With Donald Trump's second term on the horizon, questions around the president-elect's posture towards Europe loom over longstanding partners. What will he ask of NATO? What is the future of Ukraine? What happens to Europe when the US shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific? Jan Ruzicka, Chief External Affairs Officer at PPF Group, joins host Marshall Kosloff to explain why Central and Eastern Europe are primed to thrive during a second Trump administration because of a rising entrepreneurial mindset and a first-hand perspective on the consequences of communism that will make them a new center of European power and partnership.

"Today, we're reliant on space for basic everyday military effectiveness. Without our assets in space, we're blind, we're mute, and we cannot fight to our ability." These are the opening statements from President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA) Tory Bruno as this week's guest with host Marshall Kosloff. As one of the few rocket manufacturers in the market, and a seasoned space innovation hub, ULA is reckoning in real time with the public-private explosion of space technology—both for domestic use and essential national security deterrence. In their conversation, Kosloff and Bruno discuss the state of the rocket industry, what great power competition with China looks like in space, and what the future of private space innovation looks like. 

Hudson Institute Senior Fellow, Jonathan Ward, joins host Marshall Kosloff to preview the potential outcomes and impacts that a new administration, on either side, could have on the newly established China security consensus. However, Ward argues that this isn't just about politics. Leaders all across tech, banking and international business will have to decide what type of role they want to play, or have to play, to ensure the freedom of tomorrow's global economic landscape. 

Justin Fanelli, the first ever Acting Chief Technology Office (CTO) for the Department of the Navy, joins host Marshall Kosloff to explain why public and private partnerships should be cornerstone of America's defense innovation strategy. Finalli is striving to radically adopt innovation to disrupt and bolster our future defense capabilities, and with battlefield-defining technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum on the horizon, he argues that not only will private sector competition create better solutions but those solutions will pay dividends in sectors far beyond defense.  Show Notes:Accelerating Change Design Conceptshttps://www.doncio.navy.mil/ContentView.aspx?ID=16683https://www.doncio.navy.mil/ContentView.aspx?ID=16716https://www.doncio.navy.mil/ContentView.aspx?ID=17883https://www.doncio.navy.mil/ContentView.aspx?ID=16804 Atlantic Council Report: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/forward-defense/defense-innovation-adoption-commission/Innovation Adoption Kit: https://www.peodigital.navy.mil/Portals/96/Documents/PDFs/PEODigital_Innovation_Adoption_v3.pdf Jobs STEM talent: https://noblereachfoundation.org/talent-opportunities/scholars-program/Direct employment: https://www.usajobs.gov/Reservists: https://www.marforres.marines.mil/MIU/ and https://gigeagle.mil/ 

Gabe Scheinmann, Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, dives deep into the vulnerabilities of America's higher education system. He discusses the alarming influence of the Chinese Communist Party on universities and its impact on national security. The conversation also highlights the need for universities to reclaim their roles in fostering critical thinking amidst political revolutions. Scheinmann emphasizes the importance of promoting free speech and open debate among students, as they navigate a complex landscape of policy and political engagement.

Bret Kugelmass, CEO of Last Energy and a nuclear power advocate, dives into energy security's critical connection to national security amid global turmoil. He emphasizes the potential of modular reactors and innovative nuclear technology to propel us forward, even citing Microsoft's use of a historic reactor for AI. The conversation challenges historical nuclear narratives, advocating for reforms in regulation and strategic collaborations to enhance energy solutions. Ultimately, Kugelmass presents nuclear power as essential for navigating tomorrow's tech-driven energy demands.

Michael Sobolik, an expert on the Belt and Road Initiative's military implications, unveils China's shift from economic expansion to potential global militarization under Xi Jinping. He discusses how aggressive tactics in the South China Sea could soon have worldwide repercussions. Sobolik highlights the struggle of the U.S. to counter China's influence and emphasizes the need for a cohesive American strategy that prioritizes sustainable development. The interplay between human rights and foreign policy is also explored, urging a unified approach to leverage America's position.

Dr. Megan Reiss, founder of SolidIntel and a specialist in innovation and deterrence, explores pressing national security challenges. She emphasizes the role of AI in mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities linked to U.S.-China relations. The discussion highlights the critical need for clear strategies and decisive leadership in defense technology innovation. Reiss critiques current U.S. foreign policy and urges alignment of policies and funding to address evolving threats effectively. The conversation also touches on the complexities of integrating AI into national security frameworks.

Matthew Kroenig, a Republican foreign policy strategist, and Dan Negrea, a thought leader on the new Cold War, argue that a fusion of Reagan and Trump’s foreign policies is essential to counter China's rise. They discuss American foreign policy interests and the importance of prioritizing direct national security over ideological values. The duo highlights the unsustainability of China's economy due to its communist roots and advocates for a robust national defense strategy that intertwines military readiness with domestic policy to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.

Adam Hammer, Co-founder and CEO of Roadrunner Venture Studios, dives into the realm of deep tech and its pivotal role in national defense and innovation. He discusses how entrepreneurs can leverage disruptive technologies and the significance of patient capital in nurturing groundbreaking ideas. Hammer highlights innovative funding strategies that support deep tech in places like New Mexico and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public research and private sectors to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global landscape.