At The Boundary

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, guest host GNSI publications coordinator Heather Ward speaks with Dr. Vlado Vivoda of the University of Queensland to explore the strategic role of critical minerals in modern technology, clean energy, and national security.Dr. Vivoda explains why minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are vital to everything from EV batteries and smartphones to advanced defense technology. The discussion highlights the risks of supply chain vulnerability, including China’s dominance in mineral refining and global production, and the regulatory challenges facing U.S. mineral policy. Key topics include:🔹 The role of critical minerals in defense and energy 🔹 Why the U.S. mineral supply chain is at risk 🔹 How mineral recycling and alternative tech could reduce dependency 🔹 The need for faster mine permitting and strategic resource planning🎙️ Learn why securing critical materials is essential to global stability, economic resilience, and national defense.Links from the episode:• GNSI Decision Brief: “De Oppresso Liber – Applying Green Beret Identity and Ethos to Build U.S. Military Resiliency” By Drs. Joseph Long and Rob Burell and retired Lt General Charles Cleveland• GNSI Video Series Interview with Ambassador John J. SullivanAt the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso sits down with Dr. Armand Mahmoudian to introduce a major new research initiative from the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) at the University of South Florida: Axis of Resistance.The conversation explores Iran’s growing influence across the Middle East through its network of proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and beyond. Mahmoudian provides historical context for Iran’s regional strategy, its support for Shia groups, and the current challenges surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.Listeners will also learn about GNSI’s upcoming monthly expert panels, featuring former officials, regional specialists, and voices from affected communities—all aimed at delivering comprehensive insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.🎧 Tune in to learn how Iran’s power projection is reshaping security dynamics across the region—and why understanding it matters now more than ever.At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What’s next in the Russia-Ukraine war, and how should the U.S. respond? In this episode of At the Boundary, we listen in on a critical conversation between Dr. Arman Mahmudian, GNSI Research Fellow, and David Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute.Together, they examine the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, explore the political landscape, and assess the potential for a ceasefire. Kramer outlines Russia’s continued aggression, the vital role of U.S. military and economic support, and the importance of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.The discussion also covers Ukraine’s battlefield innovations, the risks of premature negotiations, and strategic policy recommendations—including enhanced sanctions, seizing Russian assets, and maintaining pressure to deter future Russian actions.🎧 Tune in for expert analysis on the war’s trajectory, U.S. foreign policy, and what’s at stake for global security.At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, guest Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemen expert of the Middle East Institute, joins GNSI’s own Dr. Armand Mahmoudian to unpack the rise of the Houthis and their growing impact on regional and global security.The conversation explores the Houthis' ideological roots, inspired by the Iranian Revolution, and their strategic objectives—from dominating Yemen to targeting holy sites and calling for the destruction of Israel. With military backing and training from Iran, the Houthis have become a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics.The episode also delves into recent U.S. military strikes aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on global shipping, their ties with extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, and the involvement of major powers like Russia and China.What’s next for Yemen—and what does it mean for the world? Tune in for expert insights and critical analysis of one of today’s most volatile security flashpoints.At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! How effective are economic sanctions in shaping global behavior—and what happens when they backfire?In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, host Jim Cardoso is joined by Dr. Zachary Selden, a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and economic sanctions from the University of Florida. Together, they explore the evolving role of sanctions in diplomacy and global security, using both historical and current examples to examine when sanctions work—and when they don’t.Key topics include:The U.S. embargo on Japan before WWII and its strategic consequencesSanctions on Russia and Iran: impacts, workarounds, and domestic responsesHow sanctions can unintentionally drive local production (like rare earth metals)Why sanctions are more effective when tied to specific goals—not regime changeThe challenges of sanctioning authoritarian regimes with access to alternative suppliers like ChinaWhether you're a policy professional, student of international relations, or just curious about how sanctions shape global events, this episode offers clear, timely insights into one of the most debated tools of modern statecraft. Links from the episode:• Future Strategist Program Cyber Frontier SummitAt the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What role should NATO play in today’s security landscape—and how do regions like Africa factor into long-term strategy?In this episode of the "At the Boundary" podcast, host Jim Cardoso is joined by retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Kirk Smith to explore evolving priorities in national security and defense cooperation. The conversation covers NATO’s post-counterterrorism role, the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic relationship, and why Africa has become a strategic focal point for issues like migration, terrorism, and global power competition.Also discussed:The value of European NATO partners’ diverse perspectivesWhy security cooperation is key to long-term stabilityThe continued relevance of Special Operations Forces (SOF)How allies maintain interoperability across missions and regionsThis episode offers timely insights for anyone interested in alliance strategy, emerging global threats, and the future of military partnerships.Subscribe and stay informed by experts in the field of Global and National security! Links From the Episode:• Register for the FSP Cyber Frontier Summit Here At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, but human error remains the biggest vulnerability. In this episode of At the Boundary, Joe Blankenship, Chief Data Officer at Certus Core, unpacks the latest AI-driven threats, from phishing and malware to supply chain security risks.🔎 What you’ll learn:How AI is weaponizing cyber threats like phishing and malwareWhy human error is still the biggest cybersecurity riskThe role of blockchain in securing supply chains & transactionsHow organizations can regulate AI risks without slowing innovationWith AI and blockchain reshaping cybersecurity, understanding the risks is critical.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.Links from the episode:• Register for the FSP Cyber Frontier Summit Here • Dr. Mohsen Milani's Iran's Rise and Rivalry with the US in the Middle East Book Interview • GNSI Tampa Summit 5: The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons For Future Conflicts Conference Video Playlist• Certus Core WebsiteAt the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Award-winning documentary producer and investigative journalist Richard Kerbaj joins Dr. David Oakley at the University of South Florida to discuss the intricate history of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Kerbaj, renowned for his BAFTA-winning documentary My Son, the Jihadi and his recent television work on Litvinenko, provides a deep dive into his latest book, The Secret History of the Five Eyes: The Untold Story of the International Spy Network. Over six years of research and more than 100 interviews—including conversations with two British and two Australian Prime Ministers—shaped his gripping narrative on the intelligence-sharing pact between the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.From the clandestine origins of the alliance in World War II to the Cold War’s shifting espionage landscape and the challenges of modern counterterrorism, Kerbaj brings to life the untold stories of intelligence officers, political tensions, and the delicate balance of secrecy and trust among allied nations. The discussion highlights the real-world stakes of intelligence cooperation, from tracking down terrorist threats like Jihadi John to exposing historical tensions between Five Eyes members. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of international espionage, the challenges of intelligence ethics, and the evolution of one of the world’s most powerful yet enigmatic security partnerships.🔎 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to uncover the secret world of global intelligence.At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Can the U.S. afford to shift its focus to China while Russia remains a threat?Following the GNSI Summit on the Russian-Ukraine War, experts break down why abandoning Europe could be a serious mistake—and how Russian and Chinese aggression are more connected than you think. Maintaining a strong military presence in Europe isn’t just about defending allies—it’s about global stability.The conversation explores why the U.S. must strike a balance between investing in legacy military systems and rapidly adopting new technologies like drones to stay ahead of emerging threats. The key to success? Proactive deterrence. Preventing conflicts before they start is more effective—and less costly—than responding after the damage is done.Don’t miss this insightful deep dive into the future of U.S. defense strategy and why global power dynamics are more intertwined than ever. Subscribe to the “At the Boundary” Podcast to stay up to date on global policy!Links From the Episode:• FSP Cyber Frontier Summit on April 15th• Critical Resources for National Security Decision BriefAt the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! 🎙️ AI, Cybersecurity & the Future of Computing—A Must-Listen Episode! 🤖💡Professor John Licato joins guest host Glenn Beckmann on the "At the Boundary" podcast to discuss groundbreaking AI advancements and the launch of USF’s new College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing. Dr. Licato breaks down the impact of AI models like DeepSea and Lucy, the growing potential of quantum computing, and the critical work of Actualization AI in ensuring AI privacy and accuracy.Don’t miss this in-depth conversation on the future of AI and its ethical challenges. Listen now! At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.