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
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.
Sep 17, 2025 • 53min
The State of Iran's Nuclear Program: David Albright
David Albright, the President and founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, shares his expertise on Iran's nuclear program. He discusses the extensive damage from recent US and Israeli strikes to key facilities like Esfahan and Natanz. Albright delves into the uncertainty surrounding missing enriched uranium and the challenges faced by international monitors. He also highlights the implications of targeted killings on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the risks associated with unknown weaponization sites.
Sep 10, 2025 • 42min
Rebuilding Syria: Jeffrey Feltman
Andrew speaks with Jeffrey Feltman, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and a distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institution. Jeffrey takes us inside the precarious state of post-civil war Syria, the deep-seated sectarian and geopolitical tensions that fueled the conflict, and the complex roles of the US and regional powers who want a stake. He also shares his insights on the ongoing threat from insurgent groups and the challenges of establishing a stable, unified government.
Sep 3, 2025 • 39min
Trade, Tariffs, and a New Normal: Kelly Ann Shaw
Kelly Ann Shaw, a partner at Aiken Gump and former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, shares insights on U.S. trade policy's shift toward domestic political needs. She discusses the implications of recent tariff strategies, particularly on sectors like semiconductors and steel. Shaw reveals how China's response includes diversifying trade partners, challenging the U.S. role as a reliable ally. Their conversation also highlights the intertwining of economic conditions and national security, creating a complex landscape for international trade.
Aug 27, 2025 • 44min
National Security's Arctic Frontier: Iris Ferguson
Iris Ferguson, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, shares her insights on the rapidly changing Arctic landscape. She highlights how melting sea ice signals the end of 'Arctic exceptionalism' and ignites great power competition, particularly with Russia and China. Ferguson discusses the U.S. imperative to enhance homeland defense and strengthen alliances from Greenland to Alaska. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical implications of China’s ambitions, the significance of Greenland, and the need for U.S.-Canada collaboration.
Aug 20, 2025 • 40min
The New Frontiers of the US-China Tech Competition: Craig Singleton
Craig Singleton, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into the critical landscape of US-China tech competition. He highlights China's dominance in rare earth minerals as a significant vulnerability for the U.S. The discussion shifts to the risks of exporting advanced semiconductors, like Nvidia's H20, to China's military. Singleton also reviews how technologies such as LIDAR and display systems could create supply chain vulnerabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic responses in this high-stakes rivalry.
Aug 13, 2025 • 37min
Cartel Threats - A National Security Challenge: David Fitzgerald
David Fitzgerald, a career intelligence officer with 38 years of experience, discusses the evolving threats posed by Mexican cartels at the U.S. southern border. He examines the violent dynamics of cartel rivalries, particularly between the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, and their implications for national security. Fitzgerald also delves into intelligence challenges, stressing the importance of collaboration among agencies while addressing corruption issues. Furthermore, he touches on how designating cartels as terrorist organizations can enhance law enforcement efforts and the need for international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
Aug 6, 2025 • 42min
Critical Lines - The Geopolitics of Undersea Cables: Erin Murphy
In this insightful discussion, CSIS researcher Erin Murphy sheds light on the unseen world of undersea cables, crucial for global communications and national security. She highlights how these cables are vital for military and financial operations, while also pointing out their vulnerabilities amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with China and Russia. Erin further explores the clash between private sector interests and national security, emphasizing the need for collaboration and updated regulations to protect these essential infrastructures. Prepare for a deep dive into a topic that affects us all!
Jul 30, 2025 • 41min
Deterring Pyongyang: Syd Seiler
In this engaging discussion, Syd Seiler, a former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for North Korea, sheds light on Kim Jong Un's intricate strategy and the regime's deep reliance on nuclear arms for survival. He shares candid insights from his experiences in North Korea, revealing the stark contrast between the country’s public facade and its hidden realities. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S.-North Korea diplomacy, the evolving dynamics with China, and the concerning military ties between North Korea and Russia in the context of global geopolitics.
Jul 23, 2025 • 52min
'World War I with Drones': Bradley Bowman
Bradley Bowman, a senior director at the Center on Military and Political Power, discusses the critical intersection of U.S. defense strategies and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He dispels the myth that supporting Ukraine undermines U.S. defenses in Taiwan and lays out the brutal nature of the war, likening it to a 'World War I with drones.' The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for consistent military aid, the significance of artillery support, and the complex dynamics of modern warfare that shape global security interests.
