The Focus

Is General Joseph Aoun the man to rescue Lebanon’s institutions? Can the Lebanese Armed Forces disarm Hezbollah? Can the Lebanese state recover from years of corruption and poor governance? And what role do external powers—Iran, Israel, Syria, and the Gulf states—play in Lebanon’s fate? Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Imad Harb to unpack the country’s fate under new leadership. Show Notes: Connect with Imad: Arab Center Washington D.C. https://arabcenterdc.org/team/imad-k-harb/ X: @harb3imad Imad’s Top Publications: Articles: The Prickly Issue of Disarming Palestinian Factions in Lebanon President Trump’s Gulf Trip: Post-Visit Observations Books: The Arab World Beyond ConflictCo-editor: Imad Harb and Zeina AzzamPublished by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2019 newarab.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11 Trump and the Arab World: A First Year AssessmentEditor: Imad HarbPublished by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2017 arabcenterdc.org+5me-policy.org+5arabcenterdc.org+5 Domestic and Regional Challenges to US–Iran RelationsCo-authors: Imad Harb and John BruniEmirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, April 2015 books.google.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11 Higher Education and the Future of IraqAuthor: Imad K. HarbUnited States Institute of Peace Special Report No. 195, 2008 globalresilienceconsortium.org+10 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel vs. Iran: What Drives Tehran’s Strategy? Dr. Ori Goldberg joins The Focus to decode ideology, deterrence, and the risks of a wider Middle East war.   Show Notes: X: @ori_goldberg Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social   Ori’s Top Publications: Selected Articles (2024) “Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 “Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts. Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon. Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Australia charting its own defence course—or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. Show Notes: Contact Peter Layton on: Griffith Asia Institute: p.layton@griffith.edu.au  LinkedIn X: @GAIGriffith  Peter’s Top Five publications: Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through Complex Interdependence (May 2025) In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks.  Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules (2024) Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment.  Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia (2024) In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming. Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications (2021) Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches. Grand Strategy (2018) In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️As China increases military pressure and Trump 47 reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Taiwan’s future is more uncertain than ever.Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Alice Yang from Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research about Taiwan’s fight for democracy, U.S. ambiguity, and what regional conflict could mean for the world.🎧 Available now on Spotify, iTunes & the Auscast Network. Show Notes: Connect with Alice: At INDSR - indsr2018@indsr.org.tw  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INDSRTW X - @INDSRTW YouTube - https://youtube.com/@indsr8906?si=diU9m_YM3w2438vp  Taiwanese political parties: 🇹🇼 1. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Position on China: Pro-status quo with an emphasis on sovereignty While it doesn’t formally push for de jure independence, it views Taiwan as already independent under the name “Republic of China (Taiwan)” Strongly resists unification with China ✅ Supports a Taiwanese identity distinct from China🚫 Opposes “One China” or any future unification with the PRC 🇹🇼 2. Kuomintang (KMT) Position on China: Supports eventual peaceful unification under the right conditions but rejects the use of force Favors closer economic and cultural ties with China Supports the "1992 Consensus" (One China, but each side has its own interpretation) ⚖️ Seeks peace and dialogue with Beijing🧩 Ambiguous on independence vs. unification, but tilts toward eventual integration if democratic and safe 🇹🇼 3. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Position on China: Promotes status quo Calls for pragmatic engagement with both the U.S. and China Avoids strong ideological stances on unification vs. independence 🧭 Middle-of-the-road approach: avoid provoking China while protecting Taiwan’s democracy 🇹🇼 4. New Power Party (NPP) Position on China: Advocates for formal independence Strongly opposes unification or the “1992 Consensus” 🔥 More hardline than the DPP on Taiwanese independence 🇹🇼 5. People First Party (PFP) (Now marginal) Position on China: Pro-unification under peaceful, negotiated terms Supports “One China” framework 📉 Formerly significant, now politically marginal   Top Publications: Publications: Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments (INDSR).  Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis (TAEF).  Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance(TAEF).  Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values (TAEF).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does Finland still rely on conscription? And what can Australia learn from it? Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo breaks down Finland’s “Total Defence” strategy, NATO’s Nordic front, and how citizen readiness can shape national security. 🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni.   Show Notes: Connect with Jyri -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyri-raitasalo-4b96bb96/ X: @JyriRaitasalo Finnish National Defence University: https://maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu.fi/en/frontpage Top 5 publications by Jyri: Finnish Defense 'Left of Bang' Published in PRISM, Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023), this article explores Finland's evolution from a Cold War-era total defence model to a comprehensive security approach. Raitasalo discusses how Finland integrates military and civilian sectors to address modern hybrid threats. NDU Press+1NDU Press+1 "Cyber Deterrence: An Oxymoron for Years to Come Co-authored with Joshua Stowell and published in Global Security Review (2020), this article examines the challenges of establishing effective cyber deterrence. The authors contend that the lack of clear empirical evidence in cyber warfare complicates traditional deterrence models. Muck Rack+1Muck Rack+1 2. "Scandinavia Won’t Be Russia’s Next Target" In this Foreign Policy piece (2019), Raitasalo counters claims that Russia is poised to target Scandinavian countries. He argues that Finland and Sweden's strategic positions and defence policies make them unlikely immediate targets for Russian aggression. Muck Rack+1Foreign Policy+1 5. "Hybridisota ja hybridiuhat – paljon vanhaa…onko mitään uutta?" Published in Tiede & Ase (2018), this Finnish-language article critiques the Western narrative on hybrid warfare post-2014. Raitasalo argues that the concept of hybrid threats is not novel and reflects traditional great-power behaviours.Wikipedia+2Journal.fi+2 4. "Reconstructing Finnish Defence in the Post-Cold War Era" This academic paper (2010) analyzes Finland's defence restructuring following the Cold War. Raitasalo discusses the shift in threat perceptions and the adaptation of defence policies to address new security challenges. AcademiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni is joined by Professor Harsh V. Pant — one of India’s foremost strategic thinkers — to dissect the geopolitical shifts shaping South Asia and beyond. From China’s expanding influence to Pakistan’s persistent provocations and the Modi government’s evolving doctrine, we explore whether India’s foreign policy is keeping pace with the region’s growing instability. What does a rising India mean for the world — and how will it respond when the next crisis comes knocking?Harsh V. Pant Links:X; @orfonline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-v-pant-9218437/Show Notes:Most recent Articles -  Operation Sindoor and Beyond: India’s Response and Pakistani CalculusCo-authored with Yogesh JoshiThis analysis examines India's strategic response to Operation Sindoor and its implications for Pakistan's military calculus.  Current Trends in India’s National Security 2025Co-authored with Sameer PatilThis special report assesses the evolving security landscape of India, highlighting challenges such as the China-Pakistan nexus, internal insurgencies, and advancements in cyber and space domains.  A Record BoomCo-authored with Suchet Vir SinghThis article discusses the significant growth in India's defense sector, analyzing factors contributing to the boom and its implications for national security.  Biden-Xi Meeting and the US-China CalculusThis piece explores the dynamics of the Biden-Xi summit and its impact on US-China relations, with a focus on strategic implications for India.  India-China Power Play Gets New Life in MaldivesCo-authored with Aditya Gowdara ShivamurthyThis article analyzes the renewed strategic competition between India and China in the Maldives, examining the geopolitical stakes involved.  Books -  India and Japan: A Natural Partnership in the Indo-Pacific (2024)Co-authored with Madhuchanda GhoshThis book explores the evolving strategic partnership between India and Japan within the Indo-Pacific framework. Politics and Geopolitics: Decoding India’s Neighbourhood Challenge (2024)An analysis of India's regional challenges and its geopolitical strategies to navigate complex neighborhood dynamics. The Making of a Global Bharat (2024)Co-authored with Sameer PatilThis work examines India's transformation into a global player and the domestic and international factors influencing this shift. India and Global Governance: A Rising Power and Its Discontents (2023)A critical look at India's role in global governance structures and the challenges it faces as an emerging power. India Shows the Way: A Decade of Modi’s Foreign Policy (2023)An edited volume assessing the impact and direction of India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over ten years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this gripping episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with political analyst Dr. Roy Casagranda to unpack the seismic shifts in U.S. politics after 100 days of Trump 47. From executive overreach to the global ripple effects, this conversation explores how America’s democratic institutions are being reshaped — and why the world should pay attention. 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation that’s redefining geopolitics. Show Notes: X: @RoyCasagranda  Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html  Books by Roy: The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.  Articles by Roy: Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-and-the-left-roy-casagranda-auid-2408.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Europe prepared for war? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni speaks with former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff on Ukraine, NATO’s weaknesses, and the growing threat from Russia. A hard-hitting, unfiltered look at what may lie ahead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 🔗 Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff X: @RichardShirreff  LinkedIn: Richard Shirreff Strategia Worldwide  Top Five Publications: What Would Cause the Next Nuclear Strike? (The Naked Scientists, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Arming for Deterrence (Atlantic Council, 2016) 2017: War with Russia – An Urgent Warning from Senior Military Command (2016)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special panel edition of The Focus, we bring together three of the world’s most seasoned strategic thinkers—Andrew Michta, Ben Hodges, and Anders Puck Nielsen—to unpack the war in Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences. From the battlefield to NATO's frontlines and the shifting dynamics of global power, this is a timely conversation that goes well beyond Eastern Europe. Show Notes: 🔗 Connect with Andrew, Ben & Anders: Andrew Michta X @andrewmichta  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/Web https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/andrew-michta/  Ben Hodges X @general_ben Anders Puck Nielsen Bluesky @anderspucknielsen.dk Most recent media spots: Andrew Michta https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/03/donald-trumps-russia-strategy-could-end-nato-as-we-know-it/?_gl=1*glo16n*_ga*NDI0ODc0NTIyLjE3NDUwNDQ1OTg.*_up*MQ Ben Hodges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fppBGSVOoBQ Anders Puck Nielsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZL1KzV54Cw  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is back in the White House—and the shockwaves are global. In this episode, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the trade wars, the constitutional controversy, and the chaos that’s redefining America’s role in the world. Is Trump a misunderstood reformer—or a genuine threat to democratic institutions? What do the tariffs mean for allies like Australia and the UK? And how much power does Elon Musk really have in shaping this administration? Tune in for a sharp, no-nonsense analysis of Liberation Day, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and whether the world is ready—or willing—to follow America’s lead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Show Notes: 🔗 Connect with Scott Lucas X (formerly Twitter): @ScottLucas_EA Bluesky: scottlucas.bsky.social LinkedIn: Scott Lucas EA WorldView: https://eaworldview.com/  TOP FIVE PUBLICATIONS -  "The Iraq War and Democratic Politics" (2006) – An examination of the democratic implications of the Iraq War. "The New American Century: Ideology and Power in the Bush Era" (2005) – An exploration of the ideological underpinnings of U.S. foreign policy in the early 21st century. "The Betrayal of Dissent: Beyond Orwell, Hitchens and the New American Century" (2004) – A critique of contemporary political discourse and dissent. "Freedom's War: The American Crusade Against the Soviet Union" (1999) – A study of America's ideological campaign during the early Cold War. "Divided We Stand: Britain, the US and the Suez Crisis" (1991) – An analysis of the Suez Crisis and its impact on Anglo-American relations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.