NatSec Matters

Michael and Andy speak to International Security Studies students and community members at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut, for a special episode. Moderated by the Jackson School of Global Affairs's Ted Wittenstein, they discuss the challenges facing US intelligence agencies today including China, Russia, and the Israel-Gaza war. They also talk about what it takes to be a superior intelligence officer and analyst, and how to make national security decisions in the 21st century. 

Discussion with Hal Brands on the art of strategy throughout history, exploring US strategy towards China, proxy warfare tactics by Iran, and the global strategic vision of John Quincy Adams.

Michael and Andy visit the Washington, D.C., campus of the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service where they record a 'live' episode of the podcast with students and others. They discuss current national security threats, how the government handles classified documents, careers in the intelligence community, and artificial intelligence. 

Former CIA Moscow chief Rolf Mowatt-Larssen discusses the 'Russian mindset' and its influence on Putin's actions in Ukraine. Topics include preparing children for dangers, significance of puppet shows, lack of peace in Russia, and reasons for pessimism in the war in Ukraine.

Marc Andreessen, Silicon Valley venture capitalist and software engineer, discusses American tech innovation and its impact on national security. He explores the historical relationship between the tech industry and the federal government, the challenges of regulating biotech and AI, and the need for collaboration in facing technological disruption to national security.

Josh Baughman, analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University, discusses China's cognitive warfare program, including social media tactics, control of public opinion in China through WeChat, the power of language for shaping narratives, and the role of emerging technologies in cognitive warfare.

Former Chief of the CIA's Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit, Jim Lawler, discusses targeting the 'Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Program' Abdul Qadeer Khan. He also talks about his espionage novels and the challenges of dealing with non-state worldwide networks. The podcast explores the life and actions of nuclear smuggler Akukan, Khan's influence in Pakistan, unraveling Khan's nuclear network, and the role of human intelligence in the modern era.

Taiwan expert Bonnie Glaser discusses the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan, including the candidates and polling trends. They also explore the impact of US tax regulatory issues on Taiwan and the implications of the election on cross-strait relations. The chapter concludes with a discussion on deterrence strategies to protect Taiwan from China and encourages listener engagement.

Michael Allen, Managing Director at Beacon Global Strategies, interviews Michael Morel and Andy McCreitas as they discuss their predictions for national security and intelligence in 2024. They cover potential risks in 2024, Israeli-Hamas conflict, speculation on a coordinated attack involving Iran, US policy towards Iran, and growing tensions between China and the United States.

Klon Kitchen from Beacon Global Strategies discusses the implications of AI for national security, including the recent Executive Order on AI. They explore the history and advancements of AI, the role of red teaming in identifying threats, and the importance of diversity. The chapter also emphasizes responsibility and diligence in deploying AI models to avoid potential consequences.