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What does it take to solve real-world national security challenges under pressure?

In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida takes you inside the high-stakes world of strategy competitions, where graduate students prepare to compete in the US Army War College Strategy Competition.

GNSI’s Dr. David Oakley is joined by USF graduate student competitors Yoan Hermida and Dan Woods to explore how future national security leaders bridge theory and practice.

The conversation breaks down how students develop analytical frameworks, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills to address complex global conflicts, from Russia-Ukraine to emerging security threats. You’ll also hear how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and intelligence technology are shaping the future of warfare and policy.

Beyond the competition, this episode highlights the growing importance of experiential learning in international relations, including the launch of USF’s International Security Experience, undergraduate strategy competitions, and direct engagement with organizations like the CIA and global policy schools.

Whether you’re a student exploring careers in intelligence, a policy professional, or simply interested in global affairs, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the next generation is preparing for strategy, diplomacy, and modern security challenges.

Links from the Episode:

• GNSI International Security Experience

• CIA Recruiting and Informational Events Schedule

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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.

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