

At The Boundary
Global and National Security Institute
“At the Boundary” is going to feature global and national strategy insights that we think our fans will want to know about. That could mean live interviews, engagements with distinguished thought leaders, conference highlights, and more. It will pull in a broad array of government, industry, and academic partners, ensuring we don’t produce a dull uniformity of ideas. It will also be a platform to showcase all the great things going on with GNSI, our partners, and USF.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2024 • 14min
SPECIAL EPISODE: Good News and Bad News in Syria Following the Collapse of Bashar al-Assad
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! GNSI Executive Direct and former Commander of U.S. Central Command, retired Marine Corps General, Frank McKenzie joins the podcast for a special episode examining the explosive situation and developments in Syria, following the victory by rebel forces in overthrowing the country's government. Former President, Bashar al-Assad has fled the country, receiving asylum in Moscow. The rebel forces who have waged a ten-year war against Assad's government, resulting in nearly half a million deaths, are now in control, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the emir of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). McKenzie says there's a lot of good news with the toppling of Assad's government but he's unsure if that will mean good news for the Syrian people. Jalani has a $10 million bounty on his head as HTS is considered a terrorist group by the United States. Enjoy this special episode of At the Boundary.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.

Dec 9, 2024 • 24min
Admiral Halsey’s WWII Victory Strategy, Success, and Setbacks
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of "What’s Really Happening?", retired four-star General Frank McKenzie explores the remarkable yet complex career of five-star Fleet Admiral William Frederick "Bull" Halsey Jr., renowned for his pivotal role in the Pacific theater during World War II. Known for his “hit hard, hit fast, hit often” strategy, Admiral Halsey led multiple victories against the Japanese Imperial Fleet.General McKenzie reflects on the effectiveness of Halsey’s approach, examining its early successes and its limitations during the later stages of the war. Tune in for an expert analysis of one of America’s most iconic naval commanders and the evolution of military strategy in wartime.Links from the episode:• Watch more from "What's Really Happening?" on Youtube• Dr. David Gioe's NATO deterrence article featured on the Taylor and Francis 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.

Dec 2, 2024 • 45min
Is Poland America's #1 Ally in Eastern Europe? A Conversation with Professor Jacek Dworzecki
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this compelling episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary," guest Professor Jacek Dworzecki, the Deputy Dean for Security Studies Discipline at the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces, provides a deep dive into Europe’s evolving security challenges from a Polish perspective.Discover Poland’s partnership with NATO and the United States, the growing threat of Russian military forces, and the far-reaching impacts of the Ukraine war. Prof. Dworzecki shares expert insights on how these dynamics are reshaping defense strategies and stability in the region.Tune in to explore the strategies, partnerships, and pressing challenges defining European security today.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.

Nov 25, 2024 • 29min
The USA Missed the Golden Hour for Impactful Aid in Afghanistan
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! We sit in on a conversation with Alexious Butler, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with GNSI and a Mission Director with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), about the concept of "The Golden Hour," specifically as it pertains to Afghanistan. The "Golden Hour" is commonly defined as the critical moment in a conflict zone when timely aid can dramatically alter outcomes in those zones. She and GNSI Research Fellow, Dr. Guido Rossi candidly discuss how the United States missed the Golden Hour and what that miss means.The two of them also authored a GNSI Decision Brief on this topic, which you can find on our website here.We hope you enjoy the episode!Links for this episode:• GNSI Video Series: Alexious Butler, USAID• Conference videos from GNSI Policy Dialogues: Rethinking Afghanistan: Strategic Competition in the Heart of Asia (Playlist: "Rethinking Afghanistan")• GNSI Decision Brief: Maritime Resiliency in the Red Sea: Lessons from the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Malacca by Dr. Arman Mahmoudian- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -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.

Nov 18, 2024 • 45min
Reflections on “Rethinking Afghanistan”: A GNSI Group Discussion on Lessons Learned
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Delve into the aftermath of the recent Policy Dialogue, "Rethinking Afghanistan: Strategic Competition in the Heart of Asia," with insights from event organizers: GNSI Senior Director, Jim Cardoso; Strategy and Research Manager, Tad Schnaufer, PhD; Academic Director, David Oakley, PhD, and Future Strategist Program student, Jamie Preston. Explore critical takeaways on Afghanistan's shifting geopolitical landscape, lessons from U.S. operations, and strategies for a collaborative future. This episode of "At the Boundary" offers a thought-provoking analysis of one of the most pressing global challenges.Subscribe and listen now for expert perspectives that redefine the conversation.Links from the episode:• “The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century”The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants of this program and do not reflect the opinions or positions of the University of South Florida (USF), affiliated or partner organizations, Board of Trustees or the State of Florida. This podcast has been made available for informational or entertainment purposes only.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.

Nov 13, 2024 • 46min
Shifting Power in the Middle East: The Decline of Clerics and Rise of the IRGC
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this thought-provoking episode of “At the Boundary”, guest Ali Alfoneh from The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington dives deep into the shifting power dynamics in the Middle East. Together with GNSI Fellow Arman Mahmoudian, Ph.D., they explore the decline of clerical influence and the growing prominence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This conversation unpacks the implications of these shifts for national security and global policy—offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in the evolving political landscape of the Middle East.Link's from the episode:• Register for the Rethinking Afghanistan Policy Dialogue• Ali Alfoneh's BookAt 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.

Nov 7, 2024 • 17min
Iran at its Weakest in Years?
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this special episode, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie, former commander of CENTCOM, gives an exclusive update on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. He shares his expert analysis on the objectives of both nations and dives deep into whether Iran has the capability to build a nuclear weapon—and why they haven’t yet. With tensions running high in the Middle East, Gen. McKenzie offers invaluable insights into the military, strategic, and political factors shaping this conflict. Tune in to hear the latest on one of the most critical security issues of our time.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.

Nov 4, 2024 • 42min
From Data to Action: Counterterrorism Intelligence Collection and Exploitation
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What does it take to transform U.S. intelligence operations from small, specialized teams to a global force capable of tackling terrorism on a massive scale? In this episode, retired Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, the former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), discusses his incredible 36-year career in the U.S. Army and the evolution of intelligence and counterterrorism operations, along with the importance of interagency collaboration. His insights into the challenges of managing interagency collaboration between organizations like the CIA, FBI, and military address the critical issue of over-classification in intelligence work.Tune in to learn how intelligence work has transformed over the years and gain valuable lessons from one of the most experienced leaders in the field!Links from the episode:• Register for the Rethinking Afghanistan Policy Dialogue• Untying the Gordian Knot Playlist• “The Melting Point” book by General (Ret.) Frank McKenzieAt 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.

Oct 28, 2024 • 55min
Did the Beirut Bombing Ignite the War on Terror?
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Listen in to this enlightening episode of GNSI’s “Author Spotlight Series” featuring James Scott, co-author of “Targeted: Beirut: The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror.”James shares excerpts from the book he, along with fellow author Jack Carr, wrote about the tragic events of October 23, 1983, when a devastating terrorist attack killed 241 servicemen. Discover how this incident not only reshaped lives but also set the stage for the “War on Terror.”Tune in for an in-depth discussion that uncovers hidden narratives and explores the lasting impact of this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a history buff or interested in global politics, this episode is a must-listen!Subscribe now for more insightful conversations!LINKS FROM THE EPISODE• Register for GNSI's Policy Dialogue: “Rethinking Afghanistan: Strategic Competition in the Heart of Asia”• JSS Call for Papers• "Targeted: Beirut" on AmazonAt 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.

Oct 22, 2024 • 19min
Sinwar is Dead, Hamas to Follow?
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this special episode of "At the Boundary," the impacts of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death examined in detail. GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Arman Mahmoudian provides critical analysis of the implications of this event on the ongoing conflict in the region. What does Sinwar's death mean for Hamas' future operations against Israel? Could this signify a shift towards a potential ceasefire? Listeners can expect expert insights and a comprehensive discussion on the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern politics. 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.