NatSec Matters

Bill Muntean, a former State Department senior advisor and expert on Antarctic geopolitics, discusses the frozen continent's role in great power competition. He details how the 1959 Antarctic Treaty helps manage tensions among nations. Bill shares insights on surprise inspections he leads to ensure compliance from Russia and China. As climate change shifts the geopolitical landscape, he debates if Antarctica can maintain its peaceful status amidst rising global pressures and economic interests.

Andy talks with Alex Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for national security. Forbes says Alex, at age 25, is the world's youngest self-made billionaire. He describes the three foundational pillars of AI—data, compute, and algorithms—and how advancements in each have driven recent progress. Alex discusses how AI advancement could enable adversaries to pose new threats to US national security, and the guardrails the technology may need. 

Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and cybersecurity expert, shares his insights on modern digital threats and geopolitical tensions. He discusses the U.S.-China rivalry and why Taiwan's significance is escalating. Alperovitch explores the evolution of cyber warfare, emphasizing AI's transformative role in both offensive and defensive strategies. He advocates for a more aggressive U.S. cybersecurity approach while highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Chris Miller, an expert in international history and author of "Chip War," dives into the high-stakes world of semiconductor technology. He discusses the significance of the semiconductor supply chain's fragility and the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Miller highlights Taiwan's pivotal role in chip manufacturing and the challenges facing industry giants like TSMC. He also touches on the future of AI, quantum computing, and the interconnected dynamics between technological advancements and national security.

Beth Sanner, a former CIA analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, dives into pressing national security challenges for the next U.S. president. She discusses the intricate relationships among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, highlighting their potential to disrupt global stability. Sanner analyzes rising tensions in the South China Sea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the delicate balance of military cooperation and cyber threats. Her insights illuminate the complex geopolitical landscape the next administration will navigate.

Christine Michienzi, a former Senior Technology Advisor at the Pentagon, shares her expertise on critical minerals vital for national security. She highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for essential minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, noting China's dominance. The discussion includes strategies to enhance domestic production and international partnerships to counter geopolitical challenges. Michienzi emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to ensure a stable supply chain and safeguard national defense.

Christy Abizaid, former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, shares her invaluable journey from intelligence analyst to policymaker. She discusses the critical lessons learned in counterterrorism, particularly post-9/11. Abizaid emphasizes the necessity of integrity and objectivity in intelligence analysis, especially under political pressures. She highlights the dynamic relationship between intelligence professionals and policymakers, advocating for clear communication to inform decision-making. Her insights reveal the complexity of navigating crises and the evolving landscape of threats.

Nick Shapiro, former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff, Dawn Meyerriecks, former Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology, and Brian Carbaugh, former Director of CIA’s Special Activities Center, share insights from their careers. They discuss the humor and storytelling involved in teaching intelligence concepts. The trio reflects on the importance of teamwork, camaraderie, and moral courage in high-stakes environments. They also touch on translating intelligence skills to everyday life and emphasize the value of diverse expertise in collaborative settings.

Matt McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks and expert in biological threats, discusses the pressing need for a comprehensive global monitoring system to counteract biosecurity risks. He emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to manage both accidental and malicious biological events. The conversation highlights advances in synthetic biology and their dual-use implications, advocating for proactive frameworks that balance innovation with safety. McKnight also outlines innovative strategies like Traveler Genomic Surveillance to enhance global pathogen detection.

Eyal Hulata, the former Israeli National Security Advisor and current fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discusses the recent military strikes against Hezbollah and their strategic implications for Iran. He emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive agreement for long-term stability in Lebanon and warns of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation delves into the need for international support for the Iranian people, challenges in maintaining security for Israeli civilians, and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.