The Focus

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.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs joins The Focus to discuss the war in Ukraine, global power shifts, and the West’s role in the conflict. In a thought-provoking conversation, we challenge Sachs on his views, exploring the geopolitical landscape and what the future holds. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most pressing issues of our time. 🎙️ The Focus with John Bruni | Watch now! Show notes Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs website: https://www.jeffsachs.org/  X: Center for Sustainable Development: @CSD_Columbia   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-d-sachs/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.sachs/  Top 5 Books: Ethics in Action for Sustainable Development (2022) The Ages of Globalization: Geography, Technology, and Institutions (2020) A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American Exceptionalism (2018) Building the New American Economy: Smart, Fair, and Sustainable (2017) The Age of Sustainable Development (2015)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rapidly shifting global alliances, Germany now faces a critical security dilemma. Can Europe defend itself without unwavering U.S. support? In this episode of The Focus, Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp, a leading expert in German and European security, joins John Bruni to discuss Germany’s strategic vulnerabilities, NATO’s uncertain future, and the broader implications for European defence. Is Berlin prepared for a world where America looks inward? Tune in to find out. Show Notes: Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp: https://europeanleadershipnetwork.org/person/karl-heinz-kamp/ German Council on Foreign Relations: https://dgap.org/en University Roma Tre: https://www.uniroma3.it/en/ NATO Defence College: https://www.ndc.nato.int/ The Alphen Group: https://thealphengroup.com/ Written works: "Nuclear NATO: How to Make it Credible and Efficient" (December 16, 2024) – In this analysis, Dr. Kamp examines the challenges facing NATO's nuclear posture and offers recommendations to enhance its credibility and efficiency.  "Das Ende der Wende? Eine Replik auf Benjamin Tallis" (September 11, 2024) – In this online commentary, Dr. Kamp responds to Benjamin Tallis's perspectives, providing his insights on the current state of European security dynamics.  "NATO at 75: Time to Deliver on Its Promises" (February 14, 2024) – This piece discusses the expectations and necessary actions for NATO as it approaches its 75th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling its commitments.  "NATO's Coming Existential Challenge" (March 2019) – This working paper addresses the long-term strategic challenges NATO may face, particularly concerning its relevance to the United States amidst shifting geostrategic priorities. ​ "The Way to NATO's New Strategic Concept" (June 2009) – In this research paper, Dr. Kamp outlines the process and considerations involved in developing NATO's new strategic concept, reflecting on the alliance's evolution and future direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the dawn of Trump’s second presidency mean for America and the world? In this hard-hitting episode of The Focus, host John Bruni sits down with Dr. Roy Casagranda to break down the first three weeks of the Trump 47 administration. Show Notes: Roy Casagranda LinksX: @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.

Can Ukraine’s security dilemma reshape the global nuclear order? Join us as we explore the chilling realities of nuclear escalation, broken international promises, and what it takes to secure lasting peace with expert Mariana Budjeryn. Show Notes: https://www.belfercenter.org/person/mariana-budjeryn https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/mariana-budjeryn-personal-perspective-war-ukraine https://thebulletin.org/2024/11/biden-allowing-ukraine-to-strike-into-russia-is-much-ado-for-little-consequence/#post-heading https://thebulletin.org/2024/10/why-russia-is-more-likely-to-go-nuclear-in-ukraine-if-its-winning/#post-heading https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2022-04-08/was-ukraine-wrong-give-its-nukes https://carnegieendowment.org/events/2024/02/should-ukraine-have-kept-nuclear-weapons-deconstructing-the-decision-to-disarm?lang=en Books -  Inheriting the Bomb: The Collapse of the USSR and the Nuclear Disarmament of Ukraine (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.