Podcasts about national security studies

Max Boot with Larry DiamondWhat Is the Endgame? U.S. Policy and the Future of Venezuela and BeyondRecorded Wednesday, February 25, 2026In this episode of America at a Crossroads, Max Boot and Larry Diamond examine the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela and its broader implications for democracy, authoritarianism, and global stability.The conversation explores:• The current state of Venezuela's political and economic crisis• The effectiveness of U.S. sanctions and diplomatic strategy• Democratic backsliding worldwide• The future of American leadership in supporting democratic movements• Strategic lessons for U.S. policy beyond Latin AmericaMax Boot is a Russian-American author, historian, and foreign policy commentator. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a contributor to The Washington Post. His most recent book, Reagan: His Life and Legend, was released in 2024.Larry Diamond is a leading scholar of democracy studies and a senior fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.Subscribe for future episodes of America at a Crossroads and join the conversation on the critical issues shaping democracy at home and abroad.

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran program at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies and a former Israeli military intelligence analyst. They discuss the latest round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the chances of diplomacy succeeding, what Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei is actually thinking, the dire situation inside Iran, what a U.S. war against Iran may look like, the day after any such conflict, and more. Read our new report, Disarming Hamas: A Framework for Lasting Security, here.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Staunchly allied with Turkey, Somalia has become a flashpoint in Turkey's rivalry with Israel. Ankara recently deployed fighter jets to Mogadishu in the latest signal that it is determined to protect its strategic interests in the Horn of Africa after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland. In a conspicuous display of military strength, Turkish F-16 fighter jets roared over the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in late January. According to Turkish officials, the deployment was aimed at protecting Turkish interests and supporting Somali efforts to counter an insurgency by the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab.  It follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December, which Ankara condemned as a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity. Turkish international relations expert Soli Ozel said the jets send a message to Israel: "Don't mess with our interests here." Somalia is poised to become the latest point of tension between the countries, he predicts. "I don't think they will fight, but they are both showing their colours. Israel's recognition of Somaliland and the Turks sending F-16s and drones are attempts to set limits to what the other party can do," he said. "Could it get out of hand? I don't know. It may." The risky calculations behind Israel's recognition of Somaliland Mutual suspicion The episode reflects broader strains in Israeli-Turkish relations, which remain fraught over Ankara's support of Hamas and Israel's war in Gaza. "It's a new chapter in the competition between the two countries, which are now the dominant military powers in the Middle East," said Norman Ricklefs, CEO of geopolitical consultancy Namea Group. According to Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, Israel is not seeking to challenge the interests of Turkey or Somalia. Instead, she argues Israel's recognition of Somaliland and its commitment to deepening cooperation are motivated by the breakaway's state strategic location facing Yemen, where Houthi rebels launched attacks against Israeli cities last year. "The Houthis were the last ones who were still launching missiles against Israel, from the Iranian proxies. This is the most major threat for Israel," she said.  However, Lindenstrauss acknowledges that both sides increasingly view each other's actions with suspicion. "What Israel sees as defence, Turkey sees as something against Ankara." Rival blocs Turkey's suspicions could grow if Israel deploys military hardware in Somaliland to counter threats from Yemen, a move an anonymous Israeli expert suggested is Israel's aim. Ricklefs warns Israel needs to tread carefully, given the significant investments Turkey had made in Somalia over the past 15 years. Turkey has its largest overseas military base and embassy in Somalia, while Ankara has signed agreements with Mogadishu to explore potential energy reserves, as well as a naval accord. "Turkey is running the [Mogadishu] port, counterterrorism training, charities, NGOs, and all that kind of stuff. So it appears very important to Turkey's regional strategic ambitions," said Ricklefs. He noted that Somalia's location on the Horn of Africa, with coastlines in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, makes it "key for regional influence". With Somalia naval deal, Turkey steers into strategic but volatile region Lindenstrauss observed that the Turkish-Israeli rivalry over Somalia is further complicated by the emergence of two competing axes: "On the one hand, you see Greece, Cyprus, Israel, the UAE. On the other hand, you see Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Qatar," she explained.   "They are loose axes, but you do see that on many issues, these two axes think differently. And that's also a cause of the rising tensions." Ricklefs noted that tensions have already spilled over into confrontation elsewhere. “We've already seen the pretty strong competition leading to violence in Libya, between blocs aligned with the Emirates and, on the other side, blocs aligned with Turkey in Libya," he said. As for whether the same could happen in Somalia, Ricklefs said he doesn't believe the situation has yet reached that point.  "I don't think we're there just yet with Somaliland and Somalia," he said. "And frankly, the only party that can play a mediating role, a conflict-reducing role, in this situation is the United States."

A two-hundred-year-old presidential speech has shaped how the United States sees its role in the world ever since. At the time, it sounded like a modest declaration from a young and uncertain nation. What would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine would grow into something far more powerful... and far more controversial.Christopher Nichols, Professor of History at Ohio State University, joins us for this episode. Chris is the Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and his works include ‘Rethinking American Grand Strategy' and ‘Promise and Peril: America at the Dawn of the Global Age'. He has previously appeared on Ep. 261 ‘President Eisenhower: War on Soviets and Segregation'Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Tom Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School.Dr. Walton's extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. He has a deep understanding of security studies, encompassing everything from tactical operations to strategic policy discussions.Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a Subject Matter Expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in Land Navigation, runs a prep program designed for SFAS candidates, and is the author of multiple books about preparing for SFAS. More about Dr. Walton:Website: https://tfvoodoo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tf_voo_doo/Timestamps:00:00:23 Introduction to Dr. David Walton00:01:42 Changes within SFSS and Coaching00:20:22 Being Trained in Land Navigation00:30:43 Better Prepared Candidates00:53:34 The Sandman Event00:59:29 Selection Rates and Working Through the Stages01:05:23 No Dependencies in the SFSS Course01:09:47 The "Awaiting Training" Phase 01:11:33 What has Dr. David Walton Changed in Coaching?01:17:08 How Many Books has Dr. Walton Written?01:21:52 Books Everyone Should Read01:26:32 Outro

Greenland has become a geopolitical flashpoint. President Trump wants control of it, or at least sovereignty over some areas for military purposes, arguing that the United States gaining some territorial rights in Greenland is a necessity for U.S. security. But some leaders worry that a power grab could pit NATO against the U.S. and weaken an already fragile world order. Now we debate: Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory In Greenland a Strategic Necessity?  Arguing Yes:  Alexander B. Gray, Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council; Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of the White House National Security Council  Michael Pillsbury, Senior Advisor for the President's Office at The Heritage Foundation  Arguing No:  Kori Schake, Senior Fellow and the Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)  Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations; Columnist at The Washington Post  Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham critiques the weaknesses of national security studies that expect Chinese attack only at Taiwan, arguing this narrow focus leaves the U.S. vulnerable to broader PRC strategic threats.1793

Mary Dudziak, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law at Emory University, and Christopher Nichols, Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and Professor of History at the Ohio State University, sit down with James M. Lindsay to unpack a new CFR survey of historians on the best and worst foreign policy decisions in U.S. history.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Christopher McKnight Nichols, Promise and Peril: America at the Dawn of a Global Age   Joshua Kurlantzick, A Great Place to Have a War   CFR.org, The Ten Best and Ten Worst U.S. Foreign Policy Decisions   Opinions expressed on The President's Inbox are solely those of the host or our guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

Dr. Raz Zimmt er en av Israels fremste eksperter på det moderne Iran og leder forskningsprogrammet for Iran og den sjiamuslimske aksen ved Institute for National Security Studies i Tel Aviv. Han er også forsker ved Alliance Center for Iranian Studies ved Tel Aviv University.Han har en doktorgrad i Midtøstens historie, har tilbrakt mer enn to tiår som Iranspesialist i israelsk militær etterretning, og holder jevnlig orienteringer for beslutningstakere og medier om iransk politikk, samfunn og utenrikspolitikk.INSS er en israelsk tenketank for nasjonal sikkerhet som driver forskning og politisk analyse innen sikkerhets- og strategiske spørsmål. De utarbeider studier, policy‑notater, simuleringer og anbefalinger rettet mot israelske beslutningstakere, forsvarssektoren, diplomater og det bredere strategiske miljøet i Israel og internasjonalt.I dagens samtale snakker vi om opprørene og demonstrasjonene i Iran, og om det iranske folkets mot. Vi diskuterer hva som faktisk skal til for å styrte det iranske regimet, muligheten for amerikansk og israelsk militær intervensjon, samt den potensielle risikoen hypersoniske ballistiske missiler utgjør for Israel. Videre snakker vi om kronprins Reza Pahlavi, og om han har nok støtte til å samle folket.English:Dr. Raz Zimmt is one of Israel's leading experts on contemporary Iran, serving as Director of the Iran and the Shiite Axis research program at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He is also a research fellow at the Alliance Center for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University. He holds a PhD in Middle Eastern history, has spent more than two decades as an Iran specialist in Israeli military intelligence, and regularly briefs policymakers and media on Iranian politics, society, and foreign policy.The INSS is an Israeli national security think tank that conducts research and policy analysis on security and strategic affairs. They produce studies, policy briefs, simulations, and recommendations aimed at Israeli decision‑makers, the defense establishment, diplomats, and the broader strategic community in Israel and abroad.In todays conversation we talk about the uprisings and demonstrations in Iran, and the bravery of the Iranian people. We speak about what it would take to actually take down the Iranian regime, about possible US and Israeli military intervention, and the possible risk of hypersonic ballistic missiles for Israel. Further we speak about the Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi, and does he have enough support to rally the people?***► NY BOK UTE NÅ: Frykt og Stillhet - jødiske stemmer i Norge etter 7. oktober. Bestill her:  https://bok.norli.no/frykt-og-stillhet► STØTT ARBEIDET PÅ VIPPSOm du ønsker å støtte arbeidet med denne podcasten, kan du bidra med et stort eller lite beløp, etter eget ønske. All støtte settes pris på, og du bidrar til arbeidet med å lage flere episoder. Bruk Vippsnummer: #823278►  ⁠BLI ⁠⁠⁠⁠MEDLEM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fremover vil de som er støttemedlemmer få tilgang til episodene først. Da støtter du podcasten med det samme som prisen av en kaffe hver måned. Setter stor pris på om du blir støttemedlem. Tusen takk.► Annonsere på Henrik Beckheim Podcast?Send en mail til post@henrikbeckheim.no ► MERCH: Kjøp klær, kopper, capser og mer: https://henrikbeckheim.com/store► Linker:⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Nettside⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Podimo | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple

For two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has faced a challenging world. Some of its responses have made Americans proud. Others have not. CFR asked members of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations what they considered the best and worst U.S. foreign policy decisions. In this episode, panelists discuss the results of the project and the evolution of America's role in the world.   Host: David M. Rubenstein, Cofounder and Cochairman, The Carlyle Group; Chairman, Board of Directors, CFR   Guests: Mary L. Dudziak, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law, Emory University School of Law; CFR Member   James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR   Christopher M. Nichols, Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and Professor of History, The Ohio State University   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR's Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit it on our YouTube channel: America at 250 Series: The Best and Worst Decisions in U.S. Foreign Policy

Beni Sabti is an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies. Sabti was born in Iran in 1972 where he lived until he moved to Israel in 1987. He served in the IDF primarily as a researcher, mostly in projects relating to Iranian culture and influence on cognition, decision making and media. Today Sabti gives us a meta view of the protests engulfing Iran and their potential impact regionally and globally.

After years of negotiations, the Turkish military may finally be close to acquiring American F-35 fighter jets. United States President Donald Trump has suggested a deal could be near, despite Israel warning that the sale would threaten its security amidst rising tensions with Turkey. “We're thinking about it very seriously,” Trump said when asked by a reporter about the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit this week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sale has been blocked for years due to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. A recent Bloomberg report suggested Ankara may be prepared to return the missiles, though Turkish officials have denied this. Political commentator Asli Aydintasbas, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, says that the strengthening relationship between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan means both sides are working to resolve the impasse. “He [Trump] himself is working with Turkey through his very effective ambassador, Tom Barrack, to find a solution,” said Aydintasbas. “There will be stiff opposition from the Greek lobby, Israelis and other regional players. But we've seen Trump skirt such opposition when it came to the Saudi Arabia F-35 sale.” Military edge Israeli security experts warn that Turkey's acquisition of F-35 jets poses a greater security risk to Israel than the Saudi deal due to the Turkish military's expertise, which threatens to challenge Israel's technological advantage. Currently, Israel maintains a significant edge as the Turkish air force operates decade-old jets, a factor that is increasingly important amid rising regional tensions. “There was definitely a concern in the spring that there might be a confrontation in the skies of Syria between Israel and Turkey,” said Gallia Lindenstrauss of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Syria in crossfire as Turkish-Israeli rivalry heats up over Assad's successors She stresses the risk of confrontation has significantly diminished thanks to “de-confliction talks”, brokered by Azerbaijan. A Syria “hotline” now exists between Israel and Turkey to prevent what Lindenstrauss describes as “accidents between the Israeli Air Force and the Turkish Air Force”. Yet the need for such measures underscores how strained ties are. “The fact that it exists, of course, does point to the fact that things are not necessarily calm,” Lindenstrauss acknowledged. Provocative alliances Israel's conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions with Turkey. On New Year's Day, hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul in support of Palestinians. Tensions escalated further as Israel increased military cooperation last month with Greece and Cyprus. Both Greece and Cyprus have unresolved territorial disputes with Turkey in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. “Israelis are provoking especially Greeks and Greek Cypriots,” said Murat Aslan of Seta, a Turkish pro-government think tank. “The Israeli pilots are educating and training Greek pilots. They are operating [drones] across the Aegean Sea. And they sold many complex missile systems. So that means Israelis are provoking Greece just to challenge Turkey here in the Aegean Sea.” In his New Year's address, Erdogan said he was closely monitoring what he describes as threats and provocations against Turkey and Turkish Cypriots. Aslan predicts Ankara will not remain passive. “If there is a pattern in the west of Turkey that Greeks and Israelis are cooperating, for the sake of Turkish security interests, for sure there will be a reaction,” he warned. Israel talks defence with Greece and Cyprus, as Turkey issues Netanyahu warrant Greece, which is also acquiring the F-35, has joined Israel in opposing Turkey's purchase of the jet, warning it would alter the balance of power. While Trump has expressed support for the Turkish sale, analyst Aydintasbas notes the US president is learning the limitations of his power when it comes to Israel. “Trump is going through what a lot of US presidents have experienced: frustration, and a question – ‘wait a minute, who's the superpower here?'” she said. “Because of the power dynamic in the US-Israeli relationship, it sometimes does point to a situation in which Israelis, though the weaker side technically, end up having the upper hand because of their enormous influence in the public space.” Aydintasbas predicts that, despite Trump's friendship with and admiration for Erdogan, the US president will be unwilling to pay the political price of securing the Turkish jet sale. “This is an issue on which Trump is not willing to fight the US Congress... and essentially ignore the US law,” she said. For the self-described master dealmaker, it may prove a deal too far.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, catch diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, we’re joined by Eran Ortal, a brigadier-general (res.) in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and a leading military theorist. Ortal commanded The Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies, and wrote "The Battle Before the War: The Inside Story of the IDF's Transformation," which came in second place for the Institute for National Security Studies's 2025 Tshetshik Prize. Months before the October 7 invasion of southern Israel by Hamas, Ortal warned in an interview with The Times of Israel that the country's "military situation is eroding, not improving," and that “time is not on our side." Ortal explains what glaring problems he saw in the military in which he served for decades. He says that the IDF concept in its initial decades enabled it to win its famous victories over far more numerous foes. He then lays out why the IDF's center of gravity moved from the armored corps to the Air Force and intelligence services. Over time, says Ortal, Israel also moved away from its focus on decisive victory, and pursued a series of indecisive deterrence operations against non-state enemies like Hamas and Hezbollah. While there were efforts underway in the IDF to implement a wide-ranging series of reforms in the years before October 7, the Hamas attack took place before they had the desired effect. Israel, he says, went to war with an army that had not been properly trained and resourced, which affected the course of the war in Gaza. Looking forward, the IDF must go through another transformation, Ortal argues. Those who argue for continuing to prioritize airpower are mistaken, as are those who call for a return to a focus on mass ground maneuver. Instead, there must not only be investment in AI, drones, and a network that brings them to the troops on the battlefield; Israel also needs a new strategy that employs cutting-edge technology to achieve decisive victory over its enemies. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers are seen during an army raid in the West Bank town of Tubas, November 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington is stepping up diplomatic efforts to address Israeli objections to a possible Turkish role in an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, a move that could affect plans to disarm Hamas and advance US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. Trump is due to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 29 December in Florida. The meeting is the latest attempt to revive the Gaza plan, which aims to move from a ceasefire towards the creation of a new governing arrangement in Gaza, the deployment of an international force and the disarmament of Hamas. On Friday, Turkish and Egyptian officials met their US counterparts in Miami. With a ceasefire in place in Gaza, Washington is pushing the next phase of its plan, which would include Turkish troops in an International Stabilisation Force. From Washington's perspective, Turkey's involvement is considered essential to the plan, said Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institution. Turkey and Iran unite against Israel as regional power dynamics shift Israeli objections Hamas disarmament depends on the creation of a new Palestinian governing entity and the presence of international peacekeepers, with Turkey acting as a guarantor, Aydintasbas said. “Without Turkey in this process, decommissioning Hamas weapons would not occur. That is implicit in the agreement.” Turkey's close ties with Hamas are well known, with senior Hamas figures reportedly hosted in Turkey. While Turkey's Western allies label Hamas a terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said its members are liberation fighters. Trump has publicly thanked Ankara for using its influence to encourage Hamas to accept the peace plan. Israel opposes any Turkish military presence in Gaza, fearing Turkey would support Hamas rather than disarm it. Israel is also concerned about cyber attacks attributed to Hamas operating from Turkish territory and doubts Turkey would act in Israel's interests, said Gallia Lindenstrauss, a Turkey analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. “There's a risk of an accident between Israeli and Turkish forces, given the already high tensions and suspicions. It's hard to see a positive outcome,” she said. Israel has struggled to persuade Trump to back its position. “The US has its own priorities, and is receptive to Ankara due to strong Trump-Erdogan relations,” Lindenstrauss added. Turkey ready to help rebuild Gaza, but tensions with Israel could be a barrier Turkey's position Erdogan, who has cultivated close ties with Trump, has said Turkey is ready to send soldiers to Gaza. Reports have claimed Turkey has a brigade on standby for deployment. Turkey's relationship with Hamas is a “double-edged sword”, said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, head of the German Marshall Fund office in Ankara. From Israel's point of view, Turkey is too close to Hamas, but “if you want to contribute to disarming them, dialogue is needed”. Any Gaza mission would be risky, but the Turkish army has decades of experience, Unluhisarcikli said. “It has a proven track record in terms of post-conflict stabilisation from the Balkans to Afghanistan. They have proven they can operate in such environments.” Despite strained diplomatic ties, the Turkish and Israeli militaries still maintain open communication. The two countries operate a hotline to avoid clashes between their air forces over Syria, demonstrating continued military coordination despite political tensions. Turkey warns Kurdish-led fighters in Syria to join new regime or face attack Regional doubts Egypt and Saudi Arabia distrust Turkey's ties with Hamas and question its intentions in Gaza, Unluhisarcikli said, with concerns that echo memories of Ottoman-era rule. On Monday, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack met Netanyahu in an effort to ease Israeli concerns. However, prospects for a breakthrough are likely to depend on this month's meeting between Netanyahu and Trump. Incentives may be offered to encourage Israel to accept Turkey's role, but the issue is unlikely to be resolved that way, said Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institution. “Because this is such a fundamental and existential issue for Israel, I don't think incentives will work,” she said. “As to whether or not Trump would go so far as to withhold military or financial aid, it would be very unlikely. Rather, it may just let this situation sort of fester. I don't think the Americans have a clear plan to push forward if the answer from Netanyahu is to say no.”

For years, regional rivalries have limited cooperation between Turkey and Iran. Now, shared security concerns over Israel are providing common ground. During a recent Tehran visit, the Turkish foreign minister called Israel the region's "biggest threat". Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, hosted in Tehran by his Iranian counterpart Abbad Aragchi, declared that both countries see "Israel as the biggest threat to stability in the Middle East", because of its "expansionist policies". Ankara is increasingly angry over Israel's military operations in Syria, which it considers a threat to security. Syria's new regime is a close Turkish ally. With the Iranian-backed Syrian regime overthrown and Iran's diminishing influence in the Caucasus, another region of competition with Turkey, Tehran is viewed by Ankara as less of a threat "Ankara sees that Tehran's wings are clipped, and I'm sure that it is also very happy that Tehran's wings are clipped", international relations expert Soli Ozel told RFI. Ozel predicts that diminished Iranian power is opening the door for more cooperation with Turkey. Cooperation "Competition and cooperation really define the relations. Now that Iran is weaker, the relationship is more balanced. But there are limits, driven by America's approach to Iran", said Ozel. Murat Aslan of SETA, the Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research, a Turkish pro-government think tank, points out that changing dynamics inside Iran also give an impetus to Turkish diplomatic efforts towards Tehran. Israel talks defence with Greece and Cyprus, as Turkey issues Netanyahu warrant "Iran is trying to build a new landscape in which they can communicate with the West, but under the conditions they have identified", observes Aslan. "In this sense, Turkey may contribute. So that's why Turkey is negotiating or communicating with Iran just to find the terms of a probable common consensus." However, warming relations between Turkey and Iran are not viewed in a favourable light by Israel, whose ministers have in turn accused Turkey of being Israel's biggest threat. Tensions are rising over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strong support of Hamas, which Ankara's Western allies have designated as a terrorist organisation. "Obviously, Israel does not want to see Iranian and Turkish relations warm as Israel sees Iran as an existential threat and hence anything that helps Iran is problematic from Israel's perspective", warns Turkey analyst Gallia Lindenstrauss at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Turkey warns Kurdish-led fighters in Syria to join new regime or face attack This month, Israeli security forces accused Hamas of operating a major financial operation in Turkey under Iranian supervision. Many of Hamas' senior members are believed to reside in Istanbul. American ally Israeli concerns over Turkey's improving Iranian ties will likely be exacerbated with Turkish officials confirming that a visit by President Erdogan to Iran has been "agreed in principle". Ankara also has a delicate balancing act to make sure its Iranian dealings don't risk antagonising its American ally, given ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Good relations with Washington are vital to Ankara as it looks to US President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with Israel. "For Israel, the United States shapes the environment right now", observes Aslan. "The Turkish preference is to have an intelligence diplomacy with Israelis, not to have an emerging conflict, but rely on the American mediation and facilitation to calm down the situation", added Aslan.

Armin Krishnan is an Associate Professor and Director of Security Studies at East Carolina University, where he teaches foreign policy, international security, and intelligence studies. He has received his MA in Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy at Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich in 2001, his MA in Intelligence and International Relations at the University of Salford, UK, in 2003, and his PhD in Security Studies at the University of Salford, UK, in 2006. He has worked as a Research Associate at the University of Southampton, UK, before joining the University of Texas at El Paso in 2009 to teach in the Intelligence and National Security Studies program as a Visiting Assistant Professor. In 2013 he joined the Department of Political Science of East Carolina University as a tenure-track faculty. He is the author of many journal articles and six books on different aspects of contemporary warfare, such as military service contracting, autonomous weapons systems, targeted killings, neurowarfare, paramilitary operations, and fifth generation warfare. His current research interests include the political and military implications of blockchain technology, the Havana Syndrome, and hyperwar.

Syrians marked the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and his iron-fisted rule this week with jubilant celebrations in major cities, as the divided nation struggles to find stability and recover after years of war. The new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, told a large crowd of supporters that his government had "laid out a clear vision for a new Syria as a state that looks towards a promising future", calling it a historic break from a "dark chapter". KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Carmit Valensi , the head of the Syria program at the INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo:AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran remains a major threat to Israel and the United States – with clear ambitions to expand its influence and terror activity into the Western hemisphere, said Danny Citrinowicz, a former IDF military intelligence officer and Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast. Those ambitions were recently highlighted when a U.S. official revealed an advanced plan by Iran to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to Mexico, using a base of operations in Venezuela. The official said the plot was foiled earlier this year. “Venezuela is the hub” of Iran’s activity in the region, Citrinowicz said, adding that Tehran is developing relationships with other South American countries with a sizable Shi’ite Muslim population and “controlled by the left” in the hope of uniting against a common enemy: the United States and its allies. “Iran can find a mutual language with every country that opposes the West,” he said. In his conversation with host Allison Kaplan Sommer, Citriowicz also discussed Iran’s renewal of its nuclear capabilities, as reported by the New York Times, and the potential Israeli response to the prospect that they appear to be increasing their missile capabilities to the point where they can rain thousands more explosives on Israel than they did in June’s 12-day war. “We’re in a very risky and unstable situation, and I don't think we’ve seen the last of the clashes between Israel and Iran.” Read more: What the Next Israel-Iran Missile War Will Look Like The Israeli Influence Operation Aiming to Install Reza Pahlavi as Shah of Iran Israeli FM: Iran Tried to Attack Multiple Israeli Embassies and Diplomats, Not Only Envoy in Mexico Paradox of Success: Israelis Fail to See That the Next Iran War Will Be Worse Opinion by Danny Citrinowicz | How a Historic Israel-Iran Non-aggression Pact Could Change the Middle EastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli-Turkish relations were dealt another blow when a Turkish court issued an arrest warrant on genocide charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials, a move strongly condemned by Israel. As bilateral relations deteriorate, Israel is stepping up defence cooperation with Turkey's rivals, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has ongoing territorial disputes with both – over maritime and airspace rights in the Aegean Sea, and the division of Cyprus following Turkey's 1974 invasion of the island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north of the island is recognised only by Turkey. Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli claims Israel's deepening partnerships with Athens and Nicosia is aimed at countering the growing threat posed by the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "The doctrine of Erdogan is extremely dangerous. It's extremely dangerous for Israel, and we see Erdogan's Turkey as the new Iran, nothing less. It's very dangerous for Cyprus and it's very dangerous for Greece," said Chikli. This month, Israeli and Greek warships held joint military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean. The drill followed similar exercises by the country's air forces. While Ankara played a key role in bringing about a ceasefire in the Gaza war, tensions have continued. "We saw Turkey issuing arrest warrants against 37 high-level Israelis, but I think it also relates to the fact that the ceasefire is fragile. We are not entirely sure we are moving in a positive direction," said Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Turkey ready to help rebuild Gaza, but tensions with Israel could be a barrier Defence talks However, Lindenstrauss claims the Gaza ceasefire has opened the door to an acceleration in deepening cooperation with Greece. "We see the ceasefire is definitely seen as the green light to proceed in cooperation. We see defence deals... serious defence deals are being discussed," she added. Israeli ministers visited Athens this month for defence talks. Israel has already sold Greece and Cyprus some of its most sophisticated weapons systems, causing alarm in Ankara. "We see an alignment of the Greek, Greek Cypriot [sic] and Israeli navies. One cannot deny the risk that this will embolden them [Greece and Cyprus]... with Israeli support,” said international relations professor Serhat Guvenc, of Istanbul's Kadir Has University. Cyprus could become an increasingly focal point for Turkish-Israeli rivalries, given its strategic location. The United Kingdom has two military bases on the island, with the United States having a presence on these. Turkey, meanwhile, has an air base in the soi-disant Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. "The island is like a static aircraft carrier; it can dominate the whole of the Middle East and Turkey as well," warns former Erdogan advisor Ilnur Cevik, who is now a journalist. "A fighter plane that lifts off from Cyprus can get to Ankara in 15 minutes maximum. Turkey wants the island to be a security zone for itself. Plus, the Turks have even thought about setting up a new naval and airbase." Turkey and Egypt's joint naval drill signals shifting Eastern Med alliances Turkey's recent purchases of Eurofighter jets, along with a missile development programme encompassing hypersonic and ballistic capabilities, are also fuelling Israeli concerns. "It's not clear why a status quo actor should have such a missile programme," said Israeli analyst Lindenstrauss. "For example, Israel doesn't have a missile programme despite the many threats it faces. I think middle and long-range missiles do suggest this is something more related to offensive intentions... I think all actors that have tense relations with Turkey are watching these developments," she added.  Turkish Cypriot vote could force shift in Erdogan's approach to divided island US influence US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack sought to downplay tensions, dismissing any threat of conflict between Turkey and Israel. “Turkey and Israel will not be at war with each other. In my opinion, it's not going to happen. And you are going to get alignment from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean," he said, speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue, a Middle East security forum, on 1 November.  US President Donald Trump, who retains powerful influence over both governments, regional analysts suggest, could play a key role in managing, if not resolving tensions, given his goal of bringing peace and stability to the region. "[Washington] are very concerned. This is a topic that gets a lot of people's attention. The United States has certainly been trying to mediate and sort of bring tensions down,” said Asli Aydintasbas of the Washington-based Brookings Institution think tank. Guvenc doesn't rule out a reset in regional relations, but warns that for now the region remains in the grip of an escalating arms race, fuelilng further mistrust and the risky strategy of "my enemy's enemy is my friend". "We have partnerships – alliances of convenience, pragmatic, tactically motivated alliances – but you never know. I mean, Turkey and Israel may mend fences, and this may create a totally different strategic, regional geopolitics than the one we are talking about today. So everything is in flux, and the balances and the alliances may shift in a very short time."

Adam interviews Dr. Kyle Balzer and Bob Peters on their recent article in Breaking Defense. They discuss the future of the Sentinel ICBM program, particularly the potential for mobile basing options. They explore the cost implications, strategic effectiveness, and the need for political engagement to advocate for a more robust nuclear deterrent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to a changing threat environment, particularly with the rise of peer competitors like China, and the necessity of public discourse on nuclear strategy.Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in US nuclear strategy and policy. He is currently working on a book project, The Revivalist: James R. Schlesinger and the Rebirth of Cold War U.S. Nuclear Strategy. It examines the origins of diagnostic net assessment and competitive nuclear strategies. His work has been published in Breaking Defense, National Review Online, The Hill, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks. Robert J. Peters is Chief of the Strategic Integration Directorate within the Strategic Trends and Effects Department (STED) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). He leads efforts to generate actionable insights on counter-WMD and emerging threats, assess agency effectiveness, and foster strategic dialogues with allies through research and exercises.Previously, Peters was a Senior Research Fellow at the National Defense University's Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also served as Special Assistant to the DASD for Countering WMD at the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, and held roles at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute.He holds an MA in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and a BA in Political Science and History from Miami University. His published work includes articles in Strategic Studies Quarterly, 38 North, and the Nonproliferation Review.Article Link: Forge ahead with the Sentinel ICBM, but consider making it mobile - Breaking DefenseSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday ordered the country’s military to confront any future Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, following an overnight raid by Israeli forces in the border village of Blida that left a local municipal worker dead. The incident comes amid growing debate within Lebanon over whether the situation along the Israeli border is heading toward renewed conflict. The pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack has postponed a visit to Lebanon, citing a lack of progress and indicating Washington is unlikely to pressure Israel or intervene at this stage. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Res Brig Gen Assaf Orion, an International Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a member of Israel's INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has made it clear that it will not accept Turkish troops deployed in Gaza as part of a post-war arrangement. To discuss the role of Turkey and what Ankara wants, KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior Research Fellow at the INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey wants to take part in rebuilding Gaza and is ready to join a peacekeeping force once the fighting ends, however analysts warn strained relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv could stand in the way.  Turkey responded to a call from Hamas for assistance with locating the bodies of Israeli hostages still unaccounted for in the ruins of Gaza, sending specialists to help in the search. Ankara maintains close ties with Hamas, which some analysts say could make it a useful mediator – although strained relations with Israel could stand in the way of any peacekeeping or reconstruction mission, despite Turkey's experience in these areas. “Turkey does have expertise for this – it has a doctrine,” said Murat Aslan of the SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, a pro-government think tank. “In Afghanistan, Bosnia, some African countries like Somalia or Sudan, and in Kosovo, Turkey contributed either through its Tika aid agency, responsible for reconstruction, or through its armed forces.” Aslan believes Turkey's approach would be similar in Gaza. “Turkey will send soldiers for sure, for the protection of the civilian units,” he said. Hamas says committed to Gaza truce and returning hostage remains High risk However, others warn the mission would not be easy. “Turkey can become part of this protection force, but it will not be easy. At the moment it seems more problematic than many people assume,” said Huseyin Bagci, an international relations professor at Ankara's Middle East Technical University. Bagci fears Gaza could slide into chaos as rival groups fight for control. “There are fights between Hamas and the clans,” he said. “It will not be easy because Hamas has to give up its weapons, which is the primary condition. Hamas is not 100 percent trusting Turkey – if not, Israel will probably act.” Turkey and Egypt's joint naval drill signals shifting Eastern Med alliances Deep mistrust Any Turkish deployment would also require Israel's consent, which appears unlikely given the collapse in relations between the country's leaders. Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have regularly traded insults since the start of the current conflict in Gaza, and Ankara's vocal support for Hamas has further deepened mistrust. Israeli analysts say the government is hesitant to allow Turkish troops in Gaza, citing deep tensions and mistrust between the two countries. Gallia Lindenstrauss of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv said there is little enthusiasm for involving a Muslim peacekeeping force, as any casualties could inflame anger across the Muslim world and worsen relations. “This conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel, particularly between the two leaders,” she added. Counting on Washington Any Turkish role in Gaza would likely need US backing to move forward, given Israel's resistance, observers warn. Aslan believes Washington could help bridge the divide. “Erdogan does have a charming power over Hamas,” he said. “So it's on Turkey to urge Hamas to accept some things, and it's on the United States to push Israel to accept the terms of a long-term peace. I believe that Trump is well aware of it, because there is no trust of Israel. That's a fact, not only for Gazans or Palestinians or Turks, but [across the world] overall.” Aslan says trust would be essential to persuading Hamas to disarm. “I believe Hamas will lay down their arms when they feel safe, and they have to see friendly faces in Gaza to be persuaded." Erdogan's Washington visit exposes limits of his rapport with Trump Road to normalisation Turkish involvement in Gaza could also help pave the way for a reset in relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv. Bagci believes Erdogan is hoping for political change in Israel to make that possible. “There will be elections,” he said. “Erdogan [is counting on] Netanyahu losing. But if he wins, then he has to deal with him because both sides have to be pragmatic and realistic.” Bagci said much of the fiery rhetoric from both men is aimed at domestic audiences, with both having reputations as political survivors and pragmatists. If peace efforts gain ground, observers say cooperation in Gaza could offer a path towards rebuilding trust – and serve both countries as they compete for regional influence. (with AFP)

As efforts continue to resolve Israel's war in Gaza, the conflict is threatening to destabilise the wider region. A rare joint naval exercise between once-rivals Turkey and Egypt is being seen as a warning to Israel, as long-standing alliances shift and new rival partnerships take shape across the Eastern Mediterranean. After a 13-year break, Turkish and Egyptian warships last week carried out a major naval drill in the Eastern Mediterranean. The exercise is the latest step in repairing ties after years of tension that began when Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ousted Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “It marks the consolidation of the improvement in relations,” said Serhat Guvenc, professor of international relations at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, adding the drill sent “a powerful message to Israel of a new alignment”. Guvenc said naval drills in the eastern Mediterranean have typically involved Cyprus, Greece and Israel, but this time Egypt broke with those countries, signalling it was no longer part of the anti-Turkey camp in the region. Erdogan's Washington visit exposes limits of his rapport with Trump Shift in alliances The Turkish-Egyptian exercise follows years in which Cairo built strong ties with Ankara's rivals in the region. The shift has not gone unnoticed in Israel. “Definitely, this is a major event that Turkey and Egypt have conducted a naval exercise after so many years,” said Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. The joint drill comes as Ankara has expanded and modernised its navy in recent years. Lindenstrauss said this has unsettled some of Turkey's neighbours, giving Israel common ground with Greece and Cyprus. “Some of them also have quite big disputes with Turkey, such as Cyprus and Greece,” she said. “Greece and Cyprus relations with Israel have been developing since 2010. We've seen a lot of military drills together. We saw weapons procurements between the three actors, and this has been going on for some time. So Israel is not alone.” Turkey has long-standing territorial disputes with Greece and the Greek Cypriot government in the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Guvenc said Israel has gained the upper hand over Turkey in their rivalry centred on Cyprus. "The Greek Cypriots acquired a very important air defence system from Israel and activated it. They made life far more difficult for the Turkish military, in particular for the Turkish Air Force," he said. "This gives you an idea about the shifting balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean as a result of Israel taking sides with Cyprus and Greece." Macron and Erdogan find fragile common ground amid battle for influence Tensions over Gaza Despite those rivalries, Turkey and Egypt are finding common ground in their opposition to Israel's war in Gaza and in wider concerns over Israel's growing regional power. In September, Sisi reportedly called Israel an enemy. “There is competition over who is the most dominant and important actor in the Middle East, in the Muslim world in general,” said Lindenstrauss. “I really can't imagine a unified Turkish and Egyptian action against Israel. I can imagine them cooperating to pressure Israel to change its position, which is what is happening now.” Cairo and Ankara remain at odds over Libya, where they back rival governments. But analysts warn that the fallout from the Gaza conflict is increasingly shaping the region's power calculations. Guvenc said the outcome of peace efforts could determine the future balance in the Mediterranean. “We see an alignment of Greece, Greek Cypriots and Israel. But once the Gaza issue is tackled, from an Israeli perspective, Turkey is strategically more important than these two countries,” he said. “But if the strategic makeup of the region may not secure a solution, we may see deterioration in the general situation. Then outside actors will be invited by one side or the other, such as Russia, China or even India, to further complicate the issue.”

Robert Bruce Adolph - a former Infantry Staff Sergeant - is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and UN Chief Security Advisor, as well as once a university lecturer on American History, US Government and World Politics. He is the author of the well-reviewed book “Surviving the United Nations: A true story of violence, corruption, betrayal, and redemption.” Robert holds graduate degrees in both International Affairs and National Security Studies and Strategy. His commentaries, articles and book reviews have appeared in over fifty newspapers, magazines, professional journals and academic publications for over four decades. He has additionally lived and worked in seventeen different countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today he is an international speaker, commentator, and security consultant. Discover more at www.robertbruceadolph.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Yoel Guzansky, associate fellow at MEI and senior research fellow at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to unpack the military and political implications of Israel's 12-day war with Iran. In the lead-up to next week's closely watched visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, they discuss Israel's strategic gains and domestic reaction, the evolving US-Israel relationship, and the war's ripple effects across Gaza, the Gulf, and beyond.   Recorded July 2, 2025

Prime Minister Netanyahu leaves Israel for Washington on Sunday. He will meet with President Trump in the White House on Monday for critical talks on ending the Gaza war. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Mark Heller, a senior researcher from the Institute of National Security Studies, ahead of the PM’s Washington trip. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a decisive US strike on Iran's nuclear weapons facilities, many questions are being asked. Did Donald Trump make the right call? What about the intelligence? Is this the start of US military action in Iran or a one-off? And what are the implications for Gaza, the region, and Iran in the coming months?Kenneth M. Pollack, PhD., is Vice President for Policy at the Middle East Institute. Previously he was a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he worked on Middle Eastern political-military affairs, focusing in particular on Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf countries. Dr. Pollack has also worked on long-term issues related to Middle Eastern political and military affairs for the Joint Chiefs of Staff when he was a senior research professor at the Institute for National Security Studies at National Defense University.Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

Israel's decision to attack "regime targets" in Iran like Evin prison, and its open desire to encourage an overthrow of Ayatollah Ali Khameini's government is misguided and potentially dangerous, a top expert on Iran said on the Haaretz Podcast. "I have serious doubts that something positive will come out of it," said Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies' Iran and the Shi'ite Axis Program and a former Iran specialist in Israeli military intelligence. The Israeli military has had "amazing" operational success against Iranian nuclear and military targets, he said, but expressed worry that there appears to be "no exit strategy that will help us preserve our achievements while ending this war" and that the decision to attack targets like Evin Prison, state television and other non-military locations "have been taken very lightly" and "actually might cause us to erode our achievements against Iran." He warned that Israel moving to assassinate Khameini would transform the war "from a political to a religious dispute" and "find ourselves in an endless conflict" that would also fail to spark a revolution in Iran and "do far more harm than" good. Also in this episode, host Allison Kaplan Sommer ventures out of the studio and goes underground into a makeshift tent city in the parking lot of a sprawling mall, where Tel Aviv residents seek nightly protection from Iran's ballistic missiles. The voices from the encampment under Dizengoff Center represent the millions of Israelis caught without anywhere to securely spend the night under fire. "It's humid, the floor is rock hard, there's no good circulation, and there's constant activity even when there's no siren," said Jeffrey Lubata as he settled into a tent for the night with his family. But, he noted, it is safe. This episode was recorded before a cease-fire was announced between Israel and Iran on Tuesday. Subscribe to Haaretz.com for up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Israel and the Middle East in English. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a recording of an Israel Policy Forum webinar held on Wednesday, June 18, at 1pm ET.Days into its military campaign against Iran, Israel has racked up an impressive series of achievements: decimating Iran's top military echelon, setting back its nuclear program, taking out drones and rocket-launchers, and achieving freedom of operation in the skies above Tehran. Yet the war's impact on the Israeli homefront has been costly, with at least two dozen casualties and unprecedented levels of destruction in central Israel. Israel's endgame and Washington's appetite to assist in eliminating Iran's nuclear program remain unclear.Israel Policy Forum Washington Managing Director and Senior Fellow Rachel Brandenburg hosts Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran program at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, and Kenneth Pollack, vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, to unpack the state of the war.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Israel's surprise attacks last week against Iranian leadership targets, nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's retaliation with ballistic missiles, have pushed the Israeli-Iranian conflict into unknown territory. Unlike the confrontations of April and October of 2024, this new phase is deadlier and shows no signs of abating. What are Israel's and Iran's objectives? Can Israel destroy Iran's nuclear program? What are the prospects for U.S. military intervention? And if there is a diplomatic off ramp, how would it defuse the current crisis and produce longer term stability?  Join Aaron David Miller as he engages Sima Shine, of Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, and Ali Vaez, of the International Crisis Group, in conversation on the current Israeli-Iranian conflict on the next Carnegie Connects.

Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics Podcast. Today, we are hosting an episode with Douglas London, a former clandestine service case officer and station chief with over three decades of experience in downrange assignments. London career with Langley ranged from recruiting assets in hostile environments to operating under official cover.Douglas London is also a Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service where he teaches Intelligence and National Security Studies. During the episode, the author of “The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence” will share his insights on current tradecraft in human intelligence. Find DouglasLinkedIn ProfileTwitter ProfileThe Recruiter BookRelated LinksThe Spy and the State: The History of American IntelligenceFormer Paramilitary Operations Officer Ric Prado on his life in the ShadowsGrey Dynamics Intelligence Capability Development and TrainingGrey Dynamics Operational SupportGrey Dynamics Open Source Intelligence ServicesGrey Dynamics Case StudiesGrey Dynamics StoryAdvance Your Intelligence Career Today!We are the first fully online intelligence school helping professionals to achieve their long term goals. Our school with tons of new material is currently under construction and will be out there very The Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastGoogle PodcastAmazon Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do critics say about the authorship of Daniel?Is Daniel prophecy—or history pretending to be prophecy?Grab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-clarifiedJoin the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=cassianBuild your Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/refer?ref=91448e0438b143e7ad61073df7a93346Join the Biblically Heard Community: https://www.skool.com/biblically-speakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate "Mark T. Clark, Ph. D., is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science and National Security Studies at California State University, San Bernardino. In addition to his career, Clark has co-hosted the TBN series Reasons to Believe, co-authored Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men (2002) with Hugh Ross and Ken Samples, and is a member of the Scholar Community at Reasons to Believe. Clark served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977.Read: Daniel in Babylon by Dr. Mark Clark today! Purchase here: Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Babylon-Navigated-Politics-Exile/dp/B0DW831VMHWipf and Stock Publishers - https://wipfandstock.com/9798385231119/daniel-in-babylon/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDr.-,Mark%20T.,challenges%20of%20our%20modern%20age.(Use Coupon Code: CONF40 for 40 % off)Subscribe to https://marktclark.substack.com/ - A newsletter for those who know they are exiles, seeking meaning beyond this world. By Mark T. ClarkFollow Biblically Speaking on Instagram and Spotify!https://www.instagram.com/thisisbiblicallyspeaking/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1OBPaQjJKrCrH5lsdCzVbo?si=a0fd871dd20e456c

Bharat Karnad is Emeritus Professor for National Security Studies, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi and Distinguished Fellow at the United Service Institution of India. His most recent book, Staggering Forward: Narendra Modi and India's Global Ambition was published by Penguin in September 2018. Previous books include Why India is Not a Great Power (Yet) (Oxford University Press, October 2015), Strategic Sellout: India-US Nuclear Deal (2009), India's Nuclear Policy (Praeger, 2008), Nuclear Weapons and Indian Security: The Realist Foundations of Strategy, now in its second edition (Macmillan, 2005, 2002), and Future Imperilled: India's Security in the 1990s and Beyond (Viking-Penguin, 1994).He was Member of the (First) National Security Advisory Board, Member of the Nuclear Doctrine-drafting Group, National Security Council, Government of India, and, formerly, Advisor on Defence Expenditure to the Finance Commission, India.Educated at the University of California (B.A., Santa Barbara; M.A., Los Angeles), he has been a Visiting Scholar at Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne, and Foreign Fellow at the Shanghai Institutes of International Studies and the Henry L. Stimson Centre, Washington, DC. He lectures at the top military training and discussion forums, including CORE (Combined Operational Review and Evaluation), DRDO Annual Directors' Conference, National Defence College, Higher Command Courses at the Army War College, College of Air Warfare, College of Naval Warfare, College of Defence Management, College of Military Engineering, and at Army Command and Corps level fora and equivalent in the other two Armed Services, and Defence Services Staff College, and also at the Indian Administrative Service Academy, Foreign Service Institute, and the National Police Academy.He was commissioned by the Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence, to conceptualize, conduct for several years, and lecture at the annual Strategic Nuclear Orientation Course for Brigadier-rank officers and equivalent from the three Armed Services, and conceived and conducted the first ever high-level inter-agency war game on the nuclear tripwire in the subcontinent (at the Army War College, 2003).

On May 4, 2025, a ballistic missile traveling up to sixteen times faster than the speed of sound struck ground close to the terminal at Ben-Gurion airport, halting flight traffic and leaving a crater at the point of impact. It was the first time that the airport buildings themselves have been so close to a successful missile attack. This particular missile was fired from a distance of 1,300 miles, from Yemen, the Arab nation situated to the south of Saudi Arabia, whose coastline opens up to the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the crucial Bab al-Mandab Straight, a narrow chokepoint in global shipping that allows ships to travel from India and points east through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean. The missile was shot by the Houthis, a Shiite Islamist organization that is supported by, and operates in coordination with, Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They have been firing rockets at Israel for many months. Back in July 2024, they successfully struck an apartment building near the U.S. embassy's Tel Avi branch. And since October 2023, they have been targeting commercial naval craft in the Red Sea. Since March 2025, the United States has been conducting a campaign of air and naval strikes against the Houthis. But after the Ben-Gurion airport attack of May 4, the Israelis took matters into their own hands. On May 5, some 30 Israeli military aircraft attacked targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen, including the al-Imran cement factory and the Hodeidah port. On May 6, the Israelis destroyed the airport in Sana'a. This week, we focus on the Houthis, their place in Yemen, their relationship to Iran, and the threats they pose towards global shipping and Israel. Discussing these topics with us is Ari Heistein, who works in business development in Israel, is a close intellectual collaborator with the former Israeli chief of defense intelligence Amos Yadlin, and until recently served as chief of staff at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies. This podcast was recorded on Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025. Musical selections in this podcast are drawn from the Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, op. 31a, composed by Paul Ben-Haim and performed by the ARC Ensemble.

In the first 100 days of his second term, President Trump issued more than 100 executive orders aimed at changing policy through executive authority alone. But has this flurry of orders led to meaningful change? Despite Trump's sweeping executive actions — ranging from imposing global tariffs and targeting major law firms to declaring an emergency at the southern border and attempting to end birthright citizenship — judges appointed from both parties are pushing back. Already, 46 challenges to executive orders are pending in court, with no clear victories for the administration in any of them. Listen to a recording of a conversation with our experts as they discuss what these three months have made clear about this administration's priorities, how the courts are responding, and what might lie ahead.Speakers: Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director of the Brennan Center's Liberty and National Security ProgramMichael Waldman, President and CEO of the Brennan CenterMax Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies, Council on Foreign RelationsAndrew Rudalevige, Thomas Brackett Reed Professor of Government at Bowdoin CollegeAnd moderator Kareem Crayton, the Brennan Center's Vice President for Washington DCIf you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please give us a 5-star rating. Recorded on April 30, 2025.Keep up with the Brennan Center's work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing: https://brennancenter.org/briefing

In the first 100 days of his second term, President Trump issued more than 100 executive orders aimed at changing policy through executive authority alone. But has this flurry of orders led to meaningful change? Despite Trump's sweeping executive actions — ranging from imposing global tariffs and targeting major law firms to declaring an emergency at the southern border and attempting to end birthright citizenship — judges appointed from both parties are pushing back. Already, 46 challenges to executive orders are pending in court, with no clear victories for the administration in any of them. Listen to a recording of a conversation with our experts as they discuss what these three months have made clear about this administration's priorities, how the courts are responding, and what might lie ahead. Speakers: Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director of the Brennan Center's Liberty and National Security Program Michael Waldman, President and CEO of the Brennan Center Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies, Council on Foreign Relations Andrew Rudalevige, Thomas Brackett Reed Professor of Government at Bowdoin College And moderator Kareem Crayton, the Brennan Center's Vice President for Washington DC If you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, please give us a 5-star rating. Recorded on April 30, 2025. Keep up with the Brennan Center's work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing: https://brennancenter.org/briefing

In this episode, Daniel Levy hosts Professor Chuck Freilich for a discussion on the current state of US-Iran nuclear negotiations and the broader strategic implications for Israel and the region. They explore how Donald Trump's diplomatic posture shapes the unfolding talks and whether a viable deal is within reach. Professor Chuck Freilich is a former Israeli deputy national security advisor and currently a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University and a leading voice on Israeli national security strategy.

If you were to visit Turkey years ago, it might've felt both Middle Eastern and European. It was Muslim and secular. It was, more or less, free and democratic.  Host Cliff May says the food was great, too. Now? Well, he's told the food is still great.  To explain what has happened and what is happening in Turkey, Cliff is joined by his FDD colleague Sinan Ciddi. About SinanSinan is also an Associate Professor of National Security Studies at the Marine Corps University in Quantico. Earlier, Sinan was Executive Director of the Institute of Turkish Studies, based at Georgetown University. He continues to serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. He received his doctorate from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. He's the author of Kemalism in Turkish Politics: The Republican People's Party: Secularism and Nationalism.

If you were to visit Turkey years ago, it might've felt both Middle Eastern and European. It was Muslim and secular. It was, more or less, free and democratic.  Host Cliff May says the food was great, too. Now? Well, he's told the food is still great.  To explain what has happened and what is happening in Turkey, Cliff is joined by his FDD colleague Sinan Ciddi. About SinanSinan is also an Associate Professor of National Security Studies at the Marine Corps University in Quantico. Earlier, Sinan was Executive Director of the Institute of Turkish Studies, based at Georgetown University. He continues to serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. He received his doctorate from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. He's the author of Kemalism in Turkish Politics: The Republican People's Party: Secularism and Nationalism.

As The Atlantic releases the entire Signal chat about the US strikes on Yemen, Dave and Erin turn to Ryan Vogel, founding Director of the Center for National Security Studies at UVU to get a closer look at the national security risk of these messages and if the messages should be considered classified.

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam speaks with Lieutenant Colonel Gary Glover about the evolving landscape of the Air Force, particularly in relation to nuclear force design and modernization efforts. They discuss the importance of advanced education for military officers, the implications of hypersonic weapons on nuclear command and control, and the broader national security challenges facing the United States.Lieutenant Colonel Garrett Glover is the Chief of AFGSC Futures Division, Air Force Global Strike Command, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at USAFA, and a Senior Fellow with the Institute for National Security Studies.Colonel Glover was commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in 2009. He has held key positions within the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile community, including Instructor, Evaluator, Flight Commander, and Assistant Director of Operations. As Executive Officer for the Office of Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, he played a pivotal role in the successful execution of a $5 billion Stockpile Stewardship Program, supporting $25 billion in nuclear sustainment initiatives. He served as a Presidential Nuclear Strike Advisor and Assistant Deputy Director of Operations at the National Military Command Center, translating presidential intent into nuclear strike options and leading a joint inter-agency team focused on both nuclear and conventional global military operations. In this role he oversaw the execution of the National Military Command System on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Additionally, he served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations (J-36) on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. He spent a year as a DoD Nuclear Technical Lab Fellow at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, CA. Prior to his current position, he served as the Chief Nuclear Strategist of Headquarters, Air Force Global Strike Command.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Global Strike Command and Force Design07:29 The Importance of Advanced Education for Officers15:23 Hypersonics and Nuclear Command Control25:50 Wishes for National Security and EducationSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

What are the residents of Gaza saying? KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Orit Perlov, a Senior Researcher at INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo:Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a tense visit from Ukraine's president Volodomyr Zelenskyy to the White House that resulted in an explosive meeting with President Trump, where does the relationship between the US and Ukraine go from here?  Ryan Vogel, Director for Center of National Security Studies at UVU, joins the show to explain some of the ways both sides can close the gap and fix the relationship.

The Secretary of Defense is ordering the US military to prepare for cuts. Dave and Debbie ask Ryan Vogel, Director for Center of National Security Studies with Utah Valley University, about his concerns on how this could impact Utah.

Hamas is already beginning to rebuild, Chuck Freilich says, because Israel lacks a post-war vision for Gaza.An Israeli national security expert, Chuck is a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and has taught at elite American universities like Harvard, NYU, and Columbia. He has spent extensive time in Israel's national security establishment.The author of three books on Israel—Zion's Dilemmas: How Israel Makes National Security Policy, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change, and Israel and the Cyber Threat: How the Startup Nation Became a Global Cyber Power—Chuck specializes in Mideast policymaking, US-Israel relations, and national security.Now, he joins us to answer 18 questions on Israel, including the ceasefire deal, hostage negotiations, and Hamas' rule in Gaza.This interview was held on Jan. 27.Here are our 18 questions:As an Israeli, and as a Jew, how are you feeling at this moment in Israeli history?What has been Israel's greatest success and greatest mistake in its war against Hamas?How do you think Hamas views the outcome and aftermath of October 7—was it a success, in their eyes? What do you look for in deciding which Knesset party to vote for?Which is more important for Israel: Judaism or democracy?Should Israel treat its Jewish and non-Jewish citizens the same?What role should the Israeli government have in religious matters?Now that Israel already exists, what is the purpose of Zionism?Is opposing Zionism inherently antisemitic?Is the IDF the world's most moral army?If you were making the case for Israel, where would you begin?Can questioning the actions of Israel's government and army — even in the context of this war — be a valid form of love and patriotism?What do you think is the most legitimate criticism leveled against Israel today?Do you think peace between Israelis and Palestinians will happen within your lifetime?What should happen with Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict after the war?Is Israel properly handling the Iranian threat?Where do you identify on Israel's political and religious spectrum, and do you have friends on the “other side”?Do you have more hope or fear for Israel and the Jewish People?

Prime Minister Netanyahu is in the United States ahead of his meeting with President Trump on Tuesday. Before leaving for the United States, Netanyahu discussed with the leaders of the coalition parties the prospects of real progress being made towards normalized relations with Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu hopes to persuade his coalition partners to make concessions in order to facilitate progress on that regional initiative. Ahead of Tuesday’s Trump-Netanyahu meeting ,KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Mark Heller, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The climate crisis is a global issue with very concrete strategic consequences: on food security, energy and more. Galit Cohen, Director of the Program on Climate Change at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies and the former Director General of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, discusses the implications of the climate crisis on national security and the importance of policymaking in moving forward. This episode is made possible by the Israel office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, which promotes peace, freedom, and justice through political education.

In April 1898 the United States declared war on Spain. By the end of the war that December, the Spanish had lost their centuries-old colonial empire and the US had emerged as a power in the Pacific.Join Don as he speaks to Christopher McKnight Nichols, Professor of History and Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies, The Ohio State University. Nichols' latest book, co-edited with David Milne, is ‘Ideology in U.S. Foreign Relations: New Histories'.Produced by Freddy Chick. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.

Newt talks with Max Boot, a senior fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a bestselling author. They discuss Boot's new book, "Reagan: His Life and Legend," which has been acclaimed as the definitive biography of President Ronald Reagan. Boot shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting Reagan's ideological journey from a New Deal Democrat to a conservative icon, his pragmatic approach to governance, and his significant role in ending the Cold War. The conversation also touches on Reagan's early life, his Hollywood career, and his impactful speeches, including the famous "A Time for Choosing" speech. Boot emphasizes Reagan's ability to balance ideology with pragmatism, a lesson he believes is crucial for today's political leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.