NatSec Matters

Beacon Global Strategies LLC
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Jul 23, 2025 • 52min

'World War I with Drones': Bradley Bowman

Michael Allen talks with Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Bradley Bowman, who attacks the myth that supporting Ukraine has weakened America's defenses for Taiwan. Bradley, who's senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power, details how the war in Ukraine has become a brutal "World War I with drones"-- an attrition battle where crucial aid is still needed.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 50min

Shielding the Homeland: Vice Admiral James Syring

Jeremy Bash is joined by former Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Admiral (Ret.) James Syring, who discusses the evolving threats to U.S. air defense, including hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He explains the vulnerabilities of current systems, which were designed decades ago and now face threats posed by advanced arsenals. VADM Syring details how the 'Golden Dome' initiative will integrate existing and new technologies, like low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for continuous tracking and AI for rapid, precise decision-making.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 33min

The Russian Time Bomb: Peter Rough

Peter Rough, the Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center on Europe and Eurasia, discusses the urgent challenges facing Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. He highlights the impact of tighter international sanctions and increased U.S. military support, suggesting these could significantly affect the Kremlin by year’s end. The conversation also examines Russia’s costly military tactics and the economic strains from the ongoing war, along with insights into the evolving geopolitical dynamics influenced by U.S. responses and global alliances.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 46min

Beyond the Barrel: Dr. Karen Young

Michael talks with Dr. Karen Young, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, about the potential economic ripple effects of the Israel-Iran conflict. Dr. Young explains the ‘decoupling’ of Middle Eastern conflict from global oil prices, the impact of U.S. fracking on oil supply, and the increasing efficiency of global oil usage—and why it all matters for Middle East geopolitics.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 47min

Arrows and Quivers: Dr. Tom Karako

Michael talks with Dr. Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, about the high-stakes missile confrontation between Israel and Iran, recorded just before the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom analyzes the role of ballistic missiles in the conflict, the capabilities of Israeli and US defenses, and the strategic implications of the Trump Administration's "Golden Dome" initiative for US national security.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 59min

Special Episode: The Iranian Nuclear Gamble with Richard Nephew

Senior research scholar at Columbia University and former NSC Director for Iran Richard Nephew joins Michael for another special episode to analyze the recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Richard discusses President Trump's decision-making, the Iranian reaction, the assessed damage to the nuclear program versus potential hidden capabilities, the critical loss of IAEA access, and the fragile outlook for a lasting ceasefire.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 48min

The 'Sledgehammer' to Global Trade: Kelly Ann Shaw

Michael talks with Kelly Ann Shaw, former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, about President Trump’s 'sledgehammer' approach to international trade and tariffs. Kelly Ann, who also served as Trade Counsel to the House Ways and Means Committee, explains the current state of the global "trade war," the strategic de-escalation with China on critical minerals, and the White House's broader push to rebalance trade relationships and counter what it calls unfair practices.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 4min

Special Episode: The Next Move in the Iran Crisis with Richard Nephew

In this special episode, Michael talks with Iran expert Richard Nephew, who warns of impending U.S. military strikes on Iran's deeply buried nuclear facilities—a task only the American military can achieve. The former NSC official casts doubt on Israel's regime change strategy, fearing it could backfire and lead to an even more hardline Iranian government. Richard also discusses Iran's potential for escalating attacks on key shipping channels and regional energy infrastructure, risking a wider conflict, all while the hope of an international nuclear deal hangs in the balance.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 40min

The Iran Equation: Gen. Frank McKenzie

In this episode of NatSec Matters, we revisit Michael Allen's conversation with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran’s vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel’s military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General McKenzie also explores the rising threat of ISIS, the limitations of over-the-horizon operations in Afghanistan, and the critical role of U.S. partnerships in deterring global adversaries.
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Jun 4, 2025 • 43min

An Unwinnable War: Mark Montgomery

Michael Allen welcomes back RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to the podcast, where he explains why—even with a ceasefire—ending the war between Russia and Ukraine could be “impossible.” He discusses the recent shifts in military gains and losses on both sides, and what it could take to change the odds in favor of either Moscow or Kyiv.

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