David Betz, a Professor of War in the Modern World at King’s College London, specializes in military strategy. He delves into the surprising relevance of fortification in today's warfare, revealing how ancient strategies still influence modern conflicts. Betz shares insights on the intersection of urban landscapes and military planning, illustrating this with the ongoing situations in Ukraine and Israel. He discusses the balance between security and aesthetics, questioning how economic factors shape contemporary defensive tactics.

Mick Ryan, a retired Major General in the Australian Army and author of 'War Transformed,' talks about the intersection of war and fiction. He explores the influence of military-themed narratives, like Tom Clancy's, in shaping public perceptions of conflict. Ryan highlights the importance of deterrence in the Pacific, the complexities of modern warfare in places like Ukraine and Israel, and the vital role fiction plays in understanding soldier experiences and geopolitical realities. His insights bridge the gap between military strategy and civilian awareness.

Hal Brands, a distinguished global affairs professor and author of The Eurasian Century, dives deep into the complexities of geopolitics. He explores the strategic significance of Eurasia and the historical rivalries between land and sea power theories. The conversation touches on the rise of authoritarianism, the burdens of defense, and the ongoing struggle for power in the region. Brands also analyzes the implications of China’s nuclear aspirations and compares them with historical context to understand current dynamics.

Tom Karako, Senior Fellow at CSIS and missile defense expert, shares insights on America's missile defense landscape. He discusses the implications of President Trump’s missile defense executive order and delves into the evolution of the Iron Dome concept. The conversation highlights the historical context of missile defense treaties and the challenges posed by modern threats like North Korea. Karako also examines the effectiveness of current systems, emphasizing their role in national security and the need for advancements in air defenses against complex attack scenarios.

Eric Chewning, EVP of Strategy at Huntington Ingalls, and Thomas Moore, a 39-year Navy veteran, dive deep into America's shipbuilding crisis. They explore the erosion of the defense industrial base and the urgent need for strategic improvements by 2025. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by Chinese competition and workforce shortages. They also address the integration of unmanned systems in naval operations and underline the importance of modernizing training and infrastructure to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of naval warfare.

Gabe Scheinmann, grandson of André Scheinmann and Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, joins author Diana Mara Henry to discuss the remarkable life of his grandfather. They explore André's journey from a German Jew to a French Resistance fighter and British spy during World War II. Topics include his harrowing experiences in Dachau, the complexities of espionage, and the relentless spirit of resistance against Nazi oppression. The conversation highlights the legacy of courage, resilience, and the profound impact of personal history on broader narratives.

Evan Mawdsley, an Honorary Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and expert on World War II, delves into the critical U.S. naval campaign in the Central Pacific during 1944. He discusses the strategic significance of carrier air power and innovative task force tactics that shaped military outcomes. Mawdsley highlights Japan's strategic miscalculations and the limitations of their naval responses, culminating in the pivotal Battle of the Philippine Sea. He also draws intriguing parallels to today's global military dynamics with rising powers like China.

Dmitry Filipoff, an associate research analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses, shares deep insights into the U.S. Navy's complex landscape. He discusses critical lessons learned from the Red Sea, highlighting the dangers of friendly fire and munitions depletion. Filipoff critiques current naval strategies and stresses the importance of efficient command structures. He explores the Navy's zero defect culture and its negative impact on personnel, advocating for a shift toward constructive failure to enhance operational readiness.

Nadège Rolland, a renowned expert on Chinese strategic issues and author of Mapping China's Strategic Space, offers insights into China’s geopolitical landscape. She discusses the formation of mental maps by Chinese strategists, historical perspectives from Mao, and the implications of perceived encirclement by the U.S. The conversation also touches on China's Arctic ambitions, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the delicate balance of asserting regional power while avoiding overextension. Rolland's analysis reveals the complexities shaping China's global aspirations.

Dan Blumenthal and Kyle Balzer, affiliated with the American Enterprise Institute and co-authors of 'The True Aims of China’s Nuclear Buildup,' dive into China's expanding nuclear capabilities. They analyze the shift in China's nuclear strategy and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation highlights China's ambitions to reshape global order and discusses the urgent need for a robust American response. The duo also examines the effects on U.S. alliances and the prospects for future trade and nuclear modernization under new leadership.