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
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.
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.
May 28, 2025 • 55min
The Long War: Glenn Corn
Glenn Corn, a seasoned CIA executive with over 34 years in U.S. intelligence and foreign policy, discusses his recent trip to Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression. He highlights Ukraine's resilience and the strategic use of innovative tactics like FPV drones. Corn also explores the complexities of U.S. support for Ukraine and offers insights into Trump's diplomatic maneuvers with the Kremlin. The conversation reveals the challenges of achieving a ceasefire and the broader implications for European politics amid ongoing conflict.
May 21, 2025 • 56min
Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman
Michael Allen talks with former senior State Department official Jeffrey Feltman about President Trump's "new approach" to the Middle East following his recent trip to the Gulf. Jeffrey analyzes the President's focus on major investment deals, the evolving US positioning on Iran's nuclear program, the surprising U-turn on Syria, and how Mr. Trump's transactional style is reshaping relationships in the volatile region.
May 14, 2025 • 47min
Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman
In this discussion, Mike Studeman, a retired Rear Admiral and expert on China, delves into the intricate world of U.S.-China relations and the implications of Trump's trade policies. He explores how the 'America First' stance could be leveraged by China and emphasizes Taiwan's crucial role in U.S. economic and national security. Studeman cautions against the potential consequences of neglecting Taiwan and unpacks the complexities of China's military landscape, highlighting both its strengths and vulnerabilities.
May 7, 2025 • 44min
The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks
Jeremy Bash explores the biotech battleground with former CIA science and technology chief Dawn Meyerriecks. Dawn, a key voice on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, discusses the urgent need for US leadership to address critical vulnerabilities in the country's bio-industrial base. Dawn also makes a case for why powerful government-private sector alliances are essential to securing America's strategic edge in this vital domain.
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross
Andrew Shapiro talks with former US Ambassador Dennis Ross, who argues that the country's foreign policy needs a reboot. Amb. Ross explains the principles of "Statecraft 2.0" – why the US must adapt its leadership for a challenging multipolar world, navigating the global influence and interests of China and Russia.
Apr 23, 2025 • 44min
The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson
Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China's pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska.
Apr 16, 2025 • 42min
The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton
Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.
Apr 9, 2025 • 50min
The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn
Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.
