Podcasts about indo pacific

HEADLINE: China's Coordinated Aggression in the South China Sea: Analyzing the Philippine Vessel Ramming Incident GUEST NAMES: John Batchelor (Host) and Jim Fanell, Retired US Navy Intelligence Officer 1000-WORD SUMMARY: The program featured an in-depth discussion between host John Batchelor and Jim Fanell, a retired United States Navy intelligence officer, focusing on a recent and troubling ramming incident in the contested waters of the South China Sea's Spratly Islands. This incident involved Chinese vessels deliberately ramming a Philippine resupply ship that was en route to a Philippine outpost, marking another escalation in the ongoing territorial disputes that have made the South China Sea one of the world's most volatile maritime flashpoints. Fanell provided expert analysis that fundamentally reframes how this incident should be understood. Rather than viewing it as an isolated action by an overzealous ship captain acting independently or a spontaneous confrontation that escalated beyond control, Fanell argues that the ramming was a carefully coordinated operation directed from the highest levels of the Chinese Communist Party. This assessment carries significant implications for understanding China's strategic intentions and the level of state control exercised over what might otherwise appear to be tactical-level maritime incidents. The coordinated nature of the operation becomes evident when examining the composition and deployment of Chinese forces involved in the incident. Fanell detailed that the ramming was not carried out by a single vessel but was instead supported by a substantial flotilla of Chinese maritime assets. This included vessels from China's maritime militia—ostensibly civilian fishing vessels that operate under state direction and serve paramilitary functions—multiple Coast Guard cutters representing China's official law enforcement presence at sea, and significantly, a warship from the People's Liberation Army Navy, representing the direct involvement of China's military forces. This multi-layered deployment of assets from different organizational structures within China's maritime forces demonstrates a level of coordination and planning that could only originate from centralized command authority. The presence of military, paramilitary, and quasi-civilian forces operating in concert reveals a sophisticated strategy designed to apply overwhelming pressure while maintaining some degree of plausible deniability about the military nature of the confrontation. Fanell emphasized that this incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a consistent and identifiable pattern of Chinese operations concentrated in several key areas of the South China Sea. He specifically mentioned Scarborough Shoal, Sandy Cay, and Second Thomas Shoal as focal points of these coordinated Chinese activities. Each of these locations represents a contested feature in the South China Sea where the Philippines maintains claims and, in some cases, physical presence through grounded vessels or small outposts that serve as territorial markers. Scarborough Shoal, located approximately 120 miles from the Philippine coast, has been under effective Chinese control since a 2012 standoff, despite lying well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone as defined by international law. Second Thomas Shoal has become particularly contentious because the Philippines deliberately grounded a World War II-era vessel, the Sierra Madre, on the shoal in 1999 to serve as a permanent outpost. The vessel houses a small garrison of Philippine marines, and China has repeatedly attempted to prevent resupply missions to this outpost, creating recurring confrontations. The pattern Fanell describes reveals a strategy of incremental pressure designed to exhaust the Philippines' ability and willingness to maintain its presence in these disputed areas. By consistently interfering with resupply operations, China aims to make it prohibitively difficult, dangerous, and expensive for the Philippines to sustain its outposts, potentially forcing their eventual abandonment and allowing China to assert de facto control. Fanell's analysis places this aggressive maritime behavior within the broader context of China's strategic objectives in the South China Sea. The Chinese Communist Party's ultimate goal, according to Fanell, is to establish complete sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, despite the overlapping claims of multiple neighboring countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, and despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that rejected China's expansive claims as having no legal basis under international law. Control of the South China Sea would provide China with several strategic advantages. The region contains vital shipping lanes through which approximately one-third of global maritime trade passes, including substantial energy shipments to East Asian economies. The area is believed to contain significant oil and natural gas reserves, though estimates vary widely. Additionally, control of the South China Sea would extend China's defensive perimeter far from its mainland coast and provide greater ability to project power throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Fanell also contextualized the ramming incident within the current state of US-China relations, suggesting that China's aggressive actions are partly designed to apply pressure on the United States during a period of heightened economic tensions between the two powers. The United States has maintained that it has a national interest in preserving freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and has conducted regular "freedom of navigation operations" to challenge what it views as excessive Chinese maritime claims. The United States also maintains a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, though the precise circumstances under which this treaty would be invoked in response to incidents in disputed waters remains a subject of ongoing strategic ambiguity. The incident and Fanell's analysis raise critical questions about the trajectory of tensions in the South China Sea and the potential for escalation. If China continues to employ increasingly aggressive tactics, coordinated at the highest levels of government, the risk of a serious confrontation—whether with the Philippines directly or with the United States in its role as a treaty ally—increases substantially. The international community faces the challenge of responding to Chinese actions that systematically erode the rules-based international order while stopping short of the kind of overt military aggression that would trigger clear and immediate responses. 1939 REUBEN JAMES

A conversation with Dr Ely Ratner, former Indo-Pacific strategy chief at Department of Defense, on his latest  @foreignaffairs  essay: “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact”: America Needs a New Asian Alliance to Counter Chinahttps://www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/redeem/1DJyZI6VPJA

HOW HAS THE WAR RESHAPED THE MIDDLE EAST TWO YEARS AFTER OCTOBER 7? HEADLINE 1: A prisoner exchange deal between Iran and France is in the works.HEADLINE 2: Some interesting stuff coming out of Lebanon and Syria.HEADLINE 3: Speaking of Syria, Syria and Kurdish Forces in the country agreed to a ceasefire yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Yossi Klein Halevi.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces: "Combatting PRC Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive Behavior in the Indo-Pacific" - Craig Singleton, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee "America must stop aiding our enemies by enabling the shadowy world of dirty cash" - Josh Birenbaum, New York Post"Is Qatar Finally Ready to Split With Hamas?" - Natalie Ecanow, Wall Street Journal

Japan is preparing for its first ever female prime minister. Sanae Takaichi, the 64-year-old hardline right-wing conservative, likens herself to Margaret Thatcher, and was a drummer in a metal band in her youth. Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on whether Takaichi's ascension marks progress for Japan, and what her leadership could mean for China, Donald Trump’s impact in the Indo-Pacific, and Australia.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike speaks with Nicholas Burns, Managing Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Burns previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from 2021-2025. They discuss where we are in U.S.-China relations, how the relationship has become much more complicated in recent years, how the U.S. is working with allies and partners in the region, their vital role in supporting U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, and much more.

FRANKOPAN7.mp3 - The Age of Turbulence (1870–1920), Resource Extraction, and Global Migration Peter Frankopan | The Earth Transformed: An Untold History The Age of Turbulence (1870–1920) involved rapid technological growth (telegraph, refrigerated shipping) and intense extractive empire building. Empires monetized resources like rubber, transplanted from the Amazon and causing massive deforestation in the Malay Peninsula. Global economic integration meant US grain could be shipped to London more cheaply than Irish grain. While historical focus is often Eurocentric, migration in the Indo-Pacific region (e.g., India to Southeast Asia) exceeded transatlantic migration, creating current geopolitical sensitivities. British infrastructure in India, such as railroads, aimed primarily at administrative efficiency. Furthermore, irrigation projects often failed, causing soil salinity due to rapid water evaporation in high temperatures. Scientific awareness of global warming predated the 1883 Krakatoa eruption.

This podcast episode delves into the complexities of irregular warfare in the Indo-Pacific region, featuring insights from Dr. Andrew Maher, a subject matter expert. The discussion covers the definitions and implications of irregular warfare, the rise of proxy warfare, and the challenges faced by allies in understanding and engaging in these conflicts. Medical support and casualty management in tropical regions and urban environments are also explored, alongside lessons learned from recent conflicts like Ukraine. The episode emphasizes the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of potential conflicts.Andrew Maher | Australian Army Research Centre (AARC)https://share.google/bs9gh7nLFkJNVGBGWTakeawaysIrregular warfare is the predominant form of conflict today.Proxy warfare is on the rise and is a key strategy.Allies may have different doctrines and approaches to irregular warfare.Preparedness for unconventional warfare is crucial for allies.Medical support in tropical regions presents unique challenges.Urban warfare requires understanding of local healthcare systems.Lessons from Ukraine highlight the targeting of medical resources.Humanitarian assistance can enhance resilience and understanding.Dispersion of forces is necessary in modern conflict.Understanding local grievances is vital for unconventional warfare.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Irregular Warfare in the Pacific02:48 Understanding Irregular Warfare Concepts06:10 The Rise of Proxy Warfare09:07 Allies and Partners in Irregular Warfare11:50 Unconventional Warfare Preparedness14:49 Challenges of Medical Support in Irregular Warfare17:54 Casualty Management in Tropical Regions20:49 Urban Warfare and Mega Cities24:08 Lessons from Ukraine and Targeting Medical Resources27:05 Key Takeaways on Irregular Warfare and Medical PlanningFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider joining the Special Operations Medical Association, go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://specialoperationsmedicine.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠⁠

In this compelling episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso interview Shannon Brandao – attorney, Mandarin speaker, and founder of the China Boss Substack – to explore China's expanding influence even as America appears to turn inward. Broadcasting from Europe, Brandao delivers her unique insights on Chinese Communist Party strategy, economic challenges, and geopolitical ambitions.Brandao emphasizes that perception easily becomes reality, in that when America appears to withdraw, China seizes opportunities to expand influence through economic leverage and promises of stability. This directly impacts Indo-Pacific supply chains controlling critical minerals, batteries, and essential products that Americans depend on daily.Rejecting claims that China seeks only regional stability, Brandao explains that the Chinese Communist Party operates from a paranoia that requires control to ensure regime survival. Under Xi Jinping, ruling "red aristocrats" fear vulnerability to external powers, and even successful Chinese entrepreneurs like Jack Ma, leading to enterprise nationalization and tight party control over innovation.While China faces economic headwinds, including debt, demographic challenges, and declining GDP, Xi Jinping has successfully modernized the military. Still, China's unreliable economic statistics mask systemic problems, with Communist Party interference undermining potential innovation, even despite a tremendous national talent base.China exercises strength in strategic sectors—solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence—through massive subsidies, but this creates a chronic overcapacity problem. Local government subsidies benefit politically connected firms like Huawei, creating quasi-monopolies across industries: steel, aluminum, cement, telecom gear, plastics, fertilizers, construction equipment, etc. Endemic corruption further dilutes programs, with billions disappearing from AI innovation funds.Companies attempting to leave China face complex challenges. When signaling departure, employees report to Party and government officials, triggering shakedowns through exit bans and extortionate demands. Recent surveys show companies staying but withholding investment and hedging elsewhere. For firms that do leave, repatriating profits and protecting intellectual property depends entirely on relationships with local government officials.Asked for what advice she would give to President Trump before meeting Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC Summit, Brandao warns that Xi will use flattery while masking the geopolitical reality, and that failing to press American interests in the Indo-Pacific creates vacuums China eagerly fills.

In mid-September, while many China watchers were focused on the Xiangshan Forum, the Chinese military's annual high-level security and defense convening in Beijing, another major annual meeting was being held by the Ministry of Public Security in the Chinese city of Lianyungang (2-2-3). The Lianyungang Forum dates to 2015 but was upgraded and renamed the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in 2022 following Xi Jinping's launch of the Global Security Initiative. This year it was attended by 2,000 participants from 120 countries, regions and international organizations. The theme was “Shaping Global Public Security Together: United Action to Tackle Diverse Threats.”  As Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong made clear in his opening speech, China is advancing an alternative to the western-led security order. Dr. Sheena Chestnut Greitens is a leading expert on Beijing's push to reshape the global security order and promote China as a model and global security provider to developing countries. Sheena is an associate professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin where she directs UT's Asia Policy Program and serves as editor-in-chief of the Texas National Security Review. She is also a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace, and a visiting associate professor of research in Indo-Pacific security at the China Landpower Studies Center of the U.S. Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute. Relevant to this episode's discussion, Sheena recently published a co-authored report for the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace Carnegie titled “A New World Cop.” Timestamps:  [00:00] Start [02:30] The Global Security Initiative and Xi Jinping's Grand Strategy [05:22] Outcomes of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum  [08:50] What Do Participant Countries Gain?  [12:23] How Do Recipient Countries Use Chinese Technologies?  [16:12] Countries Rejecting China's Surveillance Technologies  [21:49] China's Rewriting of Global Norms [28:18] Potential Policy Responses to the GSI 

On today's Land Warfare Series program, sponsored American Rheinmetall, Maj. Gen. Tom Feltey, the commander of the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Ukraine war lessons that are helping shape the future of ground combat and his force; how to fight on an increasingly transparent and highly contested battlefield; the transition from a brigade- to a division-centric force; capabilities needed to fight in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific; the importance of modernized version of existing platforms like the M1 tank to a new generation of capabilities like the MV-75 tilt rotor and MX30 combat vehicle; role of small, medium and large unmanned vehicles in the air and on the ground; the importance of better coordinating firepower of greater precision, mass and layered range; and the logistical approach needed to sustain US and allied forces under fire.

In this episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST, host Ilan Berman speaks with Hudson Institute Senior Fellow (and former host) Michael Sobolik about the new deal over wildly popular social media app TikTok - and why national security concerns surrounding the Chinese platform still persist. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:— The White House, “Executive Order: Saving TikTok While Protecting National Security,” September 25, 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/saving-tiktok-while-protecting-national-security/. BIO:Michael Sobolik is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. He specializes in United States–China relations and great power competition with a focus on geopolitics, net assessments, and competitive strategies. He is the author of Countering China's Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance (Naval Institute Press, 2024). He is also an advisory board member at the Vandenberg Coalition and a contributing editor at Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy.Prior to joining Hudson, Mr. Sobolik served as a senior fellow in Indo-Pacific studies at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, where he ran the council's Indo-Pacific Security Program. He previously served in the United States Senate as a legislative assistant to Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).

A conversation with Dr Ely Ratner, former Indo-Pacific strategy chief at Department of Defense, on his latest  @foreignaffairs  essay: “The Case for a Pacific Defense Pact”: America Needs a New Asian Alliance to Counter Chinahttps://www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/redeem/1DJyZI6VPJA

➡️ Watch the full interview ad-free, join a community of geopolitics enthusiasts and gain access to exclusive content on PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingGeopolitics➡️ Sign up to my free geopolitics newsletter: https://stationzero.substack.com/This is a conversation with Michael Hirsh, columnist for Foreign Policy and one of the most experienced observers of U.S. foreign policy and national security in Washington. In this episode, we look at a big claim he's been making: that realism has quietly become the dominant way of thinking about America's role in the world.We talk about what that actually means, why realism has become so popular, and whether the Trump administration really reflects a realist approach or something closer to chaos and isolationism. We also get into the views of figures like J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio or Elbridge Colby, or why Democrats are adopting their own version of realism as well.And finally, we look at what all this means in practice - for U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Europe, for NATO and alliances more broadly, and for China and the Indo-Pacific - and how this shift could shape the next decade of U.S. foreign policy and the world with it.

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari – The U.S. now downgrades the CCP and Russia from "Pacing Threats" to secondary concerns. It fails to recognize that the hemispheric issues it lists—such as migrant invasions, cartels, and the hemispheric political crisis—are, wholly or mainly, shaped by China. The Indo-Pacific alliance that Trump emphasized during his first term has been...

On 9/11, the United States suffered the deadliest terrorist attack in its history, an event that reshaped American foreign policy for generations to come. In the years that followed, the Global War on Terror consumed national focus, leaving little room to craft a broader grand strategy that addressed rising global powers, shifting alliances, and emerging challenges across the Transatlantic region, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, the African continent, and the Western Hemisphere. As a result, U.S. statesmen, scholars, and policymakers now find themselves in search of a strategic framework on par with Cold War-era containment. Others argue there is no coherent “Trump Doctrine” at all—just a series of reactive shocks. In this timely and thought-provoking address, Dr. Kiron Skinner will offer a clear-eyed assessment of the current state of U.S. foreign policy. Attendees can expect a rigorous, nonpartisan exploration of the facts and frameworks shaping America's role on the world stage today. This program is part of our American Values Series, underwritten by Taube Philanthropies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Security Hour with LTC Sargis Sangari – The U.S. now downgrades the CCP and Russia from "Pacing Threats" to secondary concerns. It fails to recognize that the hemispheric issues it lists—such as migrant invasions, cartels, and the hemispheric political crisis—are, wholly or mainly, shaped by China. The Indo-Pacific alliance that Trump emphasized during his first term has been...

In this special, in-person episode, host Ray Powell sits down with James Minnich, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and editor of the Center's new book Edge of Competition: Disruption, Division, and Competition in the Indo-Pacific. Recorded in APCSS' studios in Hawaii, they dive deep into the region's most pressing geopolitical challenges, exploring how disruption, division, and competition are reshaping global security and economics.James shares insights from the book, highlighting why the Indo-Pacific matters to everyone—from Taiwan Strait tensions and South China Sea disputes to the rise of multipolar dynamics involving China, the US, India, and ASEAN. They discuss whether we've reached "peak China," globalization's double-edged sword, ASEAN centrality, spheres of influence and the need for narrative warfare to counter malign influence operations. Plus, James recounts a story from his time at the UN Command Military Armistice Commission in South Korea, blending negotiation tactics with real-world security operations.Whether you're tracking US-China relations, maritime security in East Asia, or broader Indo-Pacific geopolitics, this episode unpacks the ongoing disruptions that are already impacting global trade, technology, and stability. Don't miss this expert analysis on Taiwan, Korean Peninsula security, and strategies for resilience in a competitive world.Key Topics Covered:Disruption in the Indo-Pacific: Peak China debates, Taiwan's semiconductor dominance, and globalization's risks.Division and Multipolarity: India's role, ASEAN communities of interest, and the pitfalls of spheres of influence.South China Sea escalations, South Korea's strategic clarity, and commanding the narrative against political warfare.Mastering the clock, weaponizing resilience, and proactive information strategies.

The fourth quarter of 2025 will be headlined by the potential for military escalation in the Middle East, including increased Israeli operations in Gaza and the expansion of Israel's targeting of Iran-aligned groups throughout the region. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the fourth quarter will be marked by hybrid escalation in the form of additional Western tariffs and sanctions against Russia as the diplomatic track to reach an end to the conflict will continue to prove elusive. In the Indo-Pacific, the fourth quarter will see diplomatic de-escalation as the U.S. and China make further progress toward a trade agreement that lowers tariffs. In global connectivity themes, there will be slight enhancements in trade in the fourth quarter as the White House's tariffs and technology restrictions rebalance and broadly settle into a new normal, while AI-driven boosts in power consumption and climate-related threats raise the risk of energy disruption. Read the Q4 Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/q4-2025-forecast/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

How does Finland view strategic linkages between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions? What is the Finnish model of ‘Comprehensive Security', and how does it work in practice? How does Finland communicate openly with the public about national security risks without fuelling alarm or polarisation? What lessons can Australia learn from Finland's societal-led approach to preparedness? In this episode, Pasi Rajala joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, the importance of international cooperation among democracies, and Finland's unique approach to security and resilience. Pasi Rajala is the State Secretary to Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence. Professor Rory Medcalf AM FAIIA is Head of the ANU National Security College. His professional experience spans more than three decades across diplomacy, intelligence analysis, think tanks, journalism and academia. TRANSCRIPT  Show notes NSC academic programs – find out more  North star: why Australia should look to Finland on resilience and preparedness 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.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, managing editor Steve Kuper speaks with Andrew Henderson, director of AgSecure and a leading voice on agricultural resilience, biosecurity, and national preparedness. Together, they explore the recently released National Food Security Strategy discussion paper, the importance of critical inputs like fuel and fertiliser, the implications of trade disputes, and the growing need to integrate food systems into defence planning. The pair also discuss why food security is no longer just an agricultural issue – it's a national security imperative. With global supply chains under pressure, climate risks mounting, and adversaries willing to target agricultural systems through biosecurity breaches or even agroterrorism, Australia faces a complex challenge in safeguarding the nation's food and fibre production. From the risks of varroa mite and foot and mouth disease to the opportunities of regional self-reliance and biotechnology, Henderson outlines why food security must be elevated to the same level of priority as Australia's defence posture – and why a secure Indo-Pacific is, ultimately, a well-fed one. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team  

Michael speaks with Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about the evolving dynamics of US policy toward China and the Indo-Pacific. Zack discusses how President Trump's pursuit of a meeting with Xi Jinping has shaped US policy and offers new analysis on the timeline for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Zack also confronts the reality of the so-called "axis of upheaval"—a tightening cooperation between China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran—and what it means for US foreign policy.

WWIII Enabled by Internal Revolution (audio) David Eells, 9/24/25 The man-child reformers are coming out of their tribulation wilderness, but at this time they lead the Church into their tribulation wilderness. Rev.12:5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. (Some have seen this in dreams thinking it to be a pre-trib rapture but it is not.) 6 And the woman (Church) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they (The Man-child) may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (That's 3 ½ years, just as Jesus nourished the woman, Israel, for 3 ½ years in their tribulation under the beast. So where is our wilderness going to come from? Probably 30+ years ago I shared that when the US divides Israel, the US would be divided at the New Madrid Fault Quakes. Brandon Biggs recently shared that he was shown: When the US and the world divide Israel, (which happened today on Sep 23, 2025) at the Abrahamic Accord there are three days until the New Madrid divides the U.S. going off on Sep 26th. I and others told President Trump of this prophecy so he and the U.S. abstained so the New Madrid punishment will not come now. I was previously shown that the New Madrid would go off when the Man-child reformers are anointed at their spiritual resurrection to the throne. The only thing deleted, at this time, is the New Madrid quakes, for God is true to His Word. The restoration begins now and the Bride is prepared for the Man-child reformers. In a vision, I was standing before Jesus who was marrying me, as a type of the Man-child body, to the Bride in heaven, with the Father watching from His throne when I saw a huge room next to us with the 144,000 Man-child body there. This was all in type when Jesus the Man-child sowed the word in the body of those John the Baptist said was the bride. This is according to Mat 13, the parable of the Sower. This is the time the Man-child reformers are caught up to the throne. The Bride is in all white and submitted to the Lord. And the Woman Church is led by the Man-child into the wilderness tribulation when the world is divided. Rev.6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come. 2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. (Jesus in the Man-child reformers conquering His enemies.) 3 And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come. 4 And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. (Notice that when Jesus comes in the Man-child Body he starts conquering the Beast of all nations with war.)   Marie Kelton – 9-1-25 (David's notes in red) I had a vision before the heavenly one of sitting at the Sequoia museum by the hill where the Native Americans are buried. (Death is about to come to the new native Americans.) It was sunny. I was sitting next to the Lord on a bench, and He had a Bible in His hand. I looked over and was reading it with Him. As I was reading, I said the name Abraham. I knew we were reading about Abraham. (I thought it fit with the Abrahamic Accord just now.) (Dividing Israel with the Palestinians on Sep 23, 2025, the Abrahamic Accord will bring death to Americans and the world. We have heard from the Alliance that there will be a fake WWIII. The nations will pull out their weapons as if to go to war with each other but will instead jump on the D.S.. I felt a long time ago that the D.S. would then turn this fake WWIII into a real WWlll. This is now happening; pay attention.)   Mena Lee Grebin - 01/29/2014 (David's notes in red) At 2:41 this morning, the Lord Jesus came to me. He said, “Death to the finances”. He then said, “A recession behind the recession”. (We have been told in dreams and visions for years there would be a recession followed by a short period of calm and then much worse collapse.) I asked, “Lord, what are You talking about?” He continued, “Tell My children that a recession is coming behind the recession. Many companies will close; small businesses will crumble and more jobs will be lost”. A calendar appeared in front of me, with the last four months of the year listed (i.e. September through December). (This is the period of the initial collapse, not the duration of the collapse which will continue for years.) I then saw a rider on a black horse ride across the pages. I said, “Lord, You said death to the finances; the rider on the black horse means death!” The Lord responded, “No, daughter, that is the rider on the pale horse”. I thought to myself, “What was the black horse again?” Then the Holy Spirit interjected, “A days wages for a loaf of bread!” (If the black horse rides in the last third of a year, when do the white horse Man-child and red horse war ride? The answer would be at the beginning of that. We must abide in Christ for His provision, which has already been prepared.) The presence of the Lord grew stronger and stronger on me. I felt completely paralyzed. I said, “Lord, if this is You giving this to me, I need a scripture to back up what You are saying”. Then, I heard loud and clear, “Psalm 9”. I started to cry, “Lord, You're showing me the end of the year! That means we will be here! Lord, when are You coming to get us? (Mena believed in a pre-trib rapture, so this was a surprise to her. This is given to the pre-tribbers to help prepare them for the times to come.) It's getting so bad here. Please help us to endure”. The Lord responded with a calming voice. He said, “Soon, My daughter. Very, very soon. Do not be afraid. Tell My children they MUST put their trust in Me, not the government, jobs, bank accounts, stocks, public assistance or retirement. These things will fail them! Only I will see them through. Persecution will increase and the time will come when many will go underground, but only for a very short season. (And then ...) I am coming!”   Saints, Psalm 9 is a psalm of judgment on the nations. (It is a psalm of tribulation.) It is also a psalm of refuge and protection for those who trust Him. I got up to read it as soon as the presence of God lifted enough for me to move. The title of the psalm in the NLT is “Death of a Son”. I thought this was interesting. I was not familiar with the psalm and did not memorize it; therefore, it was shocking to find out what it spoke of. I want to encourage everyone to read this scripture. It tells what is ahead. I don't know if the Lord did this in contrary to the State of the Union address last night (I didn't watch it because my mind can't comprehend habitual liars) or if it's just time for judgment to be executed upon this nation. I don't know; maybe both. But I was told to share this with the body of Christ. We must prepare. Please share.   “Chaos Is Coming” Mena Lee Grebin - 06/27/2016 (David's notes in red) At 1:45 AM this morning, I received a visitation from the Lord. I first found myself at a press conference. The conference contained about 50 people. We were all sitting at long tables in horizontal rows. I was located at the second seat in the last row, on the right. I saw Donald Trump sitting among the people; he was the only person in the crowd I recognized from behind. I only saw everyone's back from my view. In the front, I saw Obama pacing the floor. He seemed very agitated. He started saying, “They're pushing me ... they're pushing me to cause drama!” He then walked over to a man seated three rows ahead of me. Obama looked at the man and said, “Kevin, they're pushing me to give them what they deserve! I will give them the chaos that they deserve!” The man, who seemed to go by the name “Kevin”, frantically grabbed his notepad and began to write on it. It was then that I looked at Obama's forehead and noticed that there was writing on it. It looked as though someone had taken a black Sharpie and written across his forehead; it said, “Chaos is coming”. (Internal rebellion and pandemic with external war?) The scene changed and I next found myself in a room. Ahead of me, about 30 feet, stood Jesus. He was clothed in a simple white robe that illuminated a soft white glow. His face was so clear, clearer than I had ever seen it in all the years He's visited me. It was like I zoomed in on His face. I studied His thick, dark-brown hair that rested on His shoulders, and the fullness of His beard. The expression on His face was that of sadness, yet stern. I noticed that there were tears streaming from His left eye. Within each tear, there was a fetus. (Their vax is causing many still births.) The Lord spoke to me, but without moving His lips. He said, “They are constantly stealing the life that I have given”. He paused for a moment, then continued, “There are those who are even unaware of their murder. (Some are still taking it.) Doctors have convinced some that this is their only choice -- that the child is deformed, or will be born with abnormalities, so they steal the life that I have given”. I noticed that angels began to stand in formation behind Jesus. They were tall; between nine and 10 feet in height. They were all golden -- clothes, body and hair. There were 14 of them. I inquired about the position they were taking. Jesus responded, “They are taking their positions for the 21 judgments, for they are about to begin. Time is short. I will not delay ... I will not delay ... I will not delay! My Bride is preparing herself and I will soon call her to me”. (And the Bride is mature; taken from the Church but is not the Church as in Esther, Song of Solomon, Psalm 45, etc.) I thought to myself, “But there are only 14 angels”. The Key to the Timing of These Things: Then Jesus quickly reminded me that the first seven seals are opened by Him. (This sequence of events doesn't start until the first seal is opened by Jesus beginning the tribulation.) Jesus then looked at me and with a stern voice said, “Within three to six months (After the seal is opened), total chaos will envelop America and a pandemic will spread across the world”. He then gave me understanding that the two events are separate and I wasn't given a time frame for the pandemic. Mena had already received a dream of this same time period in the spring of 2014, which speaks of the economic collapse. The Lord woke her up at about 2:45 AM, saying, “Death to the finances!” He said it so strongly it startled her. She asked, “Death to the finances?” Then the Lord said, “A recession within a recession is coming”. Then He showed her a vision of the rider on a black horse. He was riding across a calendar and started in September (Beginning the death of finances) and rode through December. She asked the Lord, “Is it for this year (2014)?” He answered, “No”. Then He continued, “Small businesses will fail. Those who depend on the government to sustain them will fail. The housing market is going to crash again. I want you to warn the people. (Wilderness) Tell them what is coming because those who are in Me will be sustained, but not everyone who says they belong to Me belongs to Me”. When the economy collapses, the Man-child reformers bring the revival through the Bride, as a repeat of history. I began to pray for the Bride. I prayed for wisdom and boldness. The Lord then spoke and said, “Psalm 12 for the chosen, for the obedient and for the faithful”. This is a warning for the Church, the Bride and the nation. We need to prepare spiritually and physically for what's about to be unleashed. David: Now I want to share these verses with you and a revelation (from UBM livestream 9/19/25 The Bride Exalted and Full of Light) {Jer.6:10} To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of Jehovah is become unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. {11} Therefore I am full of the wrath of Jehovah; I am weary with holding in: pour it out upon the children in the street, and upon the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days. {12} And their houses shall be turned unto others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith Jehovah. {13} For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. {14} They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (Like Now) {15} Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall; at the time that I visit them (meaning: In the Man-child.) they shall be cast down, saith Jehovah. (What could cause this wilderness the Church is about to enter? Earthquakes, economic collapse, democratic saboteurs and assassins in the government and from the invaders, bringing down the grid before Tesla energy is fully up, persecution of Christians, plague, food shortage, war, etc. After Jesus comes in the Man-child reformers by Word and Spirit will come war. Rev.6:2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. (Jesus in the Man-child reformers anointed)... 4 And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. I asked the Lord when this World War would come and He said, “November.”) Then I got a confirmation. Brandon Biggs saw that Putin will call President Trump's bluff, but Putin is not bluffing; he is creating strong alliances for this major war ahead. war  I then asked Brandon if he knew when this war would happen, and he said, November. I said to him, “Thats my confirmation.” Brandon: So in the last two videos, I saw this right here. He's holding his cards close to him today. That's Putin as he's in this meeting (in Alaska). He doesn't trust no one. He doesn't trust him and he doesn't trust what's being said. It's a game. I hear, “Play the game, buy time. They want the whole thing. (The Russians don't want to share the world.) I just have to outlast you.” It's almost like you're playing poker, you're playing cards. You call my bluff. You all hear what I'm saying? You call my bluff. It's like, you're gonna move, you're gonna move things and you're gonna try to do things in this poker game on Friday. You hold your cards close, and you're playing; you're calling my bluff. That's what the Lord says. “You call my bluff.” It's just a card game. But the Lord warned me that Putin is not bluffing. Remember, I've tried to tell you all, Putin is not bluffing, but he will call Trump on what he calls his bluff of what Trump's saying; he's gonna do in the meetings ahead. Trump is strongarming the bear. The Lord said, “Handle the bear with care because Putin is not bluffing.” What he's doing in the background with Kim Jong Un, Cuba, Venezuela, he's creating alliances, strong alliances for a major war ahead. Remember this. The enemy within should be conquered before that war. Dumitru Duduman dreamed that the US would be busy with internal rebellion when Russia would use this to strike from without. In Dumitru Duduman's revelation below, he shares how Russia will hit the US when it is distracted with an internal revolution (As the Democrats are declaring now.) These communists have alliances with the American communists and Chinese communists.). Here is a portion of Dumitru's revelation called:   Russians Bomb the United States! The light surrounded me. Out of the light I heard the same voice (that was with me in jail and in my house in Italy). It said, "Dumitru, why are you so despaired?" I said, "Why did you punish me? What did I do that was so rotten that you brought me to the United States? I have nowhere to lie my head down upon. I can't understand anybody". He said, "Dumitru, didn't I tell you that I am here with you also? I brought you here to this country because this country will burn". "Then why did you bring me here to burn? Why didn't you let me die in my own country?" "Dumitru, have patience, and I will tell you. Get beside me". … I got beside the angel. He showed me all of California. He showed me all the cities of California. Then he showed me Las Vegas. "You see what I have shown you. This is Sodom and Gomorrah. In one day it will burn". He said, "Its sin has reached the Holy One". He showed me another great city. He said, "Do you know what city this is?" I said, "No". He said, "This is New York City. This is Sodom and Gomorrah. In one day it will burn". He showed me Florida. He said, "This is Florida. This is Sodom and Gomorrah. In one day it will burn". He didn't let me say a word until he brought me back to the place we had left. He said, "Now, Dumitru, you can talk to me". He said, "I brought you to this country, Dumitru. I want to wake up a lot of people. I love this country. I love the people. I want to save them. America will burn". And I said, "How can I save them? I can't even speak their language. Who knows me here? How will they call me?" He said, "Don't worry. I will be ahead of you. I will make great healings amongst the American people. You will go to television stations, radio stations, and churches. (And He did) Tell them everything I tell you. Don't hide anything. If you try to hide anything, I will punish you. America will burn". I said, "How will America burn? It is so powerful". He said, "The Russian spies have discovered where the most powerful nuclear missiles are in America. "It will start with the world calling for 'peace, peace'. (Like now.) Then there will be an internal revolution in America, started by the Communists. (Like now.) Some of the people will start fighting against the government. (Like now.) The government will be busy with internal problems. Then, from the oceans, Russia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Central America, Mexico, and two other countries (which I cannot remember) will attack! The Russians will bombard the nuclear missile silos in America. America will burn". I said, "What will you do with the church?" He said, "The church has left me". I said, "How? Don't you have people here?" He said, "People honor people. The honor that should be given to God, they give to other people. Americans think high of themselves. They say, 'I work', but they don't. In the church there is divorce. In the church there is adultery and fornication. In the church there is sodomy. In the church there is abortion and all kinds of sin. Jesus Christ doesn't live in sin. He lives in HOLINESS. I brought you here so you could cry out loud. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Tell them to stop sinning. God never stops forgiving. Tell them to repent. He will forgive them. Tell them to start preparing themselves so I can save them in the day of trouble". Brothers, these aren't fairy tales. I didn't come here to ask you for money. I didn't ask God for money. I came here to tell you the message of God. If you ask me, God loves you. That's what the angel of God told me. "Whoever I love, I want to wake up. I will put on their hearts to call you. Don't hide anything, or I will punish you". So stop sinning and repent. He will forgive us, and we will have salvation. I said, "How will you save the church if America will burn?" He said, "Tell them as I tell you. As he saved the three young men from the oven of fire and Daniel from the mouth of the lion, that is how I will save them. Tell them to stop sinning and repent. I have blessed this country because of the Jews that are here. I have seven million Jews here. (more now) They haven't tasted war or persecution. God blessed them more than anyone else. Instead of thanking God, they started sinning and doing wickedly. Their sins have reached the Holy One. God will punish them with fire". Israel doesn't recognize the Messiah because they place their trust on the power of the Jews in America. When God will hit America, all the nations will be terrified. God will raise up China, Japan, and many other nations, and they will beat the Russians. They will push them back to the gates of Paris. There they will make a peace treaty, but they will make the Russians their leader. All the nations with the Russians as their leader will go against Israel. It's not that they want to; God makes them. Israel doesn't have the help of the Jews in America anymore. In their terror, when they see what is coming, they call upon the Messiah. The Messiah will come to help Israel. Then the Church of God will meet him in the clouds". (1 Thes 4:16) Are you ready to meet Jesus Christ? Are your wedding clothes clean? If there are still spots on the clothes of your soul, then the blood of Jesus Christ still has power to cleanse sins. Jesus Christ will live with the church on the Mount of Olives. He himself will fight against all the nations. I said, "If you are the angel of God, everything you tell me has to be written in the Bible. If it is not, then I can't tell the Americans". "Tell them to read Jeremiah 51:8-15. He named it THE MYSTERY BABYLON, THE GREAT ADULTERESS. Also read Revelations Chapter 18, the whole chapter. There it says clearly what will happen to America". "Why did He name it THE MYSTERY BABYLON?" "Tell them because all the nations of the world immigrated into America, and America accepted them. America accepted Buddha, the Devil Church, the Sodomite church, the Mormon Church, and all kinds of wickedness. America was a Christian nation. Instead of stopping them, they went after their gods. Because of this, He named them THE MYSTERY BABYLON…   The Eagle and the Serpents Michael Boldea (notes in red) (The Angel said, "This has been revealed to you, that you may know, the first bite has been, the second is yet to come, and the third will be its destruction".) Psalm 34:7-8, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him". Upon my return to the United States in late August, I had a very vivid and troubling dream. I dreamt I was walking through a sparsely wooded forest, and suddenly my attention was drawn to an eagle (the U.S.) flying high above the tree line. It was a beautiful sight to behold as the eagle rode the thermals, flying in slow lazy arks across the blue sky. I began to quicken my pace, and keep up with the eagle's flight, all the while keeping an eye on it, noticing that it was slowly descending toward the earth. (Becoming more corrupt)  I followed it for a long time, its descend not being sudden but very gradual. Finally I came upon a small clearing, where there were no trees, just some bushes on the edges of the green grass. The eagle landed in the clearing, and began to look around not seeming to notice me. As I began to wonder what the relevance of this was, a man dressed in white, hands clasped in front of him, appeared beside me, and said, "Be patient, in due time you will see the purpose". I was silent as I watched the eagle, and was beginning to grow somewhat impatient, when suddenly (9/11 happened suddenly), it seemed out of nowhere a brown snake (the Muslims are a brown people and the Nazis wore brown shirts) lunged at the eagle, and bit down on its left wing. (In effect, 9/11 devastated the left wing and brought about a short-lived swing to the right as this nation prayed out to their God to save them.) The snake's strike was very quick and very precise. The eagle reacted without delay, clawing and pecking at the snake cutting deep wounds in its underbelly, trying to defend itself and ward off the serpent. (USA, the great eagle of Babylon, is still over there pecking away at their enemies.) Just as it seemed the eagle was winning the battle, and the serpent was retreating, another serpent appeared, red and black diagonal stripes covering its body. (Red and white were the 0bama's colors of choice for the election victory speech. Why red and black? Obama's associate for 20 years and mentor was Bill Ayers, who is an unrepentant terrorist, anarchist and Marxist who bombed his own country to bring about "change", which is Obama's chief motto. Red and black are the colors of anarchists, socialists, left-wingers, communists, etc. Ayers told the New York Times on 9/11/01, "I don't regret setting bombs... I feel we didn't do enough".)  This serpent without hesitation struck out at the eagle's right wing, biting down, and refusing to release. (Many strikes have come from the left, false flags, plagues, assassinations, etc. These Satanists have never slowed down.) After a momentary tug of war the serpent tore off flesh and feathers, leaving a large wound on the eagle's right wing. (Obama is purely a left-wing socialist who will use anything to tear a huge wound in the religious right of this land. Cheri Watson saw a vision of the Statue of Liberty sliced in two by a huge knife from right to left and the top half, or government, began to slide to the left and fall into the water. A line of leftist governments did much damage that President Trump has worked to reverse.) The second bite was much worse than the first, and for an instant the eagle was stunned. Then a serpent much larger than the previous two, made up of many colors,(Leftist revolutionaries internally join with many nations led by Russia and China) slithered toward the eagle, opened its jaws and lunged, taking the whole of the eagle's head in its mouth before biting down. (The enemies take down the government and devastate the U.S. which brings revival.) The serpents retreated and the man (Jesus) who had been standing beside me, walked to the eagle, knelt down, picked it up, and held it in his cupped hands. The look of grief on his face was beyond any I have seen in my life. Just seeing the look on the man's face broke your heart. The man continued to look down at the eagle, and with a pained voice said, "The true tragedy, is that at any moment it could have sought the safety of the above, it could have soared toward the heavens and would have found its protection. This has been revealed to you, that you may know, the first bite has been (9/11), the second is yet to come (leftist governments), and the third will be its destruction". (Fall of the U.S. into wilderness tribulation.)   An Angry Bear Awakens Excerpt from Dumitru Duduman's Prophecies April 1997 I knelt by my bed to pray, as I do every night before going to sleep. After finishing my prayer, I opened my eyes, but I was no longer in my room. Instead, I found myself in a forest. I looked around, and to my right I saw a man dressed in white who pointed his finger and said, "See and remember". It took me a while to find what he was pointing at. It was a small bear who seemed half dead lying on the ground. As I continued to watch this bear, it began to breathe deeper. With every passing minute it seemed to revive itself, and, as I watched, it also became angrier. It then began to grow. Soon it was larger than the forest floor, and as it grew larger, it continued to become angrier. It then began to paw the ground, so that when its paw would hit the ground, the earth would shudder. The bear continued to devastate all that stood in its path until it came upon some men with sticks trying to fend it off. (Don't pay any attention to the lies, they have won this war in Ukraine but the DS needs a bigger war that hurts the US. The Russians have taken down the Nazi's, the bio-labs, the organ labs, the tunnels and dungeons with the captive children, and the evidence of DS crimes, etc.) By this time the bear had grown so large that it simply crushed the men underfoot and continued its rampage. I was stunned by what I saw and asked the man standing beside me, "What does this mean?" "At first they thought the great bear was dead,” the man said. (If you listen to MSM.) "As it will begin to stir once again, they will consider it harmless. Suddenly, it will grow strong once more with purpose and violence. (They have made tremendous advances in weaponry.) God will blind the eyes of those that continue to trample on the sacrifice of Christ's blood, until the day the bear will strike swiftly. This day will catch them unprepared, and it will be just as you saw". The man then said, "Tell my people the days are numbered and the sentence has been passed. If they will seek My face and walk in righteousness before Me, I will open their eyes that they may see the danger approach. If they only look to the approaching danger, they, too, will be caught up and trampled underfoot. Only in righteousness will they find safety". Suddenly, I was once again by myself in my room, on my knees, with sweat covering my face. Now let me share a few articles that have been in the recent news:   Artic Frost See: Grassley-Artic Frost BREAKING: Senator Chuck Grassley just announced that an FBI whistleblower revealed to him an FBI project called "Artic Frost" that targeted groups like Charlie Kirk's TPUSA and all republicans and their establihments! This is a BOMBSHELL! He says that they are releasing those documents TODAY! "In total, 92 Republican targets, including Republican groups and Republican linked individuals, were placed under investigative scope of Arctic Frost." (Obviously leftists are at the bottom of this.) "On that political list was one of Charlie Kirk‘s groups, Turning Point USA. In other words, Arctic Frost wasn‘t just a case to politically investigate Trump." "It was the vehicle by which partisan FBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends and improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus." "So, today Senator Johnson and I are making these records public for the entire country to see. I hope a lot of people are interested in seeing what government can do when various agencies have a political agenda." This isn't law enforcement. This is persecution. Arctic Frost revived the general warrants our Founders outlawed in the 4th Amendment. It weaponized the DOJ and FBI to punish political enemies, chill free speech, and destroy trust in government.   "Trump Faces World War III As Armed American Socialists Proclaim “The Revolution Is Here”" https://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=259670 September 20, 2025, By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers.  Shown in part… A forewarning new Security Council (SC) report circulating in the Kremlin today first noting President Putin revealed yesterday: “Russia's military industry has enjoyed remarkable growth over the past two years...For certain types of weapons and some products, our production has increased not by a few percentage points, but almost 30-fold”, says this revelation was followed by President Donald Trump proclaiming about the Russia-Ukraine conflict: “We are actually making money on that war”—and was a proclamation joined by NATO-American Ambassador Matthew Whitaker declaring: “President Trump is going to continue to find the leverage and to find the conditions where he can bring both sides and mediate a resolution, but he's not going to set the conditions...Both sides are going to have to agree to a peace deal”. Contributing to the remarkable growth of the Russian military industrial complex, this report notes, Bloomberg revealed: “Indian refiners intend to continue purchasing Russian crude to meet rising fuel demand, even as New Delhi restarts trade talks with the US for a bilateral deal”—a revelation joined by the German Economic Institute announcing: “EU member states imported $10.2 billion worth of Russian goods in the first three months of 2025 alone”. The EU member states graciously contributing billions-of-dollars to support the Russian military industrial complex, this report continues, completely surround the Russian enclave Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea—… “In a vote that exposed the dark side of the majority of Democrats, the House on Friday passed a resolution honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and rejecting the political violence of recent years...The vote was 310-58, with 95 Democrats joining all 215 Republicans in voting yes on the nonbinding resolution...The 58 no votes all came from Democrats, but another 38 Democrats voted present (would not take an open side) and another 22 Democrats did not vote...In other words, 118 Democrats in Congress refused to support the resolution”… As President Trump faces the fake news socialist narrative clamoring for World War III, this report concludes, he also faces growing leftists protests caused by the fake news socialist narrative branding him a fascist, and it was just warned: “The Socialist Rifle Association has 52 local chapters across 33 U.S. states, and claims to have 10,000 members...Considering they are the armed wing of the anti-American revolution, people should be more concerned about what is going on with the growing militant left...Earlier this year, the Democratic Socialist of America held a meeting to debate merging with the SRA, and afterward, many DSA members went online to voice their opinions about the decision not to do it...Regardless, the discourse was still highly alarming...Some DSA members tweeted that the revolution is here”.   Official Warnings: Threat to Large Crowds or Big Events, Multi-City Attack, Hospitals Targeted Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gm5jd4wra9g Get Ready! NCTC Warns of Threat to Large Crowds or Big Events, Multi-City Attack, Hospitals Targeted Posted By: George Eaton - Sep 20, 2025 – in part https://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=259682 The U.S. National Counterterrorism Center said on Friday that recent calls by al Qaeda for attacks against the United States showed the group's enduring threat to the country. A report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued late last year that evaluated different types of threats to the United States, said al Qaeda was committed to striking the U.S. and had "reinvigorated its outreach" to Western audiences. https://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=259690   World War III Is on the Horizon: As we all saw on the news, the first direct clash between NATO and Russia has already happened. This is how world wars begin—small sparks in places most Americans can't even find on a map. What's unfolding isn't a misunderstanding, and it sure isn't a string of “accidents.” It is deliberate. A methodical test. A calculated push to measure NATO's reflexes, its unity, its red lines—driven by Russia and China, both determined to corner the West until one mistake means annihilation... Intelligence whispers say China is preparing something massive. The war for Taiwan is already alive inside Beijing's planning rooms. This won't be a small conflict. The plan is simultaneous, far-reaching, meant to blind and cripple not only Taiwan but the entire U.S. Indo-Pacific command. They're not aiming only at Taipei. They're aiming straight into INDOPACOM itself—leadership, infrastructure, defenses—one lightning strike to take it all down. Beijing knows hesitation equals defeat. They won't hesitate. Meanwhile, Russia has wrapped up massive military drills—simulating missile strikes against NATO. This isn't theater. It's rehearsal. Each maneuver a message: “We are ready. Are you?” Putin doesn't bluff when he warns NATO won't intimidate Russia. (Truly they are no threat to Russia) The headlines grow darker every day...“Trump warns Ukraine could ignite a global war.” UK officials whisper that the West could collapse within days if nuclear war ignites. NATO generals warn the clock is running out—that war could come next month. These aren't fringe ravings. These are voices from the rooms where nuclear options are weighed. China and Russia aren't moving separately. They're moving in sync. Russia pushes NATO's borders while China gets ready to strike across the Pacific. Together they stretch the West thin, forcing it to fight in two theaters at once... Washington, arrogant and blind, still thinks it can dictate terms to both adversaries. But the truth is brutal. America no longer holds military or industrial supremacy. Its defense factories can barely keep up. Its arsenals are drained into Ukraine. Its people are fractured, distracted, unready for the storm that's gathering. … Do not imagine this will be a slow buildup like past wars. There will be no declaration. World War III will erupt with a flash, with a mushroom cloud. With satellites blinded, command centers silenced, and cities burning before dawn. And once the fire starts, it will not be contained. The fantasy of a “limited” nuclear war is the deadliest lie of all. Once the first strike lands, the chain is unbreakable. The world's armies are preparing for a war... …Face what's coming. Because World War III isn't far off anymore—it's already here, waiting for the single spark that will paint the sky red. (excerpts)       

In this episode of All Things Policy, Vanshika Saraf is joined by Rushali Saha, a Maitri Fellow at the United States Studies Centre in Sydney. Together, they examine whether the Quad is beginning to drift in the choppy waters of the Indo-Pacific. Recent developments, from stalled trade talks to a sudden spike in visa fees, have tested the foundations of the India-US partnership. As these challenges unfold, what is India's diplomatic strategy? And can the Quad survive domestic churn within its member states? Tune in for a conversation on trust, transitions, and the wishful transience of it all.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

This week Mike speaks with Kurt Campbell, former Deputy Secretary of State and President Biden's “Asia Czar.” He is currently Chairman of The Asia Group and Distinguished Fellow in Diplomacy with the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. They discuss the U.S. strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific, the buildup of international security architecture, working in the Biden administration, and the role of technology in geopolitical competition. 

Freddy Gray is joined by Harry Kazianis, editor in chief of the National Security Journal, to assess China's military rise. He argues Beijing aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific with missiles, drones and naval power, posing a growing threat to U.S. influence and Taiwan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Strategy Series program, sponsored by General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the new report the co-authored with Kate Johnston and Greg Weaver — Understanding Russia's Calculus on Opportunistic Aggression in Europe — including the core role of opportunism in Vladimir Putin's strategic approach to undermine Russia's adversaries; the reality that NATO nations may be forced to defend the alliance without help from the United States should a crisis in the Indo-Pacific force Washington to shift focus from Europe to Asia; capability areas where the alliance's European members rate well and where more work is required; how Europe can step up capabilities indigenously especially if America decided against selling weapons to bolster its own depleted stocks; how NATO must respond to Russia's mounting provocations and how it can respond when US support is now conditional; roles China, Iran and North Korea can play to advance Russia's interests in Europe; and need to support Ukraine and critical role Kyiv can play in bolstering European capabilities.

Eric and Eliot discuss the perilous moment for the American Republic in which we find ourselves after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They discuss the recent developments in the Ukraine war, including the violation of Polish and Romanian airspace by Russian drones and the extreme danger these steps represent to European security. Eliot also reports from Israel on the recent strike against Hamas senior leadership in Qatar, observing that both the Mossad and IDF either refused to carry out or expressed deep reservations about Netanyahu's proposed course of action. The two also analyze recent leaks suggesting that the forthcoming National Defense Strategy will reflect a prioritization of the homeland and the Western Hemisphere rather than the Indo-Pacific, as many had expected. Eric & Frank Miller's Latest on Ukraine: https://thedispatch.com/article/weakness-is-provocative/ Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

In this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by renowned Silicon Valley entrepreneur and defense reform advocate Steve Blank in a sweeping conversation on Pentagon innovation, the U.S.-China technological rivalry, and what it takes for democracies to outpace authoritarian competitors.Key Highlights & Takeaways:Diagnosing U.S. Innovation Stagnation: Steve dissects why the once dominant U.S. defense sector, long-dominated by the big “primes”, got overtaken by bureaucratic inertia—contrasted with China's highly focused whole-of-nation approach. He examines how factors such as lobbying, revolving doors, and outmoded acquisition systems have played their parts in hampering adaptation to new threats.Hacking for Defense Origins: Steve unpacks how the “get out of the building” lean startup method moved from Silicon Valley to challenging national security problem-solving, birthing the global Hacking for Defense movement that started at Stanford but is now in dozens of universities worldwide.From “Innovation Theater” to Outcomes: The conversation critiques the proliferation of “incubators” unconnected to real acquisition, and highlights how meaningful reform only comes when new tech is linked to actual defense deployment.What's Changing: Blank describes major reforms currently underway under the new Trump Administration: scrapping legacy acquisition hurdles, empowering innovation-focused leadership, expanding the Defense Innovation Unit, and setting new strategic priorities.Politics and Semiconductors: Steve provides a unique take on the CHIPS Act, Taiwan's semiconductor leverage, and the evolution of U.S. “industrial policy” as exemplified by the U.S. government's taking of a direct stake in the Intel Corporation.Practical Advice: Steve and the hosts help surface actionable lessons: embrace private-sector speed, connect innovation directly to field outcomes, and learn from adversaries who now copy America's best ideas and occasionally outpace them.SeaLight Targeted by Beijing: Steve and Ray banter about how Ray's innovation project inspired by Hacking for Defense blossomed into the SeaLight phenomenon, and how its success in illuminating China's “gray zone” activities got both of them targeted by Beijing's propaganda machine.This essential episode illuminates how democracies can survive and thrive amid global tech rivalry, and what must change if the U.S. hopes to remain a leader in security and defense innovation.

Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands for Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the group's Pros in Paradise event at the Hyatt Regency in Maui about the relaunch of Blue Sky Tours, which now features 150 Indo-Pacific destinations beyond just Hawaii. Marks highlights exclusive 15 percent commissions, low deposits, enhanced support teams, and new training tools to help travel advisors confidently sell complex international packages. For more information, visit www.blueskytours.com and www.algvacations.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

This week, Israel initiated its full ground invasion of Gaza City, while the United Arab Emirates and other Arab states warned they may reconsider their diplomatic ties with Israel. In the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and China agreed on a framework deal regarding the sale of Chinese social media app TikTok, extending its deadline, while China ordered its companies to stop buying microchips from U.S. chipmaker Nvidia. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump pressured European nations to suspend all energy imports from Russia, while Polish defense officials announced a joint cooperation initiative with Ukraine on countering drone attacks following last week's incursion by Russian drones into Polish airspace. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve announced it would be cutting interest rates, with more cuts expected before the end of the year. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250919/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dr. John Pennell discusses his book and Ph.D. research: Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022 Implications for the Changing Character of War. Recording Date: 4 Sep 2025 Research Question: John Pennell suggests an interested student or researcher examine:  How can we better inform the American public about the information space; focusing on informing the American public about threats from adversaries and discerning fact from fiction. How Russian information operations has evolved since 2022; studying the evolving Russian information operations since 2014, including the shift in approach in 2022, as well as the influence of non-state actors like criminal syndicates and drug cartels in the information space. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #151 Daniel Runde on Chinese Soft Power #230 Randy Rosin on Warfare is Informational; the Case for a New DoD Information Paradigm Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022 Implications for the Changing Character of War By John A. Pennell Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Dr. Pennell is a highly accomplished, retired US senior foreign service officer (Minister-Counselor rank), with 20+ years of executive-level experience leading multidisciplinary, interagency, and joint teams to oversee US cooperation programs across Africa, Eurasia, the Indo-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. He has deep expertise in irregular warfare, strategic competition, public diplomacy, strategic communications, and countering hybrid threats including in high-threat, gray-zone, and/or active combat environments.  He's currently a Senior Diplomacy Fellow with Narrative-Strategies, Senior Strategic Advisor with Pax Strategies LLC, and Senior Practitioner (pro bono) with the US Department of Defense's Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) in the intelligence, operations in the information environment, and emerging tech networks. He's also a subject matter expert reviewer (pro bono) for National Defense University's Joint Forces Quarterly (JFQ) and an International Advisory Board Member of Ukraine Foundation, a Swiss-based organization focused on peace processes and conflict resolution in Ukraine. In addition to being a lifetime member of the Information Professionals Association (IPA), he's a member of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (BCFA), Foreign Policy for America (FP4A), Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), and National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A).  He has a PhD in War & Defense Studies from King's College London and Masters degrees from the National War College and American University. His book on Russia's irregular warfare activities in Syria and Ukraine is available from Bloomsbury, Amazon, Waterstones, etc. You can also visit his website. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty and Ester Sabatino to reflect on the 2nd IISS Prague Defence Summit, which was held on 3–5 September 2025. Meia, Ben, Fenella and Esther discuss the major takeaways from the Prague Defence Summit, including:Secretary General Mark Rutte's call for stronger European defence production in the face of closer Russia–China cooperation;The sustainability of record-high defence spending and new ways to fund Europe's security;How procurement reforms and EU initiatives are reshaping Europe's defence industrial landscape;The growing role of Indo-Pacific and non-EU partners in strengthening European security.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 10 September 2025The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While our attention has been taken up largely with events in the Middle East, China has been pursuing its own long-term regional goals – some of which are inimical to American interests and the interests of America’s allies. What has China been doing? How does Washington understand China’s increasing military confidence? Is the US assessment evolving – and have US capabilities kept pace? Join us as former Pentagon official and security specialist Stephen Bryen brings us an analysis of China’s growing military capabilities and the geopolitical challenges Beijing presents in the Indo-Pacific region.

On Charlie Kirk's horrific assassination and why Ezra Klein's hand-wringing shows that, contrary to his protestations, he in fact embraces some political violence. Trump and Pete Hegseth rename the Department of Defense the Department of War. The Pentagon starts shifting from Indo-Pacific to Asia-Pacific, which has the fingerprints of Elbridge Colby all over it (and I'm not mad at that!). Israel attacks US ally Qatar--what that says about war, expansionism, and revisionist foreign policy. ICE raids a Hyundai-LG factory in Georgia, exposing South Korea to white supremacist statecraft. Subscribe to the Un-Diplomatic Newsletter: https://www.un-diplomatic.com/ Watch Un-Diplomatic Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@un-diplomaticpodcast Catch Un-Diplomatic on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/undiplomaticpodcast Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the individuals and not of any institutions.

In this critical episode, host Jim Carouso welcomes two leading experts on the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) agreement to examine whether the landmark trilateral security partnership can deliver on its promises four years after its launch. Charlie Edel, inaugural Australia Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Abe Denmark, senior fellow at CSIS and a former DOD official who helped implement AUKUS, join to discuss their new report, "The AUKUS Inflection: Seizing the Opportunity to Deliver Deterrence."The conversation dives deep into five fundamental challenges threatening AUKUS' success:• Submarine production bottlenecks plague the U.S. industrial base, with maintenance backlogs keeping 25% of attack submarines out of the water. • Sovereignty questions have emerged as Washington reportedly seeks Australian operational commitments for future contingencies. • Australia faces the massive challenge of building a nuclear submarine workforce from scratch—requiring 20,000 new skilled workers in a country with virtually no civilian nuclear industry.• AUKUS “Pillar 2” technology cooperation lacks focus and marquee deliverables despite bureaucratic progress on export controls and information sharing.•⁠⁠ Timeline pressures mount as critics question whether AUKUS capabilities will arrive too late for current deterrence needs, with Australian submarine construction not beginning until 2040.The experts propose concrete solutions: appointing AUKUS special representatives reporting directly to leaders in all three countries; creating an AUKUS visa system for seamless researcher mobility; establishing trilateral congressional oversight mechanisms; producing annual progress reports for transparency and accountability; and concentrating Pillar 2 efforts on autonomy, long-range strike and integrated missile defense rather than spreading resources across quantum computing and other emerging technologies that lawmakers struggle to understand.Denmark emphasizes that AUKUS should be viewed as additive rather than subtractive to existing capabilities, with Australian maintenance facilities and industrial contributions helping get more U.S. submarines operational faster. The discussion also touches on recent diplomatic engagements, including Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles' meetings in Washington amid ongoing U.S. reviews of the partnership.Both experts stress that while AUKUS faces significant implementation challenges, failure would damage U.S. credibility, weaken deterrence, and embolden adversaries. Success requires immediate course corrections, increased funding, and sustained political commitment across all three democracies to deliver meaningful capabilities for Indo-Pacific security.

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss House's $892 billion version of the National Defense Authorization Act as the measure heads to the Senate as fights over a continuing resolution and a government shutdown continue to loom; the assassination of far-right influencer Charlie Kirk becomes the latest act of American political violence; Russia launched some two dozen long-range drones at a base in Poland that's key to supporting Ukraine, Moscow's first direct attack on the alliance as Warsaw called for Article 4 consultations and Russia stepped up attacks on Ukraine; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth makes his first call with China's Defense Minister Adm Dong Jun during which he stressed America does not seek conflict in the Indo-Pacific, but will defend its interests; Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said America will split profits from Japan's investment in America 50-50, but after Japan earns back its $550 billion, Washington will get 90 percent of profits and Tokyo just 10 percent; after arresting 475 at a joint Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, the administration was prepared to release 300 South Korean workers, but said they could stay in the United States if they helped train American workers; and Israel launched an air strike on Hamas' office in Doha, involved in Gaza negotiations, but despite worldwide ire Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu demanded Qatar either expel or bring to justice Hamas officials otherwise Israel would.

Interview with Sameer Lalwani — 27:32 This week, Kelly and Tristan cover Israel's unprecedented strike on Hamas leaders in Doha and the diplomatic fallout for Qatar and the Gaza ceasefire talks, the historic trial of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro and what it means for democratic resilience, and Beijing's memory-politics summit—complete with a military parade and a guest list signaling China's preferred world order. Kelly is then joined by Sameer Lalwani for a deep dive on U.S.–India relations—why the partnership soared over the past decade, how new U.S. tariffs, the India-Pakistan war, and Modi's optics-heavy outreach to Beijing and Moscow have strained ties, and what to watch ahead of a potential Quad leaders' summit. Sameer Lalwani is a Senior Fellow with the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Program, a Senior Advisor to the Special Competitive Studies Project, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, and a research affiliate with MIT's Security Studies Program. His work focuses on deterrence, conventional military competition, technology alliances, and Indo-Pacific security, and he is a contributing editor at War on the Rocks. Read more about Lalwani's work: https://www.gmfus.org/find-experts/sameer-lalwani  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 Abdalla Nasef and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on September 10, 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

This week, in the wake of an Israeli air attack targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar, Doha called for an emergency summit to convene next week. In the Russia/Ukraine conflict, NATO forces shot down Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace from Ukraine, with Poland subsequently triggering NATO's Article 4 consultation process. In the Indo-Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that the EU pressure Russia by imposing tariffs on China and India. Meanwhile, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency apprehended 300 South Korean workers in Georgia, most of whom have since left the United States. In the U.S., conservative media personality and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event in Utah. Read the full Weekly Forecast Monitor here: https://newlinesinstitute.org/forecast/week-20250912/ Marxist Arrow by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In the milestone 100th episode of "Why Should We Care About the Indo-Pacific?", co-hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso celebrate their podcast's century mark with a fast-paced, insightful, and at times humorous look back at some of their most memorable moments, guests, and listener interactions. Without a guest this week, Ray and Jim turn the spotlight on themselves, their audience, their incredible slate of past guests, and a region that keeps changing the strategic map.The hosts set the tone for a reflective and dynamic show, diving into listener emails and social media comments that illustrate the podcast's loyal following from locations across the globe. Ray and Jim revisit some of the most interesting, provocative, quirky and timely lines from prior guests--including former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin Schneider, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, President Surangel Whipps of Palau, former U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Phil Davidson, and sitting Philippine Secretary of Defense Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro--challenging each other to recall who said what and why those remarks matter in today's Indo-Pacific landscape.A central theme is the evolving nature of U.S. strategy, from discussions of "spheres of influence" and the shift in national security focus to debates over U.S. credibility and engagement in regions beyond the Indo-Pacific. The hosts analyze how once-standard priorities such as the rules-based order and extended U.S. presence are now questioned domestically and abroad. Listener comments prompt discussion of perceptions of America across the region, concerns over interference, and the shifting balance of great power influence. The episode highlights President Whipps' steadfast support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese economic inducements--a striking example of Indo-Pacific agency and risk-taking in the current geopolitical climate.Memorable moments include insights from Secretary Teodoro on the critical role of the rules-based order for smaller states, self-deprecating tales of military karaoke anxiety from General Schneider, and a glancing critique of U.S. foreign policy “whiplash,” recalling both Afghanistan and Vietnam withdrawals. The podcast's ability to draw high-profile guests and engage in candid, sometimes irreverent dialogue is evident as the hosts reminisce. Woven through the humor and storytelling is a serious undercurrent about U.S. credibility, PRC aggression, alliance management, and the centrality of the Indo-Pacific in global affairs.The hosts close with tributes to listeners, their inimitable producer, Ian Ellis-Jones, and their gratitude for reaching 100 episodes amidst rapidly growing listenership--now surpassing 40,000 subscribers across all platforms. As always, we encourage feedback and celebrate our incredible audience, and promise to continue featuring the perspectives and stories that matter most to Indo-Pacific watchers.

Britain has a new Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and this week's episode dives into the UK's foreign policy and how it could in theory transcend some of the country's current political divides. To dig into this topic, Jane and Jason are joined by Michael Stephens, senior fellow at Global Nation and an associate fellow at RUSI. Mike's new report, ‘Rules Britannia' is being launched today, and is full of proposals for how Britain can help Order the Disorder. Mike and his co-authors are trying to build a broad consensus across political parties and traditions, to advance ‘a unifying vision of Britain's role in the world that is grounded in our national values'.   Brits do generally see their country as one that can play a positive role in the world. But the recent years have lost that consensus with rival sloans: from Brexit and “Global Britain”, to the short-lived “tilt to the Indo-Pacific”, then the “NATO-first” approach of the strategic defence review. In short, recent British policy has been somewhat confused by the succession of different governments and foreign secretaries in the past few years. And as results British citizens do not feel current policy reflects their priorities.   Delving into the topic, the panel talk about opportunities for the U.K. to play a leading role in areas that it's good at: rule of law, international finance and public health. These are the domains where there can be cross-party support rooted in a sense of Britain's comparative advantages. We also discuss why Ukraine has - so far - been a unifying cause for Brits, with successive prime ministers committed to supporting the country's independence with military assistance - in stark contrast to the US. And who else can Britain work with in a “global middle-power alliance” to “change the calculations of the rule-breakers that are currently upending the international order” (per the report), while also trying to persuade the US not to abandon that order wholesale? In one of the punchier moments of debate, Jason questions why migration is dominating the headlines and why no one right now in British politics seems to want to make the positive case for attracting the best talent from around the world. Producer: George McDonagh Subscribe to our Substack - https://natoandtheged.substack.com/ Disorder on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DisorderShow Show Notes Links:  Britain rules out backing for global defence bank - Reuters https://apple.news/AjpCOumOZTFaB9wBe7VJH1w  Hassan Damluji, Michael Stephens and Anna Hope  - Rules Britannia: How a foreign policy guided by fair play can keep Britain safe and promote economic growth https://globalnation.world/publications/rules-britannia-how-a-foreign-policy-guided-by-fair-play-can-promote-economic-growth-and-keep-britain-safe/    Steve Bloomfield, International Editor of The Observer, Since when did the Foreign Office become a demotion? https://observer.co.uk/news/politics/article/since-when-did-the-foreign-office-become-a-demotio    Was this a missed opportunity for Britain to lead on financing defence for democratic allies? Britain rules out backing global defence bank - https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/britain-rules-out-backing-global-defence-bank-2025-09-04/  Background on today's angry debate about migration in Britain: The “Boriswave” – how the Conservative government that was elected to “get Brexit done” adopted policies that massively boosted migration (from outside the EU) - https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2025/02/the-boriswave-problem  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BOOK TITLE: The Decisive Decade: American Grand Strategy for Triumph over China AUTHOR: Jonathan DT Ward HEADLINE: China's Response to Geographical Weakness: Expansionism and Global Power Projection China has historically faced geographical weaknesses, lacking natural borders in regions like the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolian and Xinjiang Deserts, and the South China Sea. To address this, China, under Xi Jinping, is converting its global economic power into military power, initially focused on the Indo-Pacific. Their strategy includes the Belt and Road Initiative to consolidate economic geography across Eurasia and Africa, projecting military power globally, which defines an expansionist approach. 1950S PEKING UNIVERSITY

In this episode of Tea Leaves, Kelly Magsamen, Senior Advisor at The Asia Group, sits down with Abe Denmark, TAG Partner and former Senior AUKUS Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, to unpack the strategic significance of AUKUS Pillar II. They explore how the U.S., U.K., and Australia can fast-track defense innovation across autonomy, long-range strike, and integrated air defense. The conversation highlights opportunities for industrial collaboration, bold new trilateral initiatives, and the critical role of speed in delivering next-generation capabilities. Tune in for insights on how governments and industry can work together to shape the future of Indo-Pacific security through next-generation deterrence.

In this week's look around the Air Force, Resolute Force Pacific 25 concludes after 30 days of exercising contingency-response capabilities across the Indo-Pacific, Deployable Combat Wings reorganize forces to meet requirements in any theater, and the Space Force approves a milestone upgrade towards advancing Space Domain Awareness.

As China asserts itself as a global power, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) sits down with Margaret Hoover in D.C. to discuss the threat posed by Beijing and its authoritarian allies and the Trump administration's response.The Senate Foreign Relations Committee member recounts his recent visit to the Indo-Pacific with a bipartisan congressional delegation and reacts to China's massive military parade this week. He explains why he fears Trump is undermining alliances and placing the world order at risk.Coons also addresses Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine, the plight of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia, and where he feels the Biden administration's response to Putin's aggression went wrong.Coons comments on Democratic Party's divisions over Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also addresses Trump's National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. and the limits of the judiciary's ability to rein in the president's use of executive power—and explains why he wants HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, The Tepper Foundation, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, and Pritzker Military Foundation.

In this compelling episode, co-hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso welcome lead global security analyst for Washington Post Intelligence Josh Rogin, who explores the escalating tensions and complexities behind the dramatic recent breakdown in U.S.-India relations. The episode zeroes in on the significant diplomatic and very personal rift that has emerged between the two leaders, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi, and unpacks the broader strategic implications for Indo-Pacific stability.Rogin gives a reporter's analysis of the core issues driving the U.S.-India split, including Prime Minister Modi's recent trip to Beijing for meetings with some of America's biggest rivals. This shift signals India's resistance to U.S. pressure for a trade deal it deems unfavorable. Despite Modi's previous close rapport with President Trump, contentious issues—such as Trump's tariff threats and bold proclamations about his role in India's recent conflict with Pakistan—have frozen negotiations and strained bilateral ties to the breaking point.The discussion highlights the internal U.S. political dynamics behind the breakdown, pointing out the absence of India experts in the president's inner circle and the dominance of transactional diplomacy focused on short-term deals rather than sustained strategic partnerships. Rogin emphasizes that the rupture is deeply personal between Trump and Modi, with consequences extending beyond bilateral relations to affect the entire Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape.Listeners gain valuable insights into how tariff policies, trade conflicts, and diplomatic miscommunications have undermined 25 years of efforts to integrate India more closely with Western alliances. The episode also examines how this strain jeopardizes multilateral cooperation frameworks like the Quad, complicating efforts to present a united front against China's growing influence in the region.The hosts take advantage of Josh's long experience covering Japan to explore Tokyo's leadership challenges in sustaining regional cooperation within the Quad framework and balancing domestic political pressures with larger strategic goals.This episode delivers a nuanced and timely examination of why the U.S.-India relationship is vital for Indo-Pacific security, trade, and diplomacy—the potential unraveling of which could have profound global repercussions. Ideal for policy experts, business leaders, and anyone interested in international relations, this episode offers a thoughtful analysis of the personal, political, and strategic forces shaping the future of U.S.-India ties and the broader Indo-Pacific region.Tune in for an engaging conversation that unpacks the personal disputes and political complexities defining one of the most critical alliances of the 21st century.

: John Batchelor 09-03 segment 7.mp3 Guests: Gordon Chang and Captain James Fanell, United States Navy retired, intelligence officer for the Seventh Fleet and for the Indo-Pacific Theater. Pacific Tensions: Philippines, China, and US Naval Strategy Captain James Fanell and Gordon Chang analyze China's strategic ambition to subjugate the Philippines, building militarized islands in the South China Sea. Fanell highlights Scarborough Shoal as a critical "cork in the bottle," potentially used by China as a military base. He notes the Philippines' new forward operating base with anti-ship missiles in the Bashi Channel as a counter. Fanell suggests a reinvigorated US Navymorale and a shift in the Pentagon's approach to deter China. 1918 PEKING UNIVERSITY                                                             

Freddy is joined by Harry Kazianis, editor in chief of the National Security Journal, to assess China's military rise. He argues Beijing aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific with missiles, drones and naval power, posing a growing threat to U.S. influence and Taiwan.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.