07: Learning from Global Naval Practices

How are naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, and commercial shipping linked together to create a healthy and effective national seapower ecosystem?What did the 1990s “Last Supper” get wrong, and what can be done to correct the error?Our guest this week is Hunter Stires, founder and CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group, returning to Midrats to discuss this and more.We will be using as a starting point for our discussion the recent article that he co-wrote with Steve Brock at CIMSEC, Maritime Statecraft and its Future.SummaryIn this conversation with Sal and Mark, Hunter Stires discusses the interconnectedness of naval shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and the broader maritime strategy of the United States. He emphasizes the historical context of U.S. maritime power, the importance of bipartisan support for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the role of allies like South Korea in enhancing U.S. capabilities. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, the need for competition in the shipbuilding sector, and the strategic imperative of maintaining a robust maritime ecosystem.ShowlinksMaritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter StiresThe Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. LambertThe Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer MahanShipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR SalamanderShareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin BollingerEpisode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark TempestTakeawaysThe U.S. maritime ecosystem is interconnected and requires a holistic approach.Bipartisan support is crucial for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry.Historical lessons from figures like Mahan are relevant today.South Korea’s investment in U.S. shipbuilding symbolizes a strong partnership.Workforce challenges in shipbuilding can be addressed through better pay and training.Outsourcing shipbuilding undermines U.S. strategic interests.Competition in the shipbuilding sector leads to innovation and efficiency.The U.S. must leverage its allies for technological advancements in shipbuilding.A maritime revival is possible with the right political will and strategy.Investment in shipbuilding is essential for national security.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Maritime Strategy and Ecosystem02:05: The Interconnection of Naval and Commercial Shipbuilding07:06: Historical Context: Lessons from Mahan and the Past14:40: Bipartisan Support for Maritime Revival18:16: The Role of South Korea in U.S. Shipbuilding31:00: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding and Workforce41:50: Future Directions and Strategic PartnershipsHunter Stires served as the Maritime Strategist to the 78th Secretary of the Navy, completing his term in June 2025. He has been recognized for his work as one of the principal architects of the Maritime Statecraft strategy put into action by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to rebuild America’s comprehensive maritime power, both commercial and naval. Mr. Stires serves as a Non-Resident Fellow with the Navy League’s Center for Maritime Strategy and as the Project Director of the U.S. Naval Institute’s Maritime Counterinsurgency Project. A graduate of Columbia University, Mr. Stires previously served in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and in several positions on the Navy Staff, including in OPNAV N96 Surface Warfare Directorate, OPNAV N95 Expeditionary Warfare Directorate, and OPNAV N522 Navy Irregular Warfare Group. Since departing government, Mr. Stires founded and now serves as CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group.Mr. Stires has been recognized twice with the U.S. Naval Institute’s General Prize, the premier writing award of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, judged in the blind by active duty Sea Service professionals each year since its inception in 1879. He was awarded 1st Prize for “The South China Sea Needs a ‘COIN’ Toss,” published in Proceedings in May 2019; he was awarded 2nd Prize for “Win Without Fighting,” published in June 2020. His article in the Summer 2019 issue of the Naval War College Review, “‘They Were Playing Chicken:’ The U.S. Asiatic Fleet’s Gray-Zone Deterrence Campaign against Japan, 1937-40,” was selected for inclusion in the Newport Papers monograph Deterrence. Mr. Stires’s published work has been cited in a wide range of outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, War on the Rocks, The National Interest, 19FortyFive, the Liberty Times, Rappler, and the South China Morning Post —as well as the Chinese language edition of the Global Times.

Chris Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Anduril, dives into the future of defense technology. He discusses how integrating commercial tech can revolutionize military capabilities. Brose emphasizes the importance of mass production and adaptability in combat. The conversation highlights the innovative Ghost Shark program with Australia and the challenges of the U.S. acquisition system. Finally, he shares an optimistic view on creating agile solutions for modern warfare, arguing for a shift toward collaborative and resilient defense strategies.

SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss a range of topics related to national security, military strategy, and current events. They reflect on the 25th anniversary of the USS Cole attack, analyze the ongoing dynamics in the Middle East, and explore the implications of military presence and partnerships. The conversation also delves into submarine capabilities, logistics challenges, and innovations in supply chain solutions. Additionally, they touch on mine warfare, military pay issues, and the Navy’s upcoming 250th anniversary, concluding with a debate on the relevance of battleships in modern warfare.Show LinksMidrats Podcast with Kirk LippoldJapan Will Arm Its Submarines With Long-Range Cruise Missiles, Thomas Newdick at TWZ.Can the President Pay Troops During a Government Shutdown?, at GovFactsHypersonic-Armed Destroyers and Submarines are Relocating to Hawaii, Carter Johnson at Naval News.Fighting China, Fast and Slow: The Real Logistics Challenge in the Taiwan Strait, Maximilian K. Bremer and Kelly A. Grieco at Foreign AffairsU.S. Guided-missile Sub Makes Rare Appearance in the Philippines, Sam LaGrone at USNI News.The Battleship Continues to Haunt the US Navy, by James Holmes at The National InterestTakeawaysThe USS Cole attack marked a significant turning point in U.S. military operations overseas.Current peace efforts in the Middle East may provide a unique opportunity for stability.Military presence in strategic regions is crucial for maintaining alliances and deterrence.Submarine capabilities are essential for modern naval warfare and need to be prioritized.Japan’s military developments indicate a shift in regional security dynamics.Logistics challenges remain a critical concern for U.S. military operations.Innovative supply chain solutions are necessary for sustaining military forces in conflict zones.Mine warfare is an underappreciated aspect of naval strategy that requires attention.Military pay and accountability are fundamental responsibilities of leadership.The Navy’s 250th anniversary serves as a reminder of its historical significance and ongoing evolution.Chapters00:00: Introduction03:40: Reflecting on the USS Cole Attack10:27: Current Middle East Dynamics and Peace Efforts15:22: Military Strategy and International Relations20:11: Logistics Challenges in Modern Warfare29:33: Creating Targeting Problems in Warfare32:29: Addressing Cargo Capacity Challenges33:23: Leveraging Allies for Shipbuilding35:37: The Importance of Mine Warfare37:10: Ensuring Military Pay During Budget Crises41:06: Supporting Military Relief Organizations43:44: Celebrating the Navy’s 250th Anniversary46:50: The Debate on Battleships’ Relevance53:13: Future of Naval Warfare and Technology

For decades, while the rest of the world’s powers have distracted and tangled themselves with wars of choice and blunder, the People’s Republic of China has been watching, learning, and building. To what end?Returning to Midrats to discuss this and more will be Dean Cheng.Dean is a Senior Advisor, United States Institute of Peace; Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 13 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009.Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex.He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China’s Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs.Show LinksXi Jinping hails ‘unstoppable’ China at landmark military parade, Financial TimesMore than pageantry, China’s military parade shows off new missiles, drones and other equipment, The IndependentYJ-15 missile, YJ-19, YJ-17, YJ-20 hypersonic missiles, Global TimesNASA Names Astronauts to Next Moon Mission, First Crew Under ArtemisSummaryIn this conversation, Dean Cheng and the hosts discuss the implications of China’s recent military parade, the evolution of its nuclear capabilities, and the modernization of its conventional military forces. They focus on China’s ambition to establish a new world order and the strategic importance of its space and cyber capabilities. The discussion also touches on the role of coercion and deterrence in China’s military strategy, as well as the challenges posed by its growing influence on the global stage.TakeawaysChina’s military parade reflects its growing power and ambition.The presence of foreign leaders at the parade indicates shifting alliances.China is expanding its nuclear capabilities significantly.The PLA is focusing on both conventional and nuclear modernization.China’s approach to military strategy includes both coercion and deterrence.The Chinese space program aims for long-term presence on the moon.China’s cyber capabilities are evolving rapidly and pose a threat.The PLA’s indigenous production capabilities are improving.China’s military strategy is influenced by its historical context.The geopolitical landscape is changing with China’s rise.Chapters00:00: Introduction to the Discussion on China and Military Parades03:07: Analysis of the Recent Military Parade and Its Implications06:05: The Evolution of China’s Nuclear Capabilities12:07: China’s Conventional Military Strategy and Modernization16:04: China’s Global Influence and New World Order20:06: The Role of Coercion and Deterrence in Chinese Strategy26:12: China’s Space Program and Technological Advancements34:59: China’s Cyber and Information Warfare Capabilities43:46: The Future of China’s Military and Strategic Developments

Gray Connolly, a former Royal Australian Navy intelligence officer and barrister, offers deep insights into Australia's strategic landscape. He discusses the popularity of AUKUS, emphasizing its necessity for nuclear submarines amid procurement challenges. Gray explores the balance between resource exports to China and national security. With a focus on allied cooperation, he highlights Australia's geography, regional reliance, and the implications of China's activities in Antarctica. His take on Australia-India ties and the evolving Five Eyes partnership adds another layer to this essential dialogue.

Waves of different groups seeking new homes from east and west have arrived and disappeared on Greenland’s hostile shores for thousands of years. In the modern era of nation states, it is Greenland’s unique location and potential resources that are drawing attention once again as her strategic position once again brings her to the front.Today’s Midrats Podcast is going to start there with our guest, Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan.We will kick off with her latest book as a touchstone to our conversation, So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump.Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan is a senior fellow with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and an expert associate of the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ Institute for Strategic Research. Most recently she was Head of Research for the Royal Australian Navy (Department of Defence). Dr Buchanan is co-founder of the polar warfare program (Project 6633) at the Modern War Institute of the West Point Military Academy. Before joining Australia’s Defence Department, Dr. Buchanan was Lecturer of Strategic Studies for the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College. Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in Russian Arctic Strategy and completed her post-doctoral studies as a Maritime Fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome. She has published widely on geopolitics, most recently with Australian Foreign Affairs, International Affairs, War on the Rocks, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Australian, and The American Conservative. Dr. Buchanan has been a Visiting Scholar with the Brookings Institution and was an analyst with Royal Dutch Shell. Elizabeth has three published books:: Russian Energy Strategy in Asia and Red Arctic: Russian Arctic Strategy under Putin. In addition to, So you want to own Greenland, she also has an upcoming book, Competitive Cooperation at the Ends of the Earth.Show LinksSo You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump, by Elizabeth BuchananAustralia must pivot to ‘pit-stop power’ for AUKUS to work, by Elizabeth BuchananChina's parade of military might raises big questions about the AUKUS muddle, by Laura TingleEpisode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter RybskiBering Strait TunnelSummaryIn this episode of Midrats, Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan discusses her book on Greenland's strategic importance, the historical context of U.S.-Greenland relations, and the implications of China's growing influence in the Arctic and Antarctic. The conversation explores Denmark's role in Greenland's future, the challenges of independence, and the significance of AUKUS in the context of U.S.-Australia relations. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to the polar regions amidst great power competition.TakeawaysThe U.S. has a long-standing interest in Greenland, dating back to WWII.Denmark's control over Greenland is complicated by post-colonial dynamics.China's presence in the Arctic is growing and poses a challenge to U.S. interests.Australia's role in AUKUS is as a 'pit stop power' for U.S. submarines.The future of Greenland may hinge on its independence from Denmark.Public perception of Greenland's relationship with the U.S. is often disingenuous.The Arctic is becoming a global commons, complicating international relations.Australia faces challenges in defending its vast territory against Chinese encroachment.The U.S. needs to adapt its strategy to the changing dynamics in the Arctic and Antarctic.Chapters00:00: Introduction01:41: Exploring Greenland's Strategic Importance05:44: Historical Context of Greenland and U.S. Relations12:14: Greenland's Future and Independence16:42: Denmark's Role and Challenges21:30: China's Influence in the Arctic and Antarctic29:13: Great Power Competition in the Polar Regions34:44: AUKUS and Australia's Strategic Position41:15: Future of U.S.-Australia Relations

This summer, the fourth summer of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in the winter of 2022, we find the first serious and determined effort towards a genuine negotiation to end this grinding war in Eastern Europe.The experiences and lessons of this war aren’t only changing how nations throughout the world prepare for their next war, it has forced even greater changes on both combatants how they fight now and plan structuring their national defense post-war.Returning to Midrats again to discuss this and related issues is Dr. Dmitry Gorenburg, a Senior Research Scientist in the Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs division of CNA, where he has worked since 2000. Dr. Gorenburg is an associate at the Harvard University Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and previously served as Executive Director of the American Association of the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS). His research interests include security issues in the former Soviet Union, Russian military reform, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Dr. Gorenburg is author of Nationalism for the Masses: Minority Ethnic Mobilization in the Russian Federation (Cambridge University Press, 2003), and has been published in journals such as World Politics and Post-Soviet Affairs. He currently serves as editor of Problems of Post-Communism and was also editor of Russian Politics and Law from 2009 to 2016. Dr. Gorenburg received a B.A. in international relations from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University.Show LinksInside Russia’s Shadow Military Sustaining the War, by Mariya Y. OmelichevaIndia’s Ministry of External Affairs letter of 04 August 2025.Center for Naval Analysis (CNA) Analysis papers.Russian Military Reform BlogSummaryIn this episode of the Midrats Podcast, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is explored in depth, focusing on the initial misjudgments about the war's duration, the societal costs for Russia, and the regional disparities in the impact of the war. The conversation also delves into recruitment strategies, the role of paramilitary forces, economic pressures, and the dynamics within NATO. Additionally, military reforms, the influence of drones on warfare, and international support for Russia's military efforts are discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the conflict and its broader implications.TakeawaysThe initial belief was that Russia would win quickly.The price of repression in Russia has increased significantly.Recruitment for the war is more successful in rural areas.The narrative has shifted to a defensive stance against the West.Paramilitary forces were initially relied upon due to manpower shortages.The Russian economy has held up better than expected despite sanctions.Drones have made battlefields more static and less mobile.Russia is undergoing military reforms to adapt to the ongoing conflict.The North-South divide in NATO influences regional support for Ukraine.Russia's GDP is lower than that of Texas, highlighting economic challenges.Chapters00:00: Intro to the Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict05:34: Initial Misjudgments and Long-Term Perspectives08:31: The Price of War on Russian Society12:11: Regional Disparities in Russia's War Impact16:38: Shifting Narratives and Recruitment Strategies20:28: The Role of Paramilitary Forces24:52: Economic Pressures and Negotiation Prospects30:12: Russia's War Economy and International Trade31:16: Military Reforms and Logistics Improvements38:50: The Impact of Drones on Warfare54:34: International Support and Drone Development56:25: NATO Dynamics and Eastern European Politics

There is no better way to stay out of the summer heat than to take an hour to join us for a Midrats Podcast melee!SummaryIn this episode of Midrats, hosts discuss a range of topics related to maritime and national security, including the importance of civil discourse in political discussions, Australia's acquisition of Japanese frigates, cybersecurity threats, and the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic and Antarctic. They emphasize the need for strong diplomatic efforts and the role of NATO in ensuring security in Europe and beyond.Show LinksInsults towards Medal of Honor recipient Florent GrobergAustralia selects Japanese Mogami frigateTrans-Caspian International Transport Route (AKA Middle Corridor)PRC Students in the USAThe China Defence Universities Tracker, Australian Strategic Policy InstituteBritish and U.S. F-35Bs Land on Japan’s JS KagaTakeawaysThe importance of civil discourse in political discussions.Patriotism should not be questioned based on political affiliations.Australia's acquisition of Japanese frigates signifies strong defense ties.Japan's military capabilities are highly regarded in the Pacific.Supply chain integrity is crucial for national security.Cybersecurity threats from foreign nations are increasing.Geopolitical tensions in the Arctic are rising due to China's claims.Diplomatic efforts can lead to conflict resolution in various regions.The U.S. has a significant role in international peacekeeping efforts.NATO's future is intertwined with the security of its member states.Chapters00:00: Introduction to the Melee Discussion02:03: Patriotism and Political Discourse13:22: Australia's Naval Developments19:14: The Role of Japan in Defense22:07: Supply Chain and Manufacturing Concerns23:39: Cybersecurity and National Security Risks35:14: Geopolitical Tensions in the Arctic and Antarctic48:07: Diplomatic Efforts and Conflict Resolution53:23: The Future of NATO and European Security

Show LinksNavy’s Plan for Unmanned SystemsDepartment of Crazy Ideas: How about a cheap inshore fleet? Mark Tempest, 2009.Buy Fords, Not Ferraris, Jerry Hendrix, 2008Droning on About Drones, CDR Salamander, 2013Building the Navy’s Hybrid Fleet, Lieutenant Commander Jack Rowley, Proceedings, July 2025.The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. HeinleinThe Mote in God’s Eye, Larry Niven and Jerry PournelleBenjamin Kohlmann, Nominated for Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve AffairsJohn Lewis-class replenishment oilerCleo Paskal on XA Death in the Pacific, CDR Salamander, July 2025Rods From GodAustria Ponders NATOSummaryIn this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss the current state of the U.S. Navy, starting with the new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the challenges he faces in balancing operational needs with budget constraints. They explore the importance of shipbuilding and naval readiness, innovations in technology such as modular attack surface craft, and the role of autonomous systems in enhancing operational capabilities. The conversation also touches on economic considerations in naval strategy, the potential for space-based systems, and the significance of recruitment and training for future naval forces. Additionally, the hosts discuss the role of the Naval Reserve, political dynamics in naval appointments, logistical challenges, and geopolitical considerations in the Pacific, concluding with thoughts on NATO's future and the potential inclusion of Austria.Chapters00:00: Introduction02:05: New CNO and Navy Leadership Challenges04:57: Shipbuilding and Naval Readiness09:43: Modular Attack Surface Craft, Drones, and Innovation16:15: Autonomous Systems and Experimentation19:23: Risk Management via Distributed Risk21:32: Economic Considerations in Naval Strategy22:55: Rods from God: Now More Than Ever30:18: The Role of the Naval Reserve33:50: Political Appointments and Their Impact36:22: More Oilers, Faster47:28: Saipan, and Geopolitical Considerations in the Pacific52:52: Austria’s future of NATO?01:01:46: Conclusion and Recommendations