NatSec Matters
Beacon Global Strategies LLC
Formerly known as Intelligence Matters, the NatSec Matters podcast features former senior national security officials Michael Allen, Jeremy Bash, and Andrew Shapiro as they interview top leaders in national security, including intelligence officers, military leaders, and policymakers, on the most critical security challenges of our time. Their interviews offer insights into the world's most pressing problems and assess the effectiveness of U.S. policy responses. They also explore the biographies and careers of individuals who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the inner workings of national security decision-making. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email our team at bgs@bgsdc.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 26, 2025 • 49min
Lessons from Ukraine: Mick Ryan
Michael speaks with Major General Mick Ryan (Ret.), a Senior Fellow for military studies at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, about the latest developments in the war in Ukraine and what we can learn to apply in conflicts around the globe. General Ryan assesses the current state of the front lines, detailing how Russia is leveraging its advantage in electronic warfare and drone technology. He also explains why the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been hampered by a lack of Western ground-based capabilities and a shortage of young soldiers.
Nov 19, 2025 • 34min
Skepticism and Survival in Moscow: Dr. Kirill Shamiev
Dr. Kirill Shamiev, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, delves into the Kremlin's internal dynamics amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. He highlights a growing skepticism among Russian elites about Putin's decisions and the increasing economic anxieties they face. The discussion covers the strain on civil-military relations and the uncertainties surrounding the regime's future. Kirill suggests a likely scenario of a 'semi-frozen conflict,' emphasizing that significant changes in leadership are improbable without a major state collapse.
Nov 12, 2025 • 51min
Pressuring Putin Towards a Ceasefire in Ukraine: Nico Lange
Nico Lange, a senior fellow focusing on transatlantic defense and European security, dives into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He analyzes the failures of Russia's summer offensive and argues for aggressive Western support beyond mere survival. Lange discusses the strategic necessity of targeting Russian oil infrastructure to limit Putin's war efforts. He emphasizes the importance of combined pressures to bring Russia to the negotiation table and shares insights on Germany's unique position in NATO and the implications of energy sanctions.
Nov 5, 2025 • 37min
After Asia - The President's Trip Fortifying US Economic Security: Sara Schuman
Join Sara Schuman, former Senior Trade Representative for China, as she dives into the intricate U.S.-China economic landscape. She shares insights on President Trump's pivotal Asia trip and the intertwined nature of trade and national security. Listen as Sara discusses the delicate truce from the Trump–Xi meeting, reveals the impact of China's critical minerals leverage, and analyzes the evolving strategies in trade negotiations. Her unique perspective from years in China offers a fascinating lens on current and future economic policies.
Oct 29, 2025 • 44min
AI Spies, Economic Espionage and the New Forces Reshaping Global Intelligence: Anthony Vinci
In this engaging talk, Anthony Vinci, CEO of AI company Vico and former CIA officer, dives into the transformative impact of AI on espionage. He asserts that we are in the 'Fourth Intelligence Revolution,' where machines now spy on machines. Vinci warns that new cyber threats mean heightened risks for every American. He advocates for a robust economic espionage strategy against China and emphasizes the necessity of empowering citizens with counterintelligence skills. His insights reveal a future where intelligence must adapt and evolve in the face of these challenges.
10 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 57min
Pressure on Caracas - Inside the U.S. Counter Drug-Shift: David Shedd
David Shedd, a former CIA officer and acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, dives into Venezuela's increasing threats to U.S. interests. He outlines a significant shift in U.S. strategy to targeting narco-traffickers as if they were terrorist entities, using military assets like MQ-9 Reaper drones. Shedd reveals Venezuela's role as a hub for illicit migration and malign influences from countries like Cuba and Iran. The discussion also touches on Colombia and Mexico's roles in countering these threats and the potential for U.S. covert actions in the region.
Oct 15, 2025 • 51min
Putin's Hybrid War - Dan Twining
Dan Twining, President of the International Republican Institute and a former U.S. official, dives into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He critiques Biden-era policies that limit Ukraine’s military capacity, citing the need for long-range strike capabilities and robust support against Putin's aggressive strategies. Twining also discusses the implications of Russia's alliances with North Korea and China, and warns against a 'bad peace' that could allow Russia to rearm, emphasizing the necessity of continued U.S. engagement.
Oct 8, 2025 • 51min
Inside Israel's High-Stakes Intelligence Gambles: Ralph Goff
Ralph Goff, a 35-year CIA veteran and former Chief of Station, delves into Israel's audacious intelligence operations against Iran. He discusses the high-stakes 'Rising Lion' operation and details Israel's daring theft of Iran's nuclear archive. Goff sheds light on the Mossad's unique risk tolerance, strategic assassinations, and the complexities of covert actions. He also addresses the role of ethnic divisions in Iran, the evolution of Israeli tradecraft, and surprising lessons drawn from the Ukraine intelligence landscape.
Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
COVID & The Next 'Big One': Dr. Michael Osterholm
Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor and founding director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, shares urgent insights from his book on pandemic preparedness. He critiques current public health measures like plexiglass shields and six-foot distancing, labeling them ineffective. Osterholm emphasizes the inevitability of pandemics and the need for robust preemptive vaccines. He connects public health and national security, calling for increased research funding to safeguard military readiness against future biological threats.
Sep 24, 2025 • 37min
'The Cork in the Bottle' - China, Taiwan and the US: Zack Cooper
In this engaging discussion, Zack Cooper, a senior fellow specializing in Asian security and U.S.-China relations, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of U.S. policy toward China and Taiwan. He explores Trump's unique diplomacy with Xi and its implications. The conversation delves into Taiwan's evolving defense strategies and its significance for U.S. values. Cooper also warns about the growing partnership among China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, raising questions about regional stability and U.S. foreign policy priorities.
