Podcasts about indo pacific

In this episode of NucleCast, Gibum Kim from the Korean Institute for Defense Analysis to discuss the recent political changes in South Korea, particularly the impact of the new Democratic Party leadership on foreign policy, especially regarding North Korea and the US-South Korea alliance. They explore the philosophical differences between the political parties regarding denuclearization, the future of the US-South Korea alliance, and the challenges posed by China. The conversation concludes with Gi-bum's wishes for the future of South Korea's security and international relations.Gibum KIM is an associate research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). He leads the Current Issues Team under the Future Strategy Office. Before becoming the Team Lead, his research focused on issues pertaining to the ROK-U.S. alliance, U.S. nuclear strategy and extended deterrence, and defense space strategy at the Center for Security and Strategy. He was formerly a research associate at both the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Center for Foreign Policy and National Security of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies (AIPS) in Seoul. Mr. Kim was a member of the Pacific Forum Young Leaders Program from 2014 to 2019. He earned both an MA and BA in Political Science at the College of Political Science and Economics, Korea University, and is pursuing his doctoral degree at his alma mater. His research interests include issues related to nuclear strategy, nonproliferation, alliance politics, defense space strategy, and multilateral security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST, host Ilan Berman speaks with AFPC Senior Fellow Alexander Gray about China's growing activities and interest in the Arctic region - and their implications for American security. BIO:Alexander Gray is a Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, where his work focuses on U.S. security and defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific, U.S.-China competition globally, and U.S. defense strategy and modernization. He is also the CEO of American Global Strategies LLC, an international strategic advisory firm he co-founded with former National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien. Alex previously served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of the White House National Security Council (NSC), overseeing daily operations, budget, personnel, and security. He was also Special Assistant to the President for the Defense Industrial Base at the National Economic Council and the first Director for Oceania and Indo-Pacific Security at the NSC.

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Dragon & Elephant Talk Peace In Beijing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping struck a rare note of harmony at the SCO summit. After years of border tensions, both leaders stressed that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” agreeing to resume direct flights and even restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Xi said it was “vital for the dragon and elephant to walk together” in shaping a multipolar world. Macron Rekindles Two-State Push In Paris, Emmanuel Macron reignited the two-state debate by recognizing Palestine, despite protests from Israel and the US. Macron argued Gaza's humanitarian crisis demands urgent action, while critics warned recognition could embolden militants. Several Western nations may follow France's lead at the UN next month. India's Next Biofuel Leap New Delhi is moving its biofuel experiment off the roads and onto construction sites. Bulldozers, cranes and heavy carriers that consume nearly 4% of India's diesel could soon run on blended fuels. The move cuts oil imports, lowers emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by using crop-based fuels. Trump Skips India Visit US President Donald Trump may cancel his India trip and skip the Quad summit after slapping tariffs on Indian goods. Beyond trade, tensions stem from Trump's claim that he personally brokered peace between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi strongly rejects. India & Japan Seal $68B Pact In Tokyo, Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a 10-year roadmap, with Japan pledging $68 billion in private investment into India. Both leaders called it a “golden chapter,” combining Japanese technology and Indian talent to drive growth, while reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s segment, Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors, joins us to unpack three major geopolitical shifts shaping Asia’s strategic landscape.First, the fallout from the Trump administration’s sweeping 50% tariffs on Indian imports. With up to $48 billion in exports at risk, India is urgently courting new trade partners—including China, Russia, and Brazil—raising questions about whether Washington’s hardline stance is inadvertently nudging New Delhi closer to Beijing.Next to Beijing’s upcoming Victory Day parade, where North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin will appear publicly alongside Xi Jinping. This rare trilateral show of force signals a deepening axis of defiance against Western pressure, with implications for regional security and diplomatic alignment.Finally, Indonesia’s evolving leadership under President Prabowo Subianto.... with his military background and assertive approach to civilian affairs, what does his presidency mean for Southeast Asia’s largest democracy and its role in the Indo-Pacific.The International News Review, “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil HumphreysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deep-dive episode, Ray Powell and Jim Carouso are joined by Matthew Zolnowski, former Special Advisor at the U.S. Department of Defense and President of Greyfriars LLC, for an expert exploration of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the context of U.S.-China strategic competition. As tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, they examine why these "rocks" are essential building blocks for both military weapon systems and the civilian economy.Critical Minerals vs. Rare Earths: Understanding the DifferenceMatt breaks down the distinction between critical minerals (50+ commodities spanning the periodic table from antimony to zirconium) and rare earth elements (those mysterious bottom rows of the periodic table you never had to learn). He explains China's dominant position in heavy rare earth processing, particularly for permanent magnets used in defense applications, while noting that light rare earths like cerium and lanthanum—used in petroleum refining and glass polishing—remain more accessible from domestic sources like California's Mountain Pass mine.Stockpiling, Strategy, and Supply Chain VulnerabilitiesThe discussion reveals concerning gaps in U.S. defense procurement, including how electronic components bypass normal sourcing requirements, allowing Chinese rare earth magnets into submarines through hard drives, while direct magnet purchases require allied sourcing. Zolnowski details the $2 billion stockpile expansion and explains how stockpiles "buy time" rather than widgets—bridging the gap between crisis onset and Defense Production Act responses.Industrial Policy vs. Market ForcesRay and Jim probe the tension between America's traditional free-market approach and emerging industrial policy, examining deals like the MP Materials contract with its $150 million heavy rare earth separation line and EBITDA guarantees. Matt argues this represents uncharted territory, fundamentally breaking with traditional government-industry relationships as the U.S. grapples with China's strategic dominance in processing and price manipulation.Australia, Allies, and Alternative StrategiesThe hosts explore why U.S.-Australia collaboration on critical minerals has remained limited despite Australia's "periodic table on a plate" capabilities, with Zolnowski noting regulatory barriers that only recently opened Defense Production Act eligibility to Australian companies. He advocates for commodity-specific strategies rather than broad critical minerals policies, suggesting successful models like heavy mineral sands operations that diversify beyond single-commodity dependence.

Taiwan sits at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, a vibrant democracy and global technology hub whose future has major implications for regional stability. Its position is complicated by the “one China” policy and growing strategic competition, making Taiwan's international relationships more important than ever. Guest: Dr Chen Ming-chi (Deputy Minister in Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Recorded on 28th August, 2025.

This week in the Middle East, France, Germany, and the U.K. triggered a mechanism to reimpose sanctions against Iran following Tehran's noncompliance with nuclear inspections, while Israel intensified shelling in Gaza City ahead of its anticipated occupation. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump played host to his South Korean counterpart at the White House, while Seoul called for strengthening ties with China. In Ukraine, Russian forces pushed farther into Ukrainian territory and continued their bombing campaign as the U.S. weighed security guarantees for Ukraine. U.S. tariffs of 50% on Indian imports went into effect, while Mexico announced plans to raise tariffs on China. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250829/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The longheld US position to defend Taiwan's independent status in the face of Chinese aggression is looking shaky under the Trump administration, in spite of Taiwanese efforts to court the American president. This week, Gideon talks to analyst and author James Crabtree - former director of the Asia office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies - about why the US now seems more interested in doing a deal with China than showing support for Taiwan. They also discuss the broader implications that this, and other issues, might have for US alliances across the Indo-Pacific region, including relations with South Korea, Japan, Australia and India.Clips: Amazon PrimeFollow Gideon on Bluesky @gideonrachman.bsky.social or X @gideonrachmanMore on this topic:Taiwan raises defence spending by 23% under US pressure to counter China threatDonald Trump blocks Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te from New York stopoverUS cancelled military talks with TaiwanTrump is the gift that keeps giving to ChinaThe geopolitics of chips: Taiwan's ‘Silicon Shield'Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has Indonesia's foreign policy evolved under President Prabowo? Is Indonesia slowly moving from being ‘non-aligned' to being ‘multi-aligned'? How have recent US foreign and domestic policies affected its relationship with Indonesia? How can Australia and Indonesia strengthen their relationship and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific? In this episode, Natalie Sambhi and Yohanes Sulaiman join David Andrews to explore Indonesia's evolving role as a strategic actor in the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with major players in the region. Dr Natalie Sambhi is Founder and Executive Director, Verve Research. She is also a Senior Policy Fellow with the Asia Society Australia. Dr Yohanes Sulaiman is an Associate Professor of International Relations at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia. He is also the Executive Editor of the Journal of Global Strategic Studies. David Andrews is Senior Manager, Policy & Engagement at the ANU National Security College (NSC). TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more   We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. US Tightens Visas DHS plans to scrap open-ended stays for students and visitors, capping F and J visas at four years, cutting grace periods, and limiting program changes. Officials cite security and oversight as millions enter each year. India's New War Doctrines Three doctrines unveiled—Special Forces, airborne ops, and multi-domain warfare—aim to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for future conflicts across land, sea, space, and cyber. Modi in Japan PM Modi begins his first solo visit to Japan in seven years. Talks with PM Ishiba will cover semiconductors, EVs, bullet trains, and Indo-Pacific security under the Quad. Next stop: China for the SCO summit. Tariff Tensions US tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, targeting Russian oil buys. Treasury chief Bessent says ties are “complicated” but insists Modi and Trump will “come together.” India calls the move unjustified. Gangwal's Mega Exit IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal turns a ₹15 crore bet into ₹45,000 crore, pulling off one of the most spectacular exits in Indian business history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this urgent bonus episode, Ray Powell and Jim Carouso return to discuss the sharp re-escalation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea following the highly publicized Chinese naval collision at Scarborough Shoal on August 11, 2025. Drawing from satellite imagery, open-source information, and media reports, they analyze China's deployment of an armed maritime “swarm” near the BRP Sierra Madre, including coast guard cutters, maritime militia vessels, and rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) equipped with mounted weapons.China's Escalation and Swarming TacticsRay details how, just a day after the collision, China shifted significant assets from Mischief Reef to Second Thomas Shoal, amassing a force that now includes coast guard ships, maritime militia vessels, and armed RHIBs maneuvering alarmingly close to the Philippine military outpost. This “swarming” not only serves as a physical blockade but also as psychological intimidation through water cannon drills and propaganda operations.Historical and Strategic ContextThe BRP Sierra Madre has symbolized Philippine sovereignty at the shoal since being deliberately grounded in 1999, which lies within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. Despite China's extensive militarization of neighboring Mischief Reef and other features, they have yet to dislodge this single ship—a continuous thorn in Beijing's nine-dash line claims and a longtime flashpoint for maritime confrontation.Provocation, Deterrence, and International ImplicationsJim and Ray explore the strategic calculus behind China's move, interpreting it as a probe aimed at provoking a Philippine misstep to justify more forceful measures, such as seizure or siege of the outpost. Philippine forces remain strictly instructed to exercise restraint, aware of the potentially explosive consequences. The episode places these events within a broader geopolitical framework, including rising tensions in U.S.-Taiwan relations, the recent Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, and emerging uncertainties in U.S. alliances across Asia.What's Next: Risks and ResponsesThe hosts weigh the possibility of China demanding new concessions to allow future Philippine resupply missions, emphasizing that a full siege would be catastrophic and globally indefensible. Given the rusted state of the Sierra Madre and its irreplaceable symbolic value, any disruption to resupply could be a tipping point. They also assess the credibility of U.S. treaty commitments and freedom of navigation operations as signals of deterrence or escalation.Anecdote on Summit DiplomacyOn a lighter note, Ray offers a “there I was” story from President Obama's 2016 visit to Vietnam, where a meticulously planned official lunch was upended for an impromptu meal with Anthony Bourdain, which became the headline for the visit.Why Listen?A definitive update and expert analysis on the mounting crisis in the South China Sea, China's maritime gray-zone tactics and their implications for Philippine sovereignty, and Indo-Pacific alliances and security dynamics.

7:15 AM// Xen spoke with 44 Flats United (44FU), a group of residents, former residents and supporters of public housing, on this week's episode of Women on the Line. 44FU is organising against the Victorian State Government's decision to demolish the 44 high-rise commission flats and a growing number of walkups across Narrm (Melbourne). Xen interviewed R-Coo Tran, leader of 44 FU and Thi, a Vietnamese woman living in a housing estate in Richmond. In this interview they talked about the major problems with the estate demolition plan, what impact this is having on residents and how 44FU is organising on this campaign. Here is an excerpt from the episode that aired yesterday, 25 August 2025.  7:30 AM// Alexia Fuentes– Secretary General of Bayan Australia- a multi-sectoral alliance of progressive Filipino mass organisations campaigning for peaceful independence, speaking at the Pacific Peace Conference. Speaking on the panel 'Regional War Preparations: Talisman Sabre AUKUS and the Force Posture Agreements', Alexia discussed the rising militarism in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on the Philippines, as well as USA's strategic interests in the region, and the people's resistance against global imperialism. 7:45 AM// Tasnim Sammak is a Palestinian educator, researcher, and organiser gives a speech at a recent event “Radiance in Pain and Resilience: Public Lecture & Panel” organised by the Shifa project. The event brought together a number of Palestinian academics and advocates to celebrate the launch of Dr. Samah Jabr's new book Radiance in Pain and Resilience. Tasnim's work explores youth political subjectives and imaginaries through storytelling and community-based research. Her grandparents were displaced during the Nakba and she brings both scholarly and lived experience to her writing and advocacy. 8:00 AM// April Howard, film producer of the upcoming documentary Voices of the Pacific. April has recently attended the Plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva as an observer. She is here on the show to chat about the global threat of plastics in our oceans and the disprortionate impact on Pacific communities. We will also discuss the upcoming documentary and how it aims to spread awareness of plastic pollution in the Pacific.  8:15 AM// An interview by Indigenous Rights Radio, discussing bonded labour, which remains a widespread form of modern slavery in parts of Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed annually on August 23rd, honors the millions of men, women, and children who were subjected to the brutalities of transoceanic slavery, and commemorates the uprisings and resistance that led to its eventual abolition. It typically occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions, often with little or no wages and no clear end to their obligation. Despite legal bans in many countries, weak enforcement and poverty continue to fuel this human rights violation. 

In this must-listen episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso sit down with Arthur Sinodinos, Australia's former Ambassador to the United States and key figure in the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security pact, to get the exclusive inside story on how this landmark agreement came to be, how they dealt with fallout from capitals in China, France, and Southeast Asia, and why this agreement is a strategic game-changer for the Indo-Pacific region and global security.AUKUS Origins & Negotiations: Ambassador Sinodinos takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing firsthand accounts of the tense and complex negotiations that led to the historic AUKUS pact. Learn how shifting geopolitics, submarine technology, and strategic urgency propelled Australia to pursue nuclear-powered submarines, pivoting away from a French deal to partner with the US and UK.The Political Hurdles and Breakthroughs: Hear exclusive details on the US administration's priorities—affordability, bipartisan support, and non-proliferation—and the roles played by world leaders in making AUKUS a reality. Sinodinos delves into how the agreement was shaped amidst the skepticism, and how subsequent legislative reforms have already boosted technology sharing and industrial collaboration among the allies.Regional and Global Impact: This episode addresses the shockwaves AUKUS sent through the Indo-Pacific and beyond: the diplomatic fallout with France, reactions from China and ASEAN countries, and the challenges of keeping such a monumental agreement secret until the last moment. Sinodinos also discusses the "Pillar Two" focus on advanced capabilities like AI, quantum, and cyber, adding another level of strategic cooperation.The Future of AUKUS and Defence Policy: The conversation explores ongoing debates in Australia—including headwinds from prominent critics, questions about US commitment, and concerns about defence spending thresholds. Sinodinos assesses the credibility of America's promises to deliver nuclear submarines and outlines the pressure both countries face to stay on schedule and deliver strategic value.Personal Insights from Washington During Crisis: Discover what it was like running the Australian embassy in Washington D.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tumultuous 2020 US election, and the January 6th Capitol riot. Sinodinos candidly reflects on bridging cultural divides, correcting Australian misconceptions about America, and what makes the US-Australia partnership resilient through political and economic shocks.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump held meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders to advance a peace deal with Russia, while Russian attacks continued across Ukraine. In the Indo-Pacific, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled to India for trade talks as bilateral relations thawed, while Trump threatened to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports within the coming week. In the Middle East, Israeli forces captured the outskirts of Gaza City as the campaign to fully occupy the city began, while Iran held its first naval drills since its June war with Israel. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250822/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future.

In this episode of All Things Policy, Vanshika Saraf sits down with Mr. Peter Varghese, former Australian Foreign Secretary, to understand how Australia views the intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China.As a longstanding ally of the U.S. and a major trading partner with China, Australia finds itself delicately balancing economic interests on one hand and alliance commitments on the other. This conversation will unpack the implications of defence arrangements like AUKUS, the evolution of Australia's China policy, and what Canberra's approach reveals about the broader Indo-Pacific security environment.All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more on our research and other work here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://takshashila.org.in/research-areas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our public policy courses here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://school.takshashila.org.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a textThe Ones Ready crew is back in the team room with another unapologetic ops brief. Peaches kicks things off by dragging coneheads who fail day one fitness tests and then launches into the week's wild ride of military news. Marines get their obligatory “media hero” spotlight, the Army unveils another tilt-rotor science project (because clearly we learned nothing from the V-22), and Peaches calls for the resurrection of the mighty MH-53.From record female enlistments to the Space Force playing with quantum sensors (while the rest of us can't even get quantum computers), this episode goes from shade-throwing to straight-up “WTF are we doing?” moments. Add in an orbital aircraft carrier concept ripped straight from an Avengers script, PCS moves frozen by broke budgets, and a National Guard soldier stopping a mall assault—yeah, this one's got it all.If you want watered-down headlines, go watch the news. If you want sarcasm, blunt truth, and a reminder that sometimes the Pentagon makes decisions with a Magic 8-Ball—welcome to Ones Ready.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Ones Ready (and Peaches' selection rant) 01:15 – Sponsor shoutout: creatine gummies > failing day-one tests 02:05 – Marines deploy (cue dramatic news voice) 03:12 – Record female enlistments and why it matters 03:45 – 85 years of airborne—still jumping, still relevant 04:20 – National Guard soldier breaks up a mall assault 04:50 – Army rolls out tilt-rotor 2.0 (what could go wrong?) 06:15 – Bring back the MH-53, dammit 06:35 – Carrier Strike Group returns to San Diego 07:05 – Northern Edge 2025 flexing in Alaska 07:45 – $635M Army munitions buy—still not enough 08:40 – Air Force freezes PCS moves (again) 09:40 – F-16s get AR training goggles 10:15 – Indo-Pacific logistics exercise: “can we even move?” 10:45 – Hill AFB tests wartime readiness 11:15 – Space Force preps X-37 Bravo mission with quantum sensors 12:00 – Guardians get a new grooming standard (yes, seriously) 12:45 – Space Systems Delta activation 13:20 – Deep Space Radar keeps eyes on orbit 13:50 – GPS jamming and spoofing 101 15:15 – USAFA leadership drama and Lomer's visit 16:00 – Trump's NATO talksSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pr...

Rob York is director for regional affairs at Pacific Forum in Honolulu, working on Korean Peninsular security and Indo-Pacific information warfare. He previously worked as production editor at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and as editor of NK News from 2013 to 2016. He earned his PhD in Korean history in 2023. Pacific Forum: https://pacforum.org/ Discussion Outline 0:00 Lee Jae Myung 17:50 Trump and Korea 39:00 North Korea 43:10 Communism 47:55 China in the 21st Century 1:10:00 Korea and Japan 1:15:50 The International Order David A. Tizzard has a PhD in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He writes a weekly column in the Korea Times, is a social-cultural commentator, and a musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He can be reached at datizzard@swu.ac.kr. Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/vIbpLfWJoZM?si=srRVQ1vRkLvCV076 Subscribe to the channel: @DavidTizzard/videos Thanks to Patreon members: Bhavya, Roxanne Murrell Join Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/user?u=62047873 Music by Jocelyn Clark Connect with us:  ▶ David's Insta: @datizzard ▶ KD Insta: @koreadeconstructed Listen to Korea Deconstructed ▶ Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/kr/podcast/korea-deconstructed/id1587269128 ▶Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zdXkG0aAAHnDwOvd0jXEE ▶ Listen on podcasts: https://koreadeconstructed.libsyn.com

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and James Carouso interview Indonesian international law scholar Aristyo Darmawan about President Prabowo Subianto's transformative foreign policy during his first six months in office. The discussion reveals a dramatic shift in Indonesia's strategic positioning as the nation balances between major powers while pursuing ambitious economic goals.Darmawan highlights Indonesia's controversial decision to join BRICS, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to become a full member. This move reflects Prabowo's pragmatic approach to achieving his ambitious 8% economic growth target and funding expensive social programs like free nutritious meals for schoolchildren. The conversation explores Indonesia's surprising recognition of "overlapping claims" with China in the South China Sea through a joint development agreement - a decision that shocked foreign ministry officials and potentially signals implicit recognition of Beijing's nine-dash line claims.The episode examines Indonesia's delicate balancing act between U.S. and Chinese interests, including the recent tariff negotiations with the Trump administration that reduced tariffs from 32% to 19%. However, this deal came with significant concessions, including commitments to purchase American aircraft and remove trade barriers. The discussion reveals how public sentiment, particularly regarding the Palestinian conflict, influences Indonesian perceptions of the United States and benefits China's regional standing.Darmawan emphasizes Prabowo's highly personalized, top-down foreign policy approach, which has bypassed traditional bureaucratic channels and created uncertainty about Indonesia's strategic objectives. This "merry-go-round diplomacy" shows high activity but unclear goals, contrasting with previous administrations' more structured approaches.The conversation also addresses Indonesia's evolving role within ASEAN, its cautious stance on security groupings like AUKUS, and the challenges in its relationship with Australia. Aristyo, Ray, and Jim also discuss how Chinese propaganda efforts and the reduction of U.S. information initiatives like Radio Free Asia have shifted regional narratives.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump prepared for his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, holding calls with European leaders, and warning that Russia may face severe consequences if negotiations falter. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and China have agreed to extend the deadline for the mutual reimposition of tariffs by another 90 days as negotiations continue. Beijing has insisted the talks must address U.S. removal of advanced tech export controls. In the Middle East, Israel continued preparations to launch a campaign to occupy Gaza while Iran expressed willingness to consider resuming nuclear negotiations with the U.S. under certain conditions. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250815/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of WorldView with Swasti, Dr. Swasti Rao, foreign policy expert and Consulting Editor, speaks with Jürgen Hart, spokesperson for foreign affairs for Bundestag ( German parliament ) and former Government Coordinator for Transatlantic Cooperation. The conversation explores how Germany, India, the United States, and NATO are navigating today's complex geopolitical landscape. From India's historic ties with Russia and efforts to modernise its forces, to Germany's energy independence and NATO's renewed commitments, the discussion touches on some of the most pressing global challenges. Hart also reflects on transatlantic trade, the role of China as both competitor and rival, the Ukraine war, and the importance of building alliances based on stability and peace.

Interview with Dr. Sophal Ear: 25:30 This week, Kelly and Tristan examine the backsliding of democracy in El Salvador and analyze the regional implications for President Bukele's political crackdown. They then explore Trump's escalating tariff war with India, which threatens to undermine the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. Next, they explore Japan's landmark $6.5 billion naval deal with Australia and what this historic sale signals for the efforts to counter China's presence in the Indo-Pacific. The episode concludes with Arizona State University Professor Dr. Sophal Ear joining Kelly to discuss the recent ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia and how the centuries-old dispute led to a five-day armed conflict. Dr. Sophal Ear is a tenured Associate Professor at Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management, where he teaches global political economy, international organizations, and regional management in Asia. His global experience includes consulting for the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, serving with the UNDP in East Timor, and holding leadership roles with Leopard Capital, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, SEARAC, and the Southeast Asia Development Program. He is the author of Viral Sovereignty and the Political Economy of Pandemics and Aid Dependence in Cambodia, and co-author of The Hungry Dragon. A graduate of Princeton and Berkeley, Dr. Ear came to the U.S. as a Cambodian refugee from France at age 10. Link to Viral Sovereignty and the Political Economy of Pandemics and Aid Dependence in Cambodia: https://www.routledge.com/Viral-Sovereignty-and-the-Political-Economy-of-Pandemics-What-Explains-How-Countries-Handle-Outbreaks/Ear/p/book/9781032133904?srsltid=AfmBOopGvH8ntwZwymgLaBYkSEo4M3bBDao9D0Z689sUYeHiutYZxC85 The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on August 12, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Today, Martha and Joshua discuss the upcoming August 15 meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin in Alaska, following Trump's threat to “end the war or face sanctions.” With Ukraine unable to retake Russian-held territory and U.S. attention focused on the Indo-Pacific, speculation grows over whether Kyiv will be pressured to concede land. European partners signal readiness to support a deal, but details remain unclear. Will this be a breakthrough for diplomacy or another case of Putin playing a U.S. president? How will Congress and European allies react to any agreement that is made? Could enforcing existing sanctions against Russia be more effective than imposing new ones? And what message does holding this meeting in Alaska send to both Russians and Americans?Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows' discussions: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/10/putin-trump-russia-ukraine-summit/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/09/politics/white-house-zelensky-trump-putin-meeting https://thehill.com/policy/international/5445054-european-leaders-putin-russia-ukraine-trump-talks/ https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-deadline-putin-423e6a28df5186a48b7383eae41c11c2 Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@joshuachuminskiLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/QHfiD0gN-5w Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and James Carouso dive deep into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's dramatic 2016 pivot from the US to China. Joined by authors Marites Vitug and Camille Elemia, they discuss their book Unrequited Love: Duterte's China Embrace.The conversation kicks off with why this "love affair" matters globally–how it reshaped South China Sea geopolitics, tested international law, and challenged the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty over Duterte's six-year term in office. Duterte downplayed the 2016 arbitral ruling against China as "a piece of paper," turning a blind eye to Chinese incursions while seeking economic aid. Our guests explain how China provided cover for Duterte's drug war while the West heaped on criticism.Duterte's pro-China tilt stemmed from personal history: As Davao City mayor, he built ties with Chinese businessmen and harbored anti-US resentment from incidents like when a suspected US agent allegedly implicated in a Davao City bombing incident was whisked out of the country. Influenced by communist professor Jose Maria Sison and his anti-imperialist mother, Duterte viewed America as imperialists. Yet, surveys show Filipinos mostly remain pro-US and distrust China, with 70-80% favoring assertion of West Philippine Sea rights.The 2016 election saw Duterte win by portraying himself as an authentic outsider fighting a "narco state." His charm, social media savvy, and anti-elite messaging resonated, in contrast to his predecessor's perceived lack of empathy.Economically, however, the promised benefits fell flat: Duterte touted billions in Chinese loans, but only 3-4 infrastructure projects materialized. In return, the authors contend that China gained "free rein" in disputed waters, ultimately blocking Philippine resource exploration. Xi Jinping benefited from strategic breathing room, more ASEAN allies, and weakened US influence—though some in Duterte's cabinet resisted, voicing the military's deep sentiments against appeasement.Despite this, Rodrigo Duterte left office with his popularity largely intact due to his personal connection to the electorate, not his foreign policy. Our guests resist his supporters' pragmatism claims, noting neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are able to balance China without surrendering their sovereignty.The authors express fears that his daughter Sara Duterte–the Philippines' current vice president–may revive his pro-China policies if elected in 2028. She opposes US missiles like the Typhon; never criticizes Chinese aggression, and repeats his scare tactics about war. Unlike current President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr., who pivoted back to the US, Sara lacks significant Western exposure. Her charisma, Duterte brand, and social media machine boost her chances, even amid a recent impeachment effort.The episode touches on the recent Marcos-Trump deal (which saw tariffs barely cut from 20% to 19%), divided reactions in the Philippines, and media bubbles. The authors explain that President Duterte's current ICC detention for drug war crimes has drawn sympathy, potentially aiding Sara's bid.A must-listen for insights on Philippine politics, US-China rivalry, South China Sea tensions, and Duterte's enduring legacy. Get the book on Amazon (ebook) or Ateneo Press. Follow guests on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

This week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose strong economic sanctions against Russia ahead of an expected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the Middle East, Israel's State Security Cabinet approved a plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy the whole of the Gaza Strip, while the U.S. is set to take over aid operations in the territory. In the Indo-Pacific, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, while Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire deal. In global trade, reciprocal tariffs against U.S. trading partners went into effect, with threats of additional tariffs remaining on several key partners, including the European Union. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250808/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Valley of Depth, we sit down with Regent cofounder and CEO Billy Thalheimer to explore a radical reimagining of coastal mobility, not with eVTOLs or hyperloops, but with high-speed electric seagliders that skim just above the water.Part hydrofoil, part aircraft, and fully electric, Regent's vehicles operate in the sweet spot between aviation and maritime. They're fast enough to replace short-haul flights, regulated like boats, and increasingly viewed by the Pentagon as a new class of strategic asset.Billy walks us through Regent's founding story, from MIT aerodynamics to launching the world's largest electric aircraft-by-another-name. We dive deep into the company's dual-use strategy, its multibillion-dollar commercial backlog, and its early defense work with the U.S. Marine Corps.We also get into:The technical magic behind “float, foil, fly”Why flying 10 feet above water solves big infrastructure problemsRegent's bet on maritime-first regulationHow seagliders fit into Indo-Pacific logistics and contested environmentsThe case for a new coastal transportation layer and why no one's built it until now• Chapters •00:00 – Intro01:01 – Why Rhode Island?03:15 – Startup community in Rhode Island07:17 – Founding and origin behind Regent12:10 – How things have changed since the ekranoplan19:05 – How Regent's planes handle a rogue wave20:52 – State of Regent's product build24:35 – Who will be Regent's first operators?26:11 – Regent's regulatory process as a maritime vessel31:59 – What happens when the FAA decides to be involved?36:02 – Commercial vs government use38:15 – When did Regent start talking with the DoD?43:34 – Scaling for dual use commercial vs military46:34 – Raising $90m and common skeptical questions49:39 – What does success for Regent look like?• Show notes •Regent's website — https://www.regentcraft.com/Regent's socials — https://x.com/regentcraftMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload's socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspaceIgnition's socials — https://twitter.com/ignitionnuclear / https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignition-nuclear/Tectonic's socials — https://twitter.com/tectonicdefense / https://www.linkedin.com/company/tectonicdefense/Valley of Depth archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/• About us •Valley of Depth is a podcast about the technologies that matter — and the people building them. Brought to you by Arkaea Media, the team behind Payload (space), Ignition (nuclear energy), and Tectonic (defense tech), this show goes beyond headlines and hype. We talk to founders, investors, government officials, and military leaders shaping the future of national security and deep tech. From breakthrough science to strategic policy, we dive into the high-stakes decisions behind the world's hardest technologies.Payload: www.payloadspace.comIgnition: www.ignition-news.comTectonic: www.tectonicdefense.com

The Air Force is getting ready to roll out a brand new cloud computing strategy, and this version includes a big focus on making sure service members can access secure and resilient cloud services in contested theaters like Europe and the Indo Pacific. Officials say it will build on progress the service has already made in transitioning from limited cloud use to a more robust multi cloud architecture. Keith Hardiman is the Department of the Air Force's director of Enterprise Information Technology. He talked with Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis as part of our annual cloud exchange. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How has the Australia-China relationship changed since the Prime Minister's last visit to China in 2023? From China's perspective, how does its relationship with Australia fit into its current worldview? And how has US policy under Trump impacted that relationship? What does the future hold for the Australia-China relationship, given China's increasingly assertive foreign and strategic policies? In this episode, Rowan Callick and Will Glasgow join Susan Dietz to unpack PM Anthony Albanese's recent visit to China and the complexities of navigating the Australia–China relationship.Rowan Callick OBE is an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College (NSC). He is an experienced journalist with extensive China and other Indo-Pacific expertise. Will Glasgow is The Australian's North Asia Correspondent, now based in Beijing. He has lived and reported from Beijing and Taipei since 2020. Susan Dietz is Senior Executive Advisor, China at NSC. TRANSCRIPT Show notes NSC academic programs – study with us We'd love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, and suggestions to NatSecPod@anu.edu.au. You can tweet us @NSC_ANU and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As August kicks off and summer hits full swing, From the Crows' Nest takes a step back from its usual format for a special Q&A episode. Host Ken Miller is joined in the studio by Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs to answer questions from listeners and the (very real) studio audience. The conversation touches on topics like EMSO's role in future global conflicts, what to watch from the latest World Radio Conference, and even the lighter side of the spectrum—like what kind of mascot might best represent the field. Ken also shares some insights on the Indo-Pacific region and weighs in on today's fast-changing security environment. It's a relaxed but thought-provoking episode that brings fresh perspective to some of the big questions facing EMSO today. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage. We also invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this week's episode, Dominic Bowen speaks with Dr. Bruce Jones about the shifting balance of power in the South China Sea and the future of maritime strategy. Dr. Jones, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of To Rule the Waves, joins the International Risk Podcast to discuss China's escalating naval activity, gray zone tactics, and the growing risk of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Together, they explore how China's military drills have evolved into potential launchpads for rapid escalation, the vulnerability of Taiwan, and the strategic calculus behind Beijing's posture.Dr. Jones is a Senior Fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology and the Center for Asia Policy Studies at The Brookings Institution. His research focuses on U.S. strategy, international order, and great power relations, and he has extensive experience in international security policy. Dr. Jones has significant expertise in intervention and crisis management. He served in the United Nations' operation in Kosovo and was special assistant to the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and a partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!Tell us what you liked!

This week Mike speaks with Ja Ian Chong, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore. They discuss the lessons and parallels of WWI and WWII for the contemporary Indo-Pacific, the potential for an outbreak of crisis and conflict in the region, the need for Singapore to review its geopolitical strategy, and much more.  

Visit us at Network2020.org. The U.S. has slapped a 25% tariff on most Indian exports and threatened further measures over India's continued oil and arms deals with Russia. India isn't backing down—defending those ties as “time-tested” while rejecting an American offer of F‑35 fighter jets.To make sense of this standoff, we're revisiting a 2023 conversation on India's foreign policy dilemma: Can the world's largest democracy maintain strategic autonomy while deepening ties with the U.S. and other major powers? How does India balance its historic relationship with Moscow against its rivalry with Beijing? And what role will domestic politics play in shaping India's future on the global stage?This episode unpacks the forces driving India's choices—and why its push for sovereignty could redefine alliances, trade, and security across the Indo-Pacific.Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay.

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso are joined by Kharis Templeman, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, to analyze the fallout from Taiwan's recent failed recall election attempt and what it means for the island's future.The discussion centers on the July 26 recall votes, where an attempt to remove 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers from office was rejected by voters. This outcome solidifies a challenging period of divided government for President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which controls the presidency but not the legislature. Templeman explains that the recalls, initiated by grassroots activists concerned about the KMT's legislative agenda, represented a high-stakes effort to shift the balance of power. Their failure means President Lai must continue to navigate an opposition that has resisted efforts to bolster Taiwan's defenses against pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC).The podcast provides essential context on Taiwan's key political players:• The KMT, or "Blue" camp, is Taiwan's oldest political party. Once staunchly anti-communist, it now advocates for engagement and dialogue with Beijing and is seen as the party the PRC prefers. The KMT positions itself as better able to manage cross-strait relations peacefully.• The DPP, or "Green" camp, is more skeptical of China. The Lai administration has focused on strengthening Taiwan's military and civil resilience, a stance the KMT-led opposition claims is provocative.Templeman unpacks the broader geopolitical implications, touching on how Beijing frames the recall failure as a rejection of "Taiwan independence". The conversation also covers the recent US decision to deny President Lai a stop in New York City during a planned transit visit, a move viewed by many as a concession to Beijing amid ongoing US-China negotiations. This highlights the complex and often transactional nature of the US-Taiwan relationship.Looking ahead, with the recall option almost exhausted, Taiwan's political factions face a stalemate. Templeman suggests this could lead to either more intense partisan conflict or a period of moderation and compromise as both parties eye the 2026 local elections. This episode offers a crucial analysis of the domestic power struggles and international pressures shaping Taiwan's path forward.

Will China invade Taiwan? If so, when and what signs should we look for that will show it is imminent? How exactly could Beijing seize the island? And what would the US do in response? These questions have been at the core of Indo-Pacific security concerns for decades, but in recent years, the threat has become more tangible - and the questions more urgent. In the final episode of this three-part series on China's military, Venetia Rainey looks at different analyses of whether Beijing is getting ready to invade the self-ruled island it claims as its own. Plus, she examines the different scenarios that could unfold and crucially, what that would mean for a conflict with the US and a potential Third World War. This series dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND, Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group, and The Telegraph's Asia Correspondent Allegra Mendelson. Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CCTV, Weibo/social mediaFind episodes one and two of the series here: https://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, several countries, including Canada, India, and other major economies, continued to negotiate with the U.S. ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline to make a trade deal, as the European Union and Asian nations including South Korea reached agreements. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with a Chinese delegation in Stockholm, where both sides agreed to extend bilateral trade negotiations. In the Middle East, several countries have announced they would recognize Palestine as a state in the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in September, while the U.S. imposed additional sanctions targeting Iran. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump reduced the timeline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire from 50 to 10 days, while the Ukrainian parliament passed legislation restoring the independence of anti-corruption bodies after facing international and domestic backlash. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250801/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's coast sparks tsunami alerts from Japan to Chile as millions evacuate; VBS programs see record attendance and tens of thousands of salvations. FOCUS: Sean Feucht responds after Canadian officials fine a church and cancel worship events—what's really going on? MAIN THING: 19 nations unite for massive Indo-Pacific military drills—but will they stand united if China makes a move on Taiwan? LAST THING: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” SHOW LINKS SEAN FEUCHT INTERVEW: https://youtu.be/SkqZyYUT5w0?feature=shared GARY LANE'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-global-lane/id1817692674 Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

Join Justin Bassi, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and former National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss threats to international security, Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific, and opportunities for Canberra and Washington to work together to promote peace and prosperity. Viewing China's military and technological rise as Australia's top security threat, Bassi discusses the ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party leaders and how Australia and its allies can compete more effectively to counter CCP aggression and prevent a war with China. The US and Australia sharing a deep history since World War I, Bassi reflects on how more recent internal debates are playing out within Australia regarding Trump administration policies, how we can promote a positive agenda to advance our mutual interests, and his views on the future of AUKUS – the alliance between Australia, the US and the UK to strengthen defense and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. For more conversations from world leaders from key countries, subscribe to receive instant notification of the next episode.  ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Justin Bassi is the Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. From 2015 to 2018, Bassi served as National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, where he was responsible for security policy and operations, including counter terrorism, foreign interference, and cyberspace. He then served as the Cyber Intelligence Mission Manager at the Office of National Intelligence, and later as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne. Prior to this role, Bassi served as National Security Adviser to the Attorney-General. He spent over a decade in the Australian Public Service, including in the intelligence community and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.  

China's military is not a real army - it's the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party. Ideology is paramount and corruption is endemic. Plus, the People's Liberation Army hasn't fought a war since 1979. Xi Jinping calls it “the peace disease”. In episode two of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey looks at the PLA's weaknesses and how the Chinese president Xi is trying to fix them, from endless purges of top generals to a specially built training centre in Mongolia and live-fire drills around Taiwan. This series on China's military dives into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.Listen to episode one of this series on China's military here. With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, Meia Nouwens from the China Programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Timothy Heath at RAND,  and Amanda Hsiao at Eurasia Group. Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, Shortwave Radio Audio Archive, Reuters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the strengths and weaknesses of China's military and its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from obsolete to world-class in a new special series on Battle Lines.How significant is China's military buildup? What does Xi Jinping's ongoing purge mean for the People's Liberation Army? And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of China's military on the world stage has never been more important.In episode one of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey uncovers the strengths that define the PLA today, from its vastly modernised Navy, now the largest globally, to its Air Force equipped with stealth fighters and advanced drones.Plus, a look at China's potent non-conventional forces, such as its highly sophisticated cyber warfare units, its independent aerospace and counter-space capabilities, and the secretive Rocket Force, responsible for a fast-expanding nuclear arsenal.With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and Oriana Skylar Mastro from the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM News, CGTN, GettyEpisode two out on Wednesday, 30/07/25.Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk@venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a surprise 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam. Just days later, the U.S. government decided to postpone the implementation for 90 days to allow room for negotiation. The move has drawn close attention from Vietnamese businesses and raised questions about the future of trade relations between the two countries. In this context, Vietnam's role at the international negotiating table and its ability to maintain its position in the global supply chain have become key areas of focus.In this week's episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), we are honored to welcome Daniel Kritenbrink, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and now a Partner at The Asia Group, where he advises on strategy, policy, and geopolitics across the Indo-Pacific region. He previously appeared on Vietcetera in the 2021 Tet rap video alongside rapper Wowy, leaving a lasting impression as a diplomat who embraced Vietnamese culture with warmth and openness.Now in a new role, he returns with candid and thoughtful reflections on the future of U.S.–Vietnam relations in a world that is rapidly evolving. Can Vietnam become the next “Singapore” with a neutral, dynamic, and forward-looking position? Or will it define a development path entirely its own? And along the way, what strategies will be key to strengthening Vietnam's role on the global stage?Listen to this episode on YouTubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso welcome back Zack Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and professor at Princeton University, to examine how recent U.S. military strikes in Iran impact deterrence dynamics across the Indo-Pacific region.Iran Strikes and China DeterrenceCooper argues that U.S. strikes against Iran may actually strengthen deterrence against China by demonstrating American unpredictability. Chinese officials had reportedly viewed Trump as a "paper tiger" following trade negotiations, but the Iran strikes have forced Beijing to recalculate its assumptions about U.S. willingness to use force in a Taiwan crisis.Alliance Management Under PressureThe conversation explores growing tensions in U.S. Indo-Pacific alliances as the Trump administration links trade negotiations to security commitments. Cooper expresses concern that threatened tariffs and demands for increased defense spending could undermine alliance relationships, particularly with South Korea, Japan, and Australia.Nuclear Proliferation ConcernsThe panel discusses alarming implications for nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific, with Cooper warning that recent events may accelerate desires for independent nuclear capabilities among regional allies. The setback to Iran's nuclear program paradoxically demonstrates both the risks and benefits of pursuing nuclear weapons.Regional Defense ArchitectureCooper critically examines Eli Ratner's proposal for an Indo-Pacific defense pact (the "Squad" - U.S., Japan, Australia, Philippines), arguing that formal defense agreements may be premature given current political realities in allied capitals. He suggests focusing on operational cooperation and interoperability instead.India-Pakistan LessonsThe recent India-Pakistan border conflict provides valuable insights for Indo-Pacific military planning, with Cooper noting that Indian air operations were largely successful despite Pakistani use of Chinese-supplied air defense systems.Information Warfare ChallengesAs chairman of the Open Technology Fund, Cooper discusses ongoing efforts to maintain internet freedom tools like Signal and VPN access in authoritarian countries, despite Trump administration attempts to shut down U.S. Agency for Global Media operations.Strategic ImplicationsCooper emphasizes that while Middle East conflicts may seem distant from Indo-Pacific concerns, they fundamentally shape how regional powers assess American resolve and commitment. The unpredictability doctrine may serve deterrence purposes, but creates significant challenges for alliance management and strategic planning.

How much of Donald Trump's sanctions strategy is substance — and how much is performance? In this episode of Independent Thinking, Chatham House experts unpack whether sanctions work. And at Trump's shifting use of sanctions, tariffs and personal power plays in global economic policy. With Dr Christopher Sabatini, Timothy Ash, and Christopher Vandome from Chatham House. Read our latest reports: Understanding and improving sanctions today Russia's struggle to modernize its military industry Why the Indo-Pacific should be a higher priority for the UK Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Executive producer - John Pollock. Produced by Jonathan Coates and Warren Nettleford. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Summer issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

The Situation Report for July 24, 2025. Rep. Crenshaw covers the biggest story of the week: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's criminal referral to the Department of Justice over the Intelligence Community's “Russia collusion” claims from 2017 – laying out what Director Gabbard found and what happens next. He also covers new trade deals, defunding gender transition procedures, a disturbing report on America's organ transplant system, and much more.   President Trump seals new trade deals with key Indo-Pacific allies   Hospitals lose federal funding for gender transition procedures on minors   DNI Tulsi Gabbard makes a criminal referral over the Russia collusion scandal   An investigation into the organ transplant system reveals disturbing practices   YouTube deletes thousands of propaganda accounts tied to China and Russia   Get well soon, President Trump   Classic Coca-Cola is coming to a shelf near you   Read of the week: “The U.S. Is Not Prepared for a Drone Attack”

How might combat collaborative aircraft be used to fight a war in Europe? Or the Indo-Pacific? To discuss these questions, and the latest from the YFQ-44A, President Aaron Stein sat down with Andrew Van Timmeren, the director of air dominance systems at Anduril Industries, about what he and the company are working on.FPRI's new project, Behind the Front, analyzes current and future national security challenges with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base, military procurement, lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, and challenges and opportunities in the technology and space sector. Read more here. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Does the United States need a new playbook — or just fewer plays? In this charged episode, big ideas collide over how to sequence American power across the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. Ryan is joined by A. Wess Mitchell (Marathon Initiative), Stacie Pettyjohn (Center for a New American Security), and Justin Logan (Cato Institute) for a scintillating debate over the future of U.S. strategy.

The President of the Philippines was at the White House on Tuesday visiting President Trump, discussing the issue of China and their ambitions to expand. U.S. lawmakers have asked the Defense Department to study building a joint munitions hub in the Philippines, as China continues to menace other nations crossing through the South China Sea. When it comes to American military spending, we are on track to allocate more than $920 billion in the next fiscal year, and it appears there's bipartisan support to fully fund this Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott sits on the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committee, and he joined the Rundown to discuss the long-term threats posed by both China and Iran. The CDC reports an estimated 48,422 deaths from synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl, in 2024. With a dangerous amount of the drug supply now laced with this deadly substance, overdose deaths are surging, especially among young people. President Trump recently signed the Halt Fentanyl Act, expanding law enforcement's ability to crack down on traffickers. Gregory Swan, who lost his son Drew to a fentanyl overdose in 2013, co-founded Fentanyl Fathers to raise awareness and prevent more families from suffering the same loss. He joins the Rundown to discuss his mission: educating students, empowering parents, and mobilizing a movement to fight the fentanyl crisis. Plus, commentary from FOX News Digital columnist David Marcus. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is canceling much of this week's legislative agenda and telling Members of Congress to begin their month-long August recess early to avoid votes on releasing the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; House Oversight Committee and Justice Dept seek to interview Ghislane Maxwell, former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, now in prison related to his crimes; President Trump when asked about Maxwell pivots to the accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, accusing former President Barack Obama of 'treason' for allegedly manufacturing evidence; Senate takes its first vote on fiscal year 2026 spending bills, with Democrats warning Republicans unilateral push for rescissions packages is undermining any bipartisan goodwill in the appropriations process; President  Trump meets with the Filipino President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr in the WH Oval Office to talk trade & Indo-Pacific security and China; President Trump announces the United States will withdraw again from UNESCO, the United Nations cultural, education and scientific organization due to, the president says, its woke agenda and anti-Israel bias. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textThe Ones Ready crew is back with a blistering Daily Drop that reads like a classified briefing laced with caffeine and outrage. Jared goes scorched-earth on the U.S. finally banning Chinese farmland buys (spoiler: it's 2025 and somehow this wasn't already illegal). Meanwhile, the Army wants to quadruple Patriot missiles—because what's deterrence without volume? The Air Force still can't decide if the F-15EX should have a roommate. Space Force gets a budget bump, but bureaucratic gatekeepers still cling to outdated classification nonsense like it's a Cold War cosplay. And don't worry, the KC-46 is still a flying contradiction—does it even have SATCOM?Oh, and if you're still here: Nashville. October. OTS. Let's go.