Mary Ellen Callahan, Assistant Secretary for the DHS's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, discusses the risks AI poses to national security. She shares insights from a recent DHS report focusing on AI's dual nature in addressing and amplifying threats in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear domains. Emphasizing collaboration, she highlights the need for safety standards and community involvement in technology. Global cooperation is crucial, and adaptive regulations are necessary to manage AI's evolving challenges effectively.

Pedro Burelli, a seasoned expert on Latin America and Venezuela, offers a captivating dive into the country's tumultuous political landscape. He dissects the disputed July 28 presidential election, where Maduro's claims of victory clash with opposition results. Burelli provides historical insights into Venezuela's alarming transition to a 'mafia state' under previous regimes. He also emphasizes how stability in Venezuela is crucial for U.S. interests, touching on the intertwined issues of organized crime, oil politics, and international relations.

Chris Johnson, a former CIA senior China analyst and a CSIS Senior Fellow, shares his insights on China's political landscape and economic challenges. He analyzes the outcomes from the recent CCP plenum, emphasizing Beijing's focus on state-led tech over market reforms. Johnson discusses China's view on the U.S. political scene, particularly regarding a potential Harris administration. He also highlights the country's struggles with overcapacity, demographic decline, and the impact of U.S. sanctions on its tech ambitions.

Former CIA analyst and CNAS Senior Fellow, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, discusses Russia's war on Ukraine and potential U.S. support under a President Harris. Topics include NATO support for Ukraine, Russia's objectives, Putin's motivations, and NATO's role in assisting Ukraine.

Chun Han Wong, a Wall Street Journal Reporter covering Chinese politics, discusses Xi Jinping's leadership and China's Communist Party influence. He explores China's foreign policy adjustments amid economic challenges, risks in its path to superpower status, and the China-Russia geopolitical relationship. Wong provides insights on elite politics, Xi's centralization of power, and China's assertive stance on Taiwan.

Sydney Seiler, a top North Korea expert, discusses the recent Russia-North Korea treaty and provocations on the Korean Peninsula. They emphasize the importance of expertise in U.S.-North Korea relationship dynamics and the need for skilled government workforce. The podcast also analyzes the Russian-North Korean security agreement's implications and explores foreign policy nuances and North Korean provocation scenarios.

Former NSA Deputy Director, George Barnes, discusses NSA missions in signals intelligence and cybersecurity, adapting to strategic challenges like China and Russia. He shares insights on quantum computing, AI, and recruiting skilled workers for the agency.

Andy talks with Michael about his June Foreign Affairs article, “The Terrorism Warning Lights Are Blinking Red Again: Echoes of the Run-Up to 9/11,” co-written with Graham Allison. Michael discusses the pre-9/11 threat and national security parallels with today’s environment. He also shares his assessment of a newly unsealed 1999 video from Saudi intelligence officer Omar al-Bayoumi, which Michael says appears to be ‘casing’ footage of the US Capitol. Additionally, Michael talks with Andy about the security vulnerabilities at the US-Mexico border.

Former daily intelligence briefers for President George W. Bush, Michael and Andy, discuss their experiences and challenges inside the Oval Office. They share insights on briefing the President, delivering difficult news, providing feedback to senior officials, and the dynamics of effective intelligence briefings. The episode also includes personal anecdotes of interactions at the White House.

Chris Miller, Author of 'Chip War' and Associate Professor, discusses global chip manufacturing, US semiconductor innovation, competition with China, Taiwan's leadership in chip production, and the geopolitical impact of chip industry concentration. The conversation explores TSMC's unique business model, potential reshoring of chip production to the US, and the intersection of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing with the chip industry.