What a Future War with China or Russia Would Really Look Like
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Guido Rossi speaks with Dr. Peter Mansoor, a professor and the General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Chair in Military History at The Ohio State University. Their conversation delves into counterinsurgency warfare and preparing the American military for future threats.
Mansoor opens with the state of U.S. counterinsurgency doctrine, referencing Field Manual 23-4 and the foundations of counterinsurgency warfare, such as population persuasion. He notes that the wars between Ukraine and Russia and between Israel and Palestine do not qualify as counterinsurgencies and warns of the potential for larger scale hybrid conflicts in the United States’ future. He argues that the American military needs to stay educated and trained in counterinsurgency warfare, as well as continue to evolve its strategy to include drone warfare. In the future, NATO and Pacific allyship will be crucial for countering China and Russia should they decide to pursue a large-scale conflict against Taiwan or Europe, respectively.
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
How Vulnerable Are We? Inside America’s Cybersecurity Crisis
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer moderates a panel discussion on key insights from the 2025 Cyber Bay Conference. Joining him are Dr. Linda Nhon, Resident Fellow at GNSI; Dr. George Burress, Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida; and Chris Hunter, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at IWP Family Office.
The panel took a broad look at cyber security, especially as it relates to national security, and emphasized the need to create a stronger knowledge of cyber preparedness in case of malicious attacks on critical infrastructure. Examples of past cyber-attack incidents, such as with the Salt Typhoon and Vault Typhoon groups from China, and Sandworm from Russia, gave insight into how both cyber and physical vulnerabilities can be exploited by hostile actors. Currently, most critical infrastructure in the U.S. is not prepared for a large-scale attack or grid shutdown.
As the world becomes more integrated, the panel underscored how modern tech can be exploited to take advantage of the individual user, a company, or even the government. The individual needs to be educated on how cybercrimes can affect their personal lives, and the broader community needs a plan of action for when a cyber-attack may cause a grid shutdown.
Links from the episode:
• Tampa Summit 6: Nuclear Weapons in Modern Warfare
• Axis of Resistance Episode 8: General (ret) Frank McKenzie Interview
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
From Nixon to Bush: Why U.S. Foreign Policy Fails at Coordination
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, interviewed Fabio van Loon about his latest publication on the topic of the pitfalls and challenges of U.S. foreign policy, specifically with interagency coordination.
Fabio explained his paper’s focus on three different presidents and their national security advisors, from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger to Jimmy Carter and Zbigniew Brzezinski, and George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice. He homed in on the major security and foreign policy decisions of their terms and shared that clear interagency coordination is foundational for a country and its agencies to be successful in their missions. Some challenges to coordination may be conflicting personalities and disunity in command.
The author also explained the challenges that come with managing wars, such as in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and how both the CORDS and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) programs aided or hindered strategic efforts. Towards the end of the episode, he highlighted three solutions for interagency disjunction and reiterated the importance of operational unity within government agencies.
Links from the episode:
• Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security Registration
• Axis of Resistance Episode 8: General (ret) Frank McKenzie Interview
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Are U.S. Special Operations Ready for the Drone Era?
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer was joined by Lt Col. John "JAY" Patrich to talk about the need for innovation when it comes to strategic drone attacks, with a focus on the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, and in light of Lt Col Patrich’s recent decision brief on drone warfare.
Lt Col Patrich dove into the need for creativity and innovation of drones to achieve air superiority or air denial, particularly within the air littoral space. The vast array of drones (in size and capability) lends itself to making progress with innovative research that could change the approach of irregular warfare. The rapid evolution in how Russia and Ukraine have been using drones in combat was a key topic, as were possible future near-peer conflicts and their potential to push drone innovation in a new direction.
To round out the conversation, they explored the necessity of policies to guide drone uses, and the necessity of drone education for those within the government and military who are tasked with acquiring and maintaining the drones.
Links from the episode:
• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security
• Port Security Interview with Port Tampa CEO, Paul Anderson
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Inside Africa’s Power Struggle: Governance, Grievance, and Extremism
At The Boundary
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In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, USF’s Dr. Robert Burrell is joined by authors Dr. Zacharias Pieri and Dr. Kevin Fridy to discuss their new book, Governance, Grievance, and Violent Extremism in West Africa:From the Caliphates to Great Power Competition. The conversation explores how local governance, resource competition, and regional instability shape violent extremism in West Africa, with a focus on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.
Together, they unpack:
· How governance failures fuel extremist movements across the Sahel
· The lingering effects of colonial and pre-colonial systems on modern governance
· The role of natural resources and external powers in local conflict
· How the United States and international actors can more effectively engage at the local level
🎙️ Recorded at the University of South Florida, this episode offers vital insights into one of the world’s most complex and consequential security challenges.
Links from the episode:
• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security
• Check out the GNSI Official Youtube Channel!
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
The Hidden Danger Overhead: Drones and Public Safety
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, led a panel discussion on the JSS article, “Detecting Drone Threats at Stadiums and Public Venues: Overview, Operational Considerations, and Technical Implementation.” Joining him were the article’s authors: Nathan Jones, associate professor of security studies in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University; John Sullivan, a retired career police officer and an instructor in the Safe Communities Institute at the University of Southern California; and George Javis Jr., a specialist in geospatial information systems and geospatial intelligence.
The discussion focused on the use of drones as a national security threat, both present and future, to public stadiums and other large venues. The authors detailed the range of drone technologies and its expanding development, and how the United States legal system and law enforcement are not currently prepared to regulate drone usage in the way that is necessary for public safety.
Current and future concerns about the potential for drones to be used maliciously were also explored. The authors cited the 2021 Astroworld tragedy as a case study to examine how similar situations occur under a drone-based terrorist attack.
Main points discussed:
- Emerging drone threats to public events and large venues.
- Legal gaps in drone regulation and how law enforcement agencies and security professionals should respond.
- Current and emerging concerns tied to the evolving capabilities and variety of drone swarm technology and the expanding array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Links from the episode:
• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
From Florida to Cambridge: A USF Future Strategist Experience at Cambridge
At The Boundary
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In this “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI Academic Director David Oakley, PhD, spoke with two students from the University of South Florida selected to attend the 2025 ISI Programme: May Birch and Kyle Rudd.
Throughout the episode, Birch and Rudd, who are both members of USF’s Future Strategist Program, share their experiences over the summer. They discuss exclusive networking opportunities and insight into intelligence and security careers unknown to them beforehand. The students also noted the wealth of first hand experiences shared by distinguished experts from around the globe. Not to mention the scenic Cambridge University campus and surrounding landscape.
The five week trip is part of a partnership between GNSI and The International Security and Intelligence Programme presented by the Cambridge Security Initiative & The Department of War Studies. GNSI is determined to support this and other student initiatives to better prepare the next generation of security practitioners.
For more information about The International Security and Intelligence Programme at Cambridge University, please check their website in the links below.
Links from the episode:
• Cyber Beacon 2025 registration here!
• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Beyond the Bullet: Is the Army’s M7 Rifle The Right Choice?
At The Boundary
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In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundarypodcast, Research Fellow Dr. Guido Rossi and war studies specialist Dr. Matthew Ford to unpack one of the U.S. Army’s most consequential decisions: replacing the standard-issue M4 with the new M7 rifle. At the heart of the debate is the shift from 5.56mm to 6.8mm ammunition—and the controversy over reduced magazine capacity.
Together, they explore the trade-offs between combat effectiveness, soldier burden, and cost, while assessing how this change could reshape NATO standardization and global small arms policy. What does this decision mean for U.S. influence, allied forces, and the future battlefield? And is the Army truly ready for the operational and logistical challenges that come with the switch?
From military history to weapons innovation, this episode offers insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and strategy in modern warfare. Perfect for listeners interested in defense policy, small arms development, and the future of U.S. military power.
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Countering the Swarm: America’s Drone Deterrence Strategy
At The Boundary
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🎙️ At the Boundary reaches its 100th episode with a critical conversation on one of the fastest-growing threats in modern warfare: drones. Host Jim Cardoso is joined by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn and Molly Campbell to explore why the U.S. must urgently rethink its counter-drone strategies—before it’s too late.
From the looming risk of a Taiwan conflict to the rise of low-cost Chinese drones, this episode examines:
- Why expensive missile defenses are unsustainable against cheap drone swarms
- The need for layered defenses and operational resilience
- The role of sensors, directed energy weapons, and low-cost interceptors
If you care about national security, emerging military technology, or the U.S.’s ability to compete in great power conflict, this episode is a must-listen.
📍 Recorded at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) in Tampa, Florida.
Links from the episode:
• Countering the Swarm: Protecting the Joint Force in the Drone Age
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Old Transformers, New Threats: Is America’s Power Grid at Risk
At The Boundary
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Are America's Transformers the Weak Link in National Security?
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Lt Col John "JAY" Patrich, an MQ-9 pilot and National Security Research Fellow at the GNSI, sits down with Jesse Humpal, Ph.D., an Air Force officer currently serving in the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Strategic Studies Group. Their discussion centers on Humpal’s recent article “Transformer Trouble and the National Security Imperative.”
This episode looks at America’s transformer infrastructure vulnerabilities—whether due to age, or the fact that they’re not set up to handle emerging technologies such as data centers, electric vehicles and AI powered machinery. These structures are vulnerable to both cyber and kinetic attacks, from both foreign adversaries and domestic extremists.
Transformer failures can impact tens of thousands of people, and with most military bases relying on local power, sustained blackouts could have disastrous consequences.
Listen to hear what Humpal thinks needs to be done to make this outdated and aging infrastructure more resilient and how we might prepare for the next attack.
Links from the episode:
• Register for a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason! (Closed)
• Cyber Florida’s “The Making of a Defender” Documentary Premiere
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
U.S. Naval Power at Risk? Inside America’s Shipbuilding Crisis
At The Boundary
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The U.S. once built 90% of the world’s ships—today, it produces less than 1%. What went wrong, and can America reclaim maritime dominance?
In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with maritime expert Dr. Randall Gentry, the principal research scientist at CNA Corporation, to unpack the crisis in U.S. shipbuilding. Together, they trace the decline of the industry, from globalization and shifting trade patterns to decades of policy choices that weakened America’s industrial base.
They also explore the current administration’s executive order on maritime dominance and the Ships Act for America, analyzing whether these measures can revive shipbuilding. Issues include: the urgent need for a skilled and stable workforce, how multi-ship contracts and long-term investment could change the game, and the role of allies like South Korea and Japan in strengthening U.S. capabilities.
If you care about American industry, national security, and the future of naval power, this episode dives deep into one of the most urgent questions facing U.S. strategy today.
Links from the episode:
• Register for a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason!
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Is Irregular Warfare America’s Blind Spot?
At The Boundary
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In this episode of the GNSI At the Boundary podcast, USF’s Dr. Rob Burrell is joined by Colonel Dave Maxwell (Ret.), of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and the Global Peace Foundation, and Lieutenant General Charles T. Cleveland (Ret.) to examine the future of the American way of irregular warfare. From the overlooked role of the human domain to the need for a national-level capability dedicated to irregular warfare, the conversation challenges conventional thinking about U.S. defense and security.
General Cleveland highlights why the United States must move beyond a purely conventional mindset, while Colonel Maxwell revisits the Nunn-Cohen amendment to Goldwater-Nichols, advocating for a dedicated organization to address the nation’s irregular warfare challenges. Together, they argue that political warfare and irregular strategies must be fully integrated into U.S. national security policy—just as airpower became indispensable in the 20th century.
Links from the episode:
• Register for.a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason!
• Resilience and Resistance: Interdisciplinary Lessons in Competition, Deterrence, and Irregular Warfare
• The American Way of Irregular War
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Inside the Golden Dome: Can the U.S. Stop Missiles in Space?
At The Boundary
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In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundarypodcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer sits down with Dr. Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, to unpack one of the most ambitious U.S. defense projects in decades: the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Announced by the Trump administration in January 2025, the Golden Dome aims to protect the United States by intercepting missiles—including hypersonic threats—in both their boost and terminal phases. The system relies on a proliferated constellation of space-based sensors and interceptors, with the first demonstration expected by 2028.
The discussion explores the history of missile defense, the technological leaps that make Golden Dome possible, and the strategic implications for U.S. security, NATO allies, and global power competition. From the Cold War’s “Star Wars” program to today’s hypersonic challenge, this episode provides crucial insight into how space and missile defense are reshaping national and international security.
If you’re interested in U.S. defense strategy, missile defense, space security, or geopolitics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Links from the episode:
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
What Went Wrong in Afghanistan? Understanding the Taliban to Shape U.S. Policy
At The Boundary
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In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, Arman Mahmoudian, PhD, interviews Marvin G. Weinbaum, PhD, who is senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Drawing on his recent article, “Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy” ( which was recently published in the Journal of Strategic Security), Dr. Weinbaum offers a detailed assessment of the collapse of the Afghan state and the return of the Taliban in 2021.
This episode discusses:
- Why the U.S. failed at state-building and counterinsurgency in Afghanistan
- The shift from counterterrorism to democratic nation-building
- Weinbaum’s analysis of Afghan leadership under Karzai and Ghani, and how their governance choices helped shape the state’s collapse
- Fragmentation within the Taliban leadership
- How the presence of ISIS-K pressures Taliban unity and policy
- The collapse of U.S. military support and Afghan troop morale
- Dangers of a failed Taliban state and the regional risk of civil war
- Weinbaum’s direct message to Afghans affected by the regime change
Throughout the interview, Weinbaum emphasizes that U.S. disengagement has reduced its leverage on critical issues like human rights, warning that effective diplomacy with the Taliban requires long-term engagement, not conditional demands. He also argues that continued absence risks ceding influence to regional powers already moving toward recognition.
Links from the episode:
• GNSI Tampa Summit 5 Report (March 2025) The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons for Future Conflicts
• The Latest Journal of Strategic Security (JSS)
• GNSI’s Axis of Resistance Research Initiative Playlist
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?
At The Boundary
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In this episode of At the Boundary, Tad Schnaufer, PhD, speaks with John Pennell, PhD, a Senior Diplomacy Fellow with Narrative-Strategies, Senior Strategic Advisor with Pax Strategies LLC, Senior Practitioner with the Irregular Warfare Center, and author of Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War
Pennell breaks down Russia’s military and political strategies in two key theaters, Ukraine and Syria, and the implications for NATO, the United States, and global security.
Their discussion covers:
- Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine prior to the 2022 full-scale invasion, including “Little Green Men,” the Wagner Group, and local proxy forces
- How Russia’s disinformation campaigns, strategic plausible deniability, and cyber warfare shaped operations in Crimea and Donbas
- The 2015 Syrian intervention was a testing ground for drones, electronic warfare, and emerging military technology
- The debate over terminology used to describe the conflict: hybrid warfare vs. new generation warfare vs. full-spectrum conflict, and why these distinctions matter in military strategy and geopolitics
- Lessons for NATO, the U.S., and allies from Russian military operations between 2014–2022
- The Kremlin’s shift from destabilizing Ukraine to pursuing regime change, and the information warfare narratives used to justify it
- Implications for future conflicts and how the U.S. and partners can counter hybrid threats effectively
Links from the Episode:
• Read The Latest GNSI Newsletter
• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog
• Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War by Dr. John A. Pennell
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Syria After Assad: What Led Here and What Lies Ahead
At The Boundary
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Joining us again is Charles Lister, a senior fellow and director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute (MEI), where his research focuses on Syria, terrorism, and insurgency across the Levant. In this episode of At the Boundary, Lister breaks down both the history and the sequence of events that reshaped Syria. He details Bashar al-Assad’s sudden flight to Russia to the rise of Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a figure who was once designated terrorist with a $10m bounty but is now engaging with diplomats from over 70 countries.
This discussion takes a look at the following:
· The “Rush to Damascus” and Assad’s unexpected downfall.
· Ahmed al-Sharaa’s foreign policy success and his mixed domestic policy performance.
· The effect of lifting sanctions and Syria’s economic recovery.
· Southern Syria’s clashes, the Druze, and Israel’s intervention.
· The future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and U.S. counter-ISIS operations.
· The U.S. policy on Syria moving forward.
· How the region now views Syria as the key to unlocking a more stable and prosperous Middle East.
Charles Lister unpacks Syria’s past to help us understand its present and why there may finally be reason to hope for a better future.
Links from the Episode:
• "Building Trust in Digital Response: The Role of Chatbots in Cybercrime Prevention" Decision Brief
• "Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy" JSS Article by Dr. Marvin G. Weinbaum
• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Wars: Resilience, Resistance in the 21st Century
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Rob Burrell, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, about GNSI’s new research initiative on the Future of Warfare. Dr. Burrell also introduces his upcoming book, Resilience and Resistance, and outlines a fresh analytical framework for understanding irregular warfare in the 21st century.
The conversation explores how resistance movements evolve—from nonviolent protest to full-scale civil war—and how emerging technologies like AI and cyber tools are reshaping the battlespace. Burrell also previews future episodes in this new podcast series, featuring leading experts such as General Charles Cleveland and Dr. Chris Mason.
Whether you’re a defense strategist, policymaker, or curious listener, this episode offers critical insights on how the U.S. must prepare for an era of complex, unconventional conflict.
Links from the episode:
• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Can BRICS Gold Reserves Challenge the US Dollar?
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
In this episode of At the Boundary, William Parker, a Business Librarian at the University of South Florida (USF) sat down with GNSI’s Strategy and Research Manager Dr. Tad Schnaufer to the newest GNSI Decision Brief, "Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings."
They discussed how BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have been increasing their gold reserves in an effort to challenge Western financial systems and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. The conversation also explores the role of gold in a nation’s financial and economic credibility.
Some of the key topics discussed include:
- What BRICS and BRICS+ represent, and why their expansion matters geopolitically
- Why gold still matters, even when some nations have dropped the gold standard
- The potential shortcomings of fiat currencies
- The potential for BRICS nations to offer an alternative to the US dollar in the global financial structure
- How physical gold can act as a tool to circumvent sanctions
- What other metals, if any, could compete with gold as a monetary standard
- “Currency decoupling” and its effects on monetary systems
Links From the Episode:
• Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings Decision Brief
• Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War GNSI Summit
• Axis of Resistance GNSI Research Initiative
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
What's Next for Afghanistan: U.S. Interests or Compromise with the Taliban?
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
What’s the U.S. endgame in Afghanistan now—and what role does the Taliban really play?
In this episode of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schroden, a non-resident fellow at the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), to explore how U.S. foreign policy toward Afghanistan has evolved under the the most recent presidential administrations.
Schroden examines the administration’s transactional relationship with the Taliban, which prioritizes counterterrorism cooperation and human rights advocacy, while contrasting it with the Trump administration’s more rhetorical approach. The conversation also breaks down the threat landscape in Afghanistan, identifying ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan) as the primary concern, alongside Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).
Key topics include:
· U.S. policy shifts from Trump to Biden
· The rise of ISIS-K and regional terrorism threats
· Challenges of working with the Taliban and neighboring powers
· The moral and strategic dilemmas of engagement
This episode offers a timely, candid look at one of America’s most complex foreign policy challenges.
Links to the Show:
• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Student Blog
• Jonathan Schroden’s Article in the Journal of Strategic Security
• “Policy Options for Securing U.S. Interests in Afghanistan” Decision Briefs
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Political Polarization Feels Unstoppable. Will it Destroy Democracy?
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
Polarization Feels Unstoppable. Will it Destroy Democracy?
In this episode of At the Boundary, we explore how America’s deepening divides are shaking the very foundations of democracy. Dr. Josh Scacco—USF’s first-ever Carnegie Fellow and founding director of the Center for Sustainable Democracy—joins us to dissect the troubling link between political polarization, public trust, and national security. From social media echo chambers and disinformation to local political violence and eroding public health consensus, Scacco explains why polarization feels so relentless—and what it could ultimately cost us.
He also reveals his new research on vaccine attitudes in Latino and Hispanic communities, showing how polarized messaging threatens long-term democratic resilience. Most importantly, we discuss practical ways to rebuild trust and civic engagement, starting close to home. If you’re concerned about America’s democratic future—or just curious about how communication shapes the security landscape—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Episode Links:
- Receive Updates on the first Florida Security Forum (Nov 4: Port and Maritime Security: Risks & Resilience)
- GNSI Decision Brief: Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings
- The Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous Times
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
The History of American Intelligence — Jeff Rogg on The Spy and the State
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Senior Director Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jeff Rogg, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, about his new book The Spy in the State: The History of American Intelligence. Drawing on both history and current events, they explore the enduring coordination struggles in the U.S. intelligence community, tensions between executive and legislative oversight, and how the balance between liberty and security continues to evolve.
Dr. Rogg explains why U.S. intelligence has often been accused of failure, from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, and how a lack of coordination among its many agencies, not a single department, plays a central role. The discussion also tackles the complex relationship between the intelligence community (IC) and the American public, and the growing challenges posed by domestic surveillance, new technologies, and public expectations.
Key topics:
• Coordination struggles and failures in U.S. intelligence
• Executive vs. legislative tensions in intelligence oversight
• The rise and limits of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
• Domestic surveillance, technology, and threats to civil liberties
• Public perception of intelligence and its impact on policy
Links From the episode:
• Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity | GNSI Policy Dialogues
• Axis of Resistance Episode 4: Iraq Panel | GNSI Research Initiative
• "At the Boundary:" SPECIAL EPISODE Iran's Breaking Point: Missiles, Miscalculation and Reckoning
• “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeffrey P. Rogg
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
SPECIAL EPISODE Iran's Breaking Point: Missiles, Miscalculation and Reckoning
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
In this urgent special episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Arman Mahmoudian offers in-depth, real-time analysis of the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has now drawn in the United States. Following a U.S. and Israeli joint strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has shifted dramatically. Mahmoudian breaks down the consequences of the precision bombing campaign, which reportedly dealt serious blows to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, air defenses, and military leadership. He also explores Tehran’s limited response, the strategic calculus behind it, and what this means for the future of U.S. policy in the region.
The conversation covers the potential collapse—or evolution—of Iran’s long-standing Axis of Resistance, the possibility of asymmetric retaliation, and the regime’s internal struggle to maintain control amid leadership losses. This episode delivers timely insights into one of the most consequential flashpoints in international affairs.
Be sure to also check out the GNSI Research Initiative, Axis of Resistance, led by Dr. Mahmoudian. It's a comprehensive analysis of the small group of countries and non-state actors brought together by Iran in a loose coalition to destabilize the region.
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At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Could the U.S. Bring Back the Draft?
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
It’s been over 50 years since the U.S. transitioned to an all-volunteer military force. But with rising threats from China, the demands of modern warfare, and persistent recruiting shortfalls, is it time to ask the unthinkable: Could the draft return?
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with Katherine Kuzminski, Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), to explore whether the U.S. military is prepared to scale up in a great-power conflict.
Together, they discuss:
• Legal, cultural, and logistical roadblocks to reinstating the draft
• The gender equity questions that could halt a draft in court
• What history (and “Nifty Nugget”) teaches us about readiness
• Why deterrence might depend on preparing for the very thing we hope to avoid
Kuzminski draws on her experience to unpack what mobilization really requires, including processing capacity, civilian coordination, and a whole-of-government draft authority.
With America's defense industrial base under pressure, this conversation tackles one of the hardest questions in U.S. national security today: If the moment comes, can we rise to meet it?
Links from the episode:
• From Attrition to Asymmetry: A Strategic Assessment of Recent Developments in the Russia-Ukraine War
"What's Really Happening?" Podcast Episodes:
• Is the “Golden Dome” the Future of U.S. Nuclear Missile Defense?
• Is Operation Spiderweb a Glimpse Into the Future of Conflict?
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Can Deep Sea Mining Meet the World’s Critical Mineral Demand?
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
Found over 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface, polymetallic nodules may hold the key to powering the future. In this episode, Dr. Mark Luther, Director of the Ocean Monitoring and Prediction Lab at USF and President Elect of the International Marine Mineral Society, joins us to explore how deep seabed mining could help meet global demand for critical minerals like cobalt, manganese, and iron.
- What is deep seabed mining, and how does it compare to land-based mining?
- What kinds of minerals are harvested—and why is cobalt so vital for battery safety and energy transition?
- How are these resources collected from the seafloor, and what are the environmental risks, including sediment plumes and disruption of deep-sea ecosystems?
Dr. Luther shares insights on how close we are to commercial operations, including updates from the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), and why the Cook Islands could potentially meet all global battery mineral needs for the next 30 years. He also explains the ongoing development of the international mining code, the role of the International Seabed Authority, and how the U.S might be signaling new deep sea mining ambitions through recent executive orders.
What investments and policies should the U.S. prioritize now to stay competitive in deep sea mineral access? And can we mine the ocean responsibly without repeating the mistakes of land-based extraction?
Register for the Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity here!
Presented by the GNSI at USF, in partnership with the University of Paris-Saclay, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity and the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
Learn more about Dr. Luther and his work:
🌐USF College of Marine Science
🌐USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies
🌐International Marine Mineral Society
JSS – Special Issue on Afghanistan
Read the issue here.
GNSI Signs Academic Agreement with Poland’s War Studies University
Read press release here.
At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
Cybersecurity Without Borders: USA and France
At The Boundary
Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!
In this episode of At the Boundary, Dr. Nicolas Sabouret of the University of Paris-Saclay joins GNSI’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer to preview the upcoming Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity. Together, they explore how France and the U.S. approach cybersecurity—from technical expertise in cryptography and networks to the policy implications of securing national infrastructure. It’s a candid, international look at cybersecurity education, research, and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or tech enthusiast, you’ll find insights on the future of global cyber strategy.
Episode Links:
Webpage and Registration for The Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity
GNSI Video Series: Dr. Golfo Alexopoulos with Peter Pomerantsev
GNSI Video Series: Dr. Matthew Ford with Students from FSP
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At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.
A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.
The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.
Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.
What a Future War with China or Russia Would Really Look Like
35:35
How Vulnerable Are We? Inside America’s Cybersecurity Crisis
54:50
From Nixon to Bush: Why U.S. Foreign Policy Fails at Coordination
48:59
Are U.S. Special Operations Ready for the Drone Era?
43:17
Inside Africa’s Power Struggle: Governance, Grievance, and Extremism
41:14
The Hidden Danger Overhead: Drones and Public Safety
46:57
From Florida to Cambridge: A USF Future Strategist Experience at Cambridge
24:18
Beyond the Bullet: Is the Army’s M7 Rifle The Right Choice?
47:34
Countering the Swarm: America’s Drone Deterrence Strategy
46:22
Old Transformers, New Threats: Is America’s Power Grid at Risk
25:14
U.S. Naval Power at Risk? Inside America’s Shipbuilding Crisis
50:16
Is Irregular Warfare America’s Blind Spot?
54:56
Inside the Golden Dome: Can the U.S. Stop Missiles in Space?
49:22
What Went Wrong in Afghanistan? Understanding the Taliban to Shape U.S. Policy
48:51
Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?
48:48
Syria After Assad: What Led Here and What Lies Ahead
45:30
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Wars: Resilience, Resistance in the 21st Century
36:37
Can BRICS Gold Reserves Challenge the US Dollar?
24:54
What's Next for Afghanistan: U.S. Interests or Compromise with the Taliban?
44:38
Political Polarization Feels Unstoppable. Will it Destroy Democracy?
47:19
The History of American Intelligence — Jeff Rogg on The Spy and the State
41:16
SPECIAL EPISODE Iran's Breaking Point: Missiles, Miscalculation and Reckoning
28:17
Could the U.S. Bring Back the Draft?
42:44
Can Deep Sea Mining Meet the World’s Critical Mineral Demand?
32:54
Cybersecurity Without Borders: USA and France
25:36