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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
