The Focus

What if Russia’s most dangerous weapon isn’t the one that starts a war — but the one that keeps us permanently on the edge of one? From drones over European airports and sabotage to cyberattacks, disinformation and military intimidation, Russia is testing NATO below the threshold of open conflict. But how far can Moscow push before someone miscalculates? In this episode of The Focus Podcast, Dr John Bruni speaks with leading German security expert Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp about Russia’s campaign of pressure against Europe, what Moscow is trying to achieve, and whether NATO is genuinely prepared for a confrontation that may never look like conventional war. Show Notes: About Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp: Dr Karl-Heinz Kamp is one of Germany’s leading experts on NATO, European security and nuclear deterrence. A former President of Germany’s Federal Academy for Security Policy and Research Director at the NATO Defense College in Rome, he has also served in senior roles within Germany’s defence establishment and advised NATO on its Strategic Concept. He is currently an Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), specialising in transatlantic security, NATO and deterrence. Karl-Heinz’s top three publications: Nuclear NATO: How to Make it Credible and Efficient — German Council on Foreign Relations, 2024. A substantial examination of how NATO needs to adapt its nuclear deterrence posture to the changed European security environment.  Nuclear Implications of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict — NATO Defense College, 2015. An important early analysis of how Russia’s aggression against Ukraine brought nuclear deterrence back to the centre of Euro-Atlantic security.  NATO’s Nuclear Weapons in Europe: Beyond “Yes” or “No” — NATO Defense College, 2010. One of Kamp’s notable earlier studies of NATO nuclear strategy and the future credibility of the Alliance’s deterrent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India has spent decades pursuing strategic autonomy. But what happens when the world around it begins choosing sides? In this episode of The Focus Podcast, Dr John Bruni is joined by LTGEN (Ret.) Ravi Shankar to examine India's increasingly complex strategic position as instability surrounding Iran reshapes the Middle East and reaches deep into South Asia. At the centre of the discussion is a larger question: Can India preserve strategic autonomy as the international system becomes increasingly organised around competing security relationships and centres of power? Show Notes LTGEN (Ret.) Ravi Shankar brings a distinctly Indian military and strategic perspective to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. LTGEN (Ret.) Ravi Shankar is a former Director General of Artillery in the Indian Army and a leading commentator on Indian defence, military strategy and regional security. He writes and speaks extensively on India’s strategic challenges, military modernisation, China, Pakistan and the changing character of warfare. 🔗 Contact Shankar, The Gunners Shot YouTube Channel:    / @gunnersshot    Website: https://gunnersshot.com/ LinkedIn:   / palepu-ravi-shankar-08480214See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From pandemics and wars to artificial intelligence, geopolitical rivalry, and presidential candidates, the pace of change has never been faster. Yet governments, businesses and intelligence agencies continue to be caught off guard by events they often should have seen coming. Why? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with strategic foresight expert Patti Morrissey about why strategic surprises keep happening, how leaders can better prepare for uncertainty, and why the future isn't something we predict—it's something we prepare for. Show Notes: About PattiPatti Morrissey is the founder & CEO of Global Foresight Strategies. She has deep expertise in providing strategic planning and foresight analysis for government and non-government clients. Patti has 36 years of experience in government, national and international security policy and strategy, working for the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.   Global Foresight StrategiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Colombia defeat the FARC—and what can other democracies learn from its experience? In Part 2 of my conversation with General Alberto José Mejía Ferrero, former Commander of the Colombian Armed Forces, we continue our examination of counterinsurgency, national resilience and the long campaign that transformed Colombia’s security environment. We begin with Colombia’s enduring urban-rural divide, and the way geography, uneven development and weak state presence helped shape decades of internal conflict. General Mejía then explains how the Colombian state adapted its military, political and institutional approach to weaken and ultimately defeat the FARC as a strategic force. Our discussion also covers: • The historical development of Colombia• The military and political campaign against the FARC• The continuing threat posed by the ELN• Venezuela’s support for armed groups• Security along the Colombia-Venezuela border• Regional security cooperation in Latin America• The credibility of US defence of the Western Hemisphere• The democratisation of drone warfare after Ukraine• How General Mejía would prepare the Colombian military today• America’s difficult relationship with counterinsurgency warfare• The impact of Venezuelan refugees on Colombia This is not simply a discussion about Colombia. It is a wider examination of how democracies confront insurgency, restore state authority and convert battlefield success into lasting strategic outcomes. Show Notes: About General Alberto José Mejía Ferrero is a retired Colombian Army officer who served as Commander of the Colombian Army and later as General Commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces. During his military career, he held senior operational and strategic appointments during Colombia’s campaign against the FARC and other illegal armed groups. Following his retirement from military service, he served as Colombia’s Ambassador to Australia. His career provides a rare perspective on counterinsurgency, military transformation, strategic leadership, civil-military relations and the changing security environment of Latin America. Glossary: ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) in English - the National Liberation ArmySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a democracy defeat one of the world's longest-running insurgencies? For more than fifty years, Colombia fought a brutal conflict against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)—a war fuelled by ideology, narcotics trafficking and some of the most challenging terrain on Earth. Yet against the odds, Colombia changed the strategic balance.I n Part One of this special two-part conversation, Dr John Bruni speaks with General (Ret.) Alberto José Mejía Ferrero, former Commander of the Colombian Army and former General Commander of Colombia's Armed Forces, about the campaign that helped reshape Colombia's modern history.Drawing on more than four decades of military leadership, General Mejía explains what really weakened the FARC, why Plan Colombia became one of the most significant security partnerships of the 21st century, and whether military success alone is enough to secure lasting peace. In this episode, we discuss: • Colombia's decades-long campaign against the FARC 
• The turning points that changed the conflict
 • Plan Colombia and the role of the United States 
• Military leadership and strategic decision-making
• Counterinsurgency lessons for democratic governments
 • Why winning the peace can be harder than winning the war Whether you're interested in military history, counterinsurgency, international security or strategic affairs, this conversation offers rare insights from one of the commanders who helped lead Colombia through one of its defining conflicts. Part Two continues the discussion with Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro, organised crime, armed drones, emerging technologies and the future of security in the Western Hemisphere.If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with colleagues and friends. Your support helps us continue bringing leading strategic thinkers from around the world to The Focus.What do you think is the greatest lesson other democracies can learn from Colombia's experience? Let us know in the comments below. Show Notes: About General Alberto José Mejía Ferrero  General Alberto José Mejía Ferrero is a retired Colombian Army officer who served as Commander of the Colombian Army and later as General Commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces.During his military career, he held senior operational and strategic appointments during Colombia’s campaign against the FARC and other illegal armed groups. Following his retirement from military service, he served as Colombia’s Ambassador to Australia. His career provides a rare perspective on counterinsurgency, military transformation, strategic leadership, civil-military relations and the changing security environment of Latin America.Glossary Operation Sword of Honour (Operación Espada de Honor) was Colombia's national counterinsurgency campaign launched in 2012 under President Juan Manuel Santos. It was designed to intensify military pressure on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) by concentrating operations against the group's strongest rural strongholds and leadership.Plan Colombia was a joint security, counter-narcotics and institutional reform initiative launched in 1999 by Colombian President Andrés Pastrana in partnership with the United States. The programme formally began in 2000 following approval of substantial U.S. assistance. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, commonly known by its Spanish acronym FARC, was a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organisation founded in 1964. For more than five decades, the FARC fought the Colombian state through guerrilla warfare, bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and attacks on military and civilian targets. It financed much of its insurgency through narcotics trafficking, extortion, illegal mining and hostage-taking, eventually becoming one of the largest and most powerful armed groups in Latin America. The National Liberation Army, commonly known by its Spanish acronym ELN, is Colombia's oldest active guerrilla organisation. Founded in 1964, it emerged from a blend of Marxist ideology, Cuban revolutionary influence and liberation theology, seeking to overthrow the Colombian state through armed struggle. The Maoist way of war is a revolutionary strategy developed by Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong during the Chinese Civil War. It is based on the principle that a weaker force can defeat a stronger conventional military through a prolonged struggle that combines political mobilisation, guerrilla warfare and, ultimately, conventional military operations. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open00:33 Introduction02:09 Understanding Colombia's Long War11:07 The Cocaine Economy: Why the War Endured17:00 How Colombia Built a Winning Counterinsurgency18:40 Rebuilding the Colombian Air Force19:20 The Role of the Colombian Marines19:57 The Controversial Crop Spraying Campaign23:57 Discipline, Ethics & Winning Public Trust34:22 Fighting an Enemy Without Rules of War44:13 The Toughest Command Decision59:43 Why Did the FARC Keep Recruiting?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, Dr John Bruni continues his discussion with economist Dr Jenny Gordon to examine one of the defining questions of the 21st century: who shapes the global economic system in an era of great-power competition, technological disruption and growing public discontent? From the role of governments in setting the rules of the economy to the impact of artificial intelligence, inflation, immigration and the future of work, Dr Gordon offers a thoughtful and evidence-based assessment of the forces reshaping modern economies. The discussion also explores why many people feel economically left behind, whether Modern Monetary Theory can withstand scrutiny, the rise of populism, and how changing media dynamics are influencing public debate. Finally, the conversation turns to the outlook for the United States under President Donald Trump and the broader challenges confronting policymakers in an increasingly uncertain world. Whether you are interested in economics, geopolitics, public policy or Australia's place in the changing international order, this conversation provides valuable insights into the issues likely to shape the decades ahead. Show Notes: About Dr Jenny Gordon Dr Jenny Gordon is an economist, Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, former Chief Economist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute. She has held senior positions at the Productivity Commission and has spent her career advising governments on international trade, economic policy, productivity, migration and Australia's engagement with the global economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few conflicts have shaped global politics as profoundly—or generated as much division—as the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians. Yet meaningful discussion is often replaced by slogans, outrage, and competing narratives. In this episode of The Focus Podcast, Dr John Bruni is joined by internationally renowned Palestinian journalist, historian, and author Ramzy Baroud for an in-depth discussion that goes beyond the headlines.  Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, this conversation offers historical context, strategic analysis, and a perspective rarely explored in mainstream Western media.If you're looking for a thoughtful, informed discussion rather than another shouting match, this episode is for you. Show Notes About our Guest Ramzy Baroud is a Palestinian-American journalist, historian, internationally syndicated columnist, author, and Editor-in-Chief of The Palestine Chronicle. Born in the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Gaza, he focuses his work on Palestinian history, international politics, and the lived experience of conflict. He has authored numerous books and writes extensively on Middle Eastern affairs for international publications.  Featured Books 📖 Before the Flood: A Gaza Family Memoir Across Three Generations of Colonial Invasion, Occupation, and War (2026)  📖 These Chains Will Be Broken: Palestinian Stories of Struggle and Defiance in Israeli Prisons (2020) 📖 The Last Earth: A Palestinian Story (2018) Learn More The Palestine Chronicle https://www.palestinechronicle.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Thinking Palestine https://thinkingpalestine.com/   Editor's NoteDuring the discussion (approx. 44:49), Ramzy Baroud refers to an Australian historian who argued that suicide bombings are closely linked to humiliation but could not recall the scholar's name.We were unable to verify the identity of this individual. Readers interested in this area may wish to consult the work of Robert A. Pape, whose research argues that suicide terrorism is closely associated with foreign military occupation, and Evelin Lindner, whose work explores humiliation as a driver of political violence. These scholars represent related, though not identical, schools of thought. Subscribe to The Focus Podcast for informed conversations on geopolitics, defence, security, economics and international affairs. 🌐 SAGE International https://sageinternational.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Japan become the Indo-Pacific's indispensable strategic power? For decades, Japan has been viewed as an economic powerhouse constrained by its post-war constitution and reliance on the United States for its security. Today, that assumption is being tested. As strategic competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, Japan finds itself confronting an increasingly assertive China, a nuclear-armed North Korea, a more closely aligned Russia-China partnership, renewed uncertainty under Donald Trump's second presidency, and growing instability in the Middle East that threatens the energy lifelines upon which the Japanese economy depends.Joining Dr John Bruni on The Focus is one of Australia's foremost experts on Japan and the Indo-Pacific, Emeritus Professor Purnendra C. Jain. Together, they examine how Japan is adapting to one of the most dangerous strategic environments since the Second World War. Topics discussed include: • Is Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi transforming Japan into a more assertive strategic power?
 • Can the US-Japan alliance remain the cornerstone of Indo-Pacific security under Donald Trump?
 • How does Tokyo view China's growing military power and the possibility of conflict over Taiwan? 
• What do North Korea and the emerging Russia-China-DPRK alignment mean for Japanese security?
 • Why does India remain central to Japan's Indo-Pacific strategy? 
• Is the Quad becoming a meaningful strategic partnership—or merely diplomatic theatre? 
• How have the Israel-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz reshaped Japan's thinking about energy security? 
• What does all this mean for Australia and the future balance of power in Asia? As the Indo-Pacific enters a period of profound strategic uncertainty, Japan's decisions may prove decisive—not only for its own future, but for regional stability as a whole. Show Notes About our guest Emeritus Professor Purnendra C. Jain is one of Australia's foremost scholars of Japanese politics, foreign policy and Indo-Pacific strategic affairs. Formerly Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Adelaide, Professor Jain has spent more than three decades researching Japanese politics, India-Japan relations, Australian foreign policy and the evolving strategic architecture of the Indo-Pacific. In 2020 he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Government of Japan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting understanding between Japan and Australia.  Selected Recent Publications 2025 — Japan's Foreign and Security Policy Pivots to Pragmatism Replacing Idealism
Published in the Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs. The article examines how Japanese foreign and security policy has shifted from the idealism of "proactive pacifism" toward a more pragmatic approach shaped by regional strategic realities.  2025 — The Global South and India: Opportunities and Challenges
Published by IDE-JETRO. Professor Jain explores India's growing influence across the Global South and the strategic opportunities and constraints this presents for regional and global politics.  2025 — The Japan-India-Bangladesh Strategic Triangle Unfastened
Published by IDE-JETRO. This study analyses the evolving strategic relationships between Japan, India and Bangladesh within the broader Indo-Pacific geopolitical landscape.  Glossary Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) An informal strategic partnership comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States. Originally established in 2007 and revitalised in 2017, the Quad promotes a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific through cooperation on maritime security, critical technologies, infrastructure, disaster relief, supply chains and regional resilience. ODA (Official Development Assistance) Government-funded foreign aid provided to support the economic development and welfare of developing countries. Japan has long used ODA as a key instrument of its foreign policy, strengthening diplomatic relationships through infrastructure investment, technical assistance and capacity building across Asia and beyond. LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) Japan's dominant conservative political party. Since its formation in 1955, the LDP has governed Japan for the vast majority of the post-war period and has shaped much of the country's economic, foreign and security policy, including the administrations of Shinzo Abe, Fumio Kishida and Sanae Takaichi. Indo-Pacific A strategic concept describing the interconnected maritime region stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It recognises the increasing geopolitical, economic and security links between East Asia, South Asia and Oceania. Strait of Hormuz One of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil passes through the Strait, making it critically important to energy-importing countries such as Japan. Economic Security Policies designed to protect critical industries, supply chains, technology, energy supplies and national resilience from geopolitical coercion or strategic disruption. Collective Self-Defence Japan's reinterpretation of its post-war constitution allows the Japan Self-Defense Forces to assist allies under certain circumstances, even if Japan itself is not directly attacked. Taiwan Contingency A term describing the possibility of military conflict involving Taiwan. Japanese planners increasingly view stability across the Taiwan Strait as directly linked to Japan's own national security. Thank you for listening to The Focus. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues and friends interested in geopolitics, defence, national security and the evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific. Host: Dr John Bruni
Founder & CEO, SAGE International
Explaining the forces shaping the world beyond the headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🌐 The global balance is shifting. For decades, economists claimed trade would keep the peace—but what happens when the world’s two biggest superpowers weaponise trade against each other? 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳 Who really holds the power? Has globalisation created an economic ticking time bomb—where neither side can strike without risking total financial meltdown? And what about countries caught in the crossfire—like Australia? Can smaller nations break free, or are they doomed to become pawns in the ultimate power struggle between Washington and Beijing? These are the questions that will define our future. They will decide who thrives, who survives, and who gets left behind. Get ready for an epic discussion with Dr Jenny Gordon—economist, global strategist, and former Chief Economist at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In Part 1 of this explosive two-part series, we dive into the economic question of the century:Can the world stay connected—or are we headed for a new era of economic warfare? Hit play and join the debate now! 🔥 About Dr Jenny Gordon Dr Jenny Gordon is an economist specialising in international trade, economic development, public policy and the intersection between economics and strategic affairs. She is an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and formerly served as Chief Economist at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Over a distinguished career spanning academia, government and public policy, Dr Gordon has worked extensively on trade liberalisation, economic reform, productivity, migration, climate policy, regional economic integration and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Before DFAT, she held senior positions at the Australian Productivity Commission, where she contributed to some of Australia’s most influential economic policy research. Her work focuses on helping governments navigate complex economic challenges in an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, technological disruption and shifting patterns of globalisation. Selected Publications and Major Works Books and Edited Volumes Contemporary China: A New Superpower? (co-editor, with Ligang Song)Rising China: Global Challenges and Opportunities (contributor)China’s Domestic Transformation in a Global Context (contributor) ⸻ Major Reports and Research Australian Foreign Policy and Trade Australia’s Engagement with the World: The Role of Trade and Economic DiplomacyAustralia and the Changing Global Trading SystemThe Future of Globalisation: Implications for AustraliaTrade, Technology and Strategic CompetitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain’s Defence Secretary has resigned. NATO is transforming. Europe is rearming.So is Britain 🇬🇧 still a serious power? Against this backdrop, the recent resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey over the Defence Investment Plan has reignited debate over whether Britain is matching its ambitions with the resources needed to achieve them.  Show notes: Professor Julian Lindley-French is one of Europe’s leading strategic thinkers and defence analysts. He is the founder of The Alphen Group, a Distinguished Fellow at the Europe Center of the Atlantic Council, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Statecraft, and a strategic adviser to governments, military institutions, and international organisations. A prolific author and commentator on NATO, European security, transatlantic relations, and defence policy, Professor Lindley-French is widely recognised for his expertise on the future of Western security and the evolving global strategic environment. Selected Publications: Future War and the Defence of Europe; The North Atlantic Treaty Organization: The Enduring Alliance; Little Britain? Twenty-First Century Strategy for a Middling European Power; The New Geopolitics of Terror; The Oxford Handbook of War; and, most recently, The Retreat from Strategy: Britain’s Dangerous Confusion of Interests with Values.  Julian’s article Critical Defence Theory - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/critical-defence-theory-professor-dr-julian-lindley-french-urjde/  UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on 11 June 2026, warning that Britain’s Defence Investment Plan lacked the funding needed to meet growing threats from Russia, the Middle East, and wider global instability.  UK Strategic Defence Review - The UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review is the most ambitious defence overhaul in a generation, committing Britain to a “NATO First” strategy and a return to warfighting readiness” in response to what it describes as a new era of global threats. The Defence Investment Plan - This is the financial blueprint intended to turn Britain’s Strategic Defence Review from strategy into capability over the next decade. Overton Window - The Overton Window describes the boundaries of acceptable political debate. Successful politicians often don’t change public opinion directly—they shift the window of what the public considers possible. Mixed Economy - A mixed economy combines free markets with government intervention in key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and national security. By contrast, neoliberalism generally favours lower regulation, privatisation, free trade, and a reduced role for the state in economic activity. Telstra Sale - In the 1997-98 financial year, shortly after the first share sale, Telstra recorded revenue of AUD17.3 bilion & after tax profits of more than AUD 3 billion. Before its sale, Telstra was a government entity. Qantas - At the time of sale, Qantas had an operational profit of AUD 250 million. It had debt based on the fact that airlines require expensive aircraft, complex logistics, maintenance regimes and infrastructure. But it was operating profitably under government ownership. In March 2025 - The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) sent a small naval task force to the Tasman Sea and conducted live fire exercises, forcing trans-Tasman airlines to re-route. It then went on to circumnavigate Australia. This deployment demonstrated the PLAN’s capability to conduct long-range operations. Structurally - The People’s Liberation Army, while improving its external war-fighting capabilities, has its primary mission as regime survival - the defence of the CCP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A global power shift is underway—and most people haven't realised how profound it is. From the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz to Ukraine, China, energy security, economics, and the future of American power, Professor Roy Casagranda maps the emerging strategic landscape and explains why today's crises may be early indicators of a much larger transformation in world affairs. This conversation explores:
• Iran, Israel and the Strait of Hormuz
• Ukraine and the future of Europe
• U.S.-China strategic competition
• Energy security and economic disruption
• The future of global power The question is no longer whether the world is changing. The question is who will shape what comes next. That final line is particularly strong because it leaves the audience with a reason to click. Show Notes: About Professor Roy Casagranda Roy Casagranda is a Professor of Government at the UAE University, Dubai, a political scientist, historian, public lecturer, and commentator on Middle Eastern affairs. He is widely known for his interdisciplinary approach, combining history, politics, economics, philosophy, and culture to explain contemporary global events. He is also a Golden Narrative Laureate and a regular commentator on international affairs.   Latest Projects & Publications Books The Blood Throne of CariaEmpire of the Nightingale   Current Lecture Series Lessons from the Past — Museum of the Future, Dubai (2025–2026)The 1000-Year Legacy of Ibn SinaThe Roman RepublicThe Great Library of AlexandriaThe ReconquistaModern Ideologies and Political Thought   Follow Professor Roy Casagranda YouTubeDr. Roy Casagranda YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@DrRoyCasagranda  PodcastDr. Roy Casagranda Podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dr-roy-casagranda-podcast/id1837193563 X (Twitter)@RoyCasagranda FacebookRoy Casagranda Books & Lectures https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578983973489 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are UFOs real — or are humans simply terrible witnesses? In this thought-provoking episode of The Focus Podcast, Avi Loeb joins John Bruni to explore the dangerous intersection of UFOs/UAPs, artificial intelligence, military surveillance systems, and the limits of human perception. As AI increasingly interprets battlefield data faster than humans can, could false positives, hallucinations, or sensor misinterpretation trigger geopolitical crises between nuclear powers?This is not a conversation about “little green men.” It is a serious discussion about reality, cognition, technology, and strategic risk in the 21st century. Show Notes: About The Galileo Project The Galileo Project is a Harvard-led scientific initiative founded by Avi Loeb focused on the systematic search for evidence of extraterrestrial technological artifacts and the scientific study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).   Books Published Bestselling TitlesInterstellarExtraterrestrial Top Medium Articles “The End of Cosmic Modesty”“Why We Should Search for Alien Civilizations”“The Scientific Method and UAPs”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, the West operated under a simple assumption: American power would underpin global stability indefinitely. But today, that assumption is under growing pressure. In this episode of The Focus Podcast, John Bruni speaks with Andrew A. Michta about the future of NATO, Europe’s rapid rearmament, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, the limits of American power, and whether the post-Cold War order is beginning to fracture before our eyes. Show Notes: In this episode of The Focus Podcast, John Bruni speaks with Andrew A. Michta about the future of NATO, Europe’s rearmament, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and whether the era of uncontested American power is beginning to fracture under the pressure of simultaneous global crises. About Andrew A. Michta Andrew A. Michta is Professor of Strategic Studies at the Hamilton School at the University of Florida and a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the  Atlantic Council. He is one of America’s leading strategic thinkers on NATO, European security, Russia, and great-power competition.  Recent Publications & Commentary by Andrew A. Michta 👉🏻“Russia Is the Big Winner in the Iran War” —  19FortyFive Author Page👉🏻“Why Putin Believes He Can Win His ‘Civilizational War’ Against the West” —  19FortyFive Author Page👉🏻“Donald Trump’s Russia Strategy Could End NATO as We Know It” —  19FortyFive Author PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when middle powers stop trusting the old global order? In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni speaks with Kishore Mahbubani — one of the world’s leading geopolitical thinkers — about the growing fragmentation of the international system, the future of American leadership, the rise of Asia, and whether middle powers can shape the emerging global order rather than simply survive it.  Show Notes: In this episode of The Focus, Kishore Mahbubani — former President of the UN Security Council, veteran Singaporean diplomat, and one of Asia’s most influential geopolitical thinkers — joins John Bruni to discuss the accelerating transformation of the global order. Topics include: The “Carney Moment” and the rise of middle powersWhether Western dominance is fadingStrategic autonomy in an age of interdependenceU.S.-China rivalry and the future of the Indo-PacificWhether allies still trust the old international systemAustralia’s strategic dilemma between Washington and BeijingCan middle powers genuinely shape the future — or are they merely surviving it? Prof. Mahbubani brings decades of diplomatic experience and strategic insight to one of the defining questions of the 21st century: Is the old order breaking down faster than a new one can emerge? Prof. Kishore Mahbubani’s latest books: Can Asians Think of Peace? (2025) Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir (2024) The Asian 21st Century (2022)  Follow The Focus Podcast for more conversations on geopolitics, defence, strategy, and global affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system — or has it become part of the instability? In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO’s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era America has entered a state of permanent political and strategic turbulence. From the Strait of Hormuz to Washington itself, this is a hard conversation about power, disorder, and whether the world’s superpower is now accelerating the very chaos it once contained. Show Notes: After a period away due to medical leave, John Bruni returns to The Focus for a major conversation on the state of the international system — and the growing instability surrounding the United States itself. Joining us is Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute in Dublin, one of the most respected analysts of American politics and international affairs. Together, they examine whether the United States is still acting as the stabilising force of the global order — or whether internal political turmoil, strategic overreach, and the Trump presidency are now contributing to international instability. Topics include: The Iran War and risks of wider U.S. escalationStrait of Hormuz tensions and global energy insecurity“World War E” — energy as the new geopolitical battlespaceConcerns over American reliabilityTrump, executive power, and institutional strain Scott’s presence on socials: X: @ScottLucas_EABluesky: @scottlucas.bysky.socialInstagram: scottlucasworldviewWeb: https://eaworldview.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Mamalis joins us for a deep dive into South Australia, political power, and the future of the Australian system. Australia’s political landscape is shifting — and not just in South Australia.In this episode of The Focus, we explore the deeper forces reshaping politics across the country. Dr. John Bruni sits down with George-Alexander Mamalis — political commentator and host of The Adelaide Set — for a wide-ranging discussion on the changing nature of Australian politics. While the conversation begins with the upcoming South Australian election, it quickly expands into a broader analysis of the structural, cultural, and philosophical shifts shaping modern democracy. We examine: The dominance — and limitations — of the Labor–Liberal political system The role of leadership personality versus policy The growing country–city divide in Australia The rise of outsider political movements, including Turning Point Australia Power networks and influence, including “The Adelaide Set” The impact of global ideas and emerging debates — including transhumanism — on political discourse This is not just a conversation about South Australia — it is a discussion about where Australian politics is heading, and what that means in a rapidly changing world. Call to Action:
Before you go — drop a comment below and let us know two things: where you're watching from, and whether you think politics today is about ideas… or personalities. Show Notes: 🔖 About the Guest George-Alexander Mamalis is a political commentator based in South Australia and the host of The Adelaide Set, where he explores political, cultural, and societal issues shaping contemporary Australia. If you want to know more about George, head to his YouTube Channel, George Mamalis, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@georgiemamalis  🎙️ About the Host Dr. John Bruni is a geopolitical analyst and CEO of SAGE International Australia, and host of The Focus Podcast, where he engages with leading thinkers and practitioners on global affairs, defence, and geopolitics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two wars are raging in the world right now: Ukraine and Iran. Both are, at their core, energy wars. Modern economies depend on cheap and reliable supplies of oil and gas. But what happens when war disrupts access to energy in not just one, but two of the world’s most critical regions at the same time? The Ukraine war has already reshaped Europe’s energy landscape. Now escalating conflict involving Iran is placing the wider Middle East — the heart of the global energy system — under growing strain. We may not be witnessing World War III. But we may be entering something else:World War E — the global energy war.Show Notes:Topics Covered • The strategic intersection between the Iran war and the Ukraine war
 • Whether energy pressure could weaken European support for Ukraine
 • The damage to Russian oil and gas infrastructure and whether Moscow could restore exports quickly 
• The implications of Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure 
• Reports of possible Russia–Iran military cooperation
 • Whether renewable energy can realistically close emerging energy gaps
 • The future of European energy security Explainer: What Does “Force Majeure” Mean in LNG Markets? A force majeure declaration is a legal term used in international contracts when extraordinary events prevent a company from fulfilling its obligations. In the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, it typically means that the supplier is temporarily unable to deliver contracted shipments due to circumstances beyond its control, such as: • war or military conflict
 • major infrastructure damage 
• natural disasters 
• government intervention or sanctions When a supplier declares force majeure, it signals to buyers that contractual delivery obligations may be suspended or reduced without financial penalties. For global energy markets, such declarations are extremely significant.Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, supplying major markets across Europe and Asia. Any sustained disruption to Qatari LNG exports tightens global gas supply and can drive prices sharply higher. In a world still heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, disruptions in the Gulf can rapidly translate into economic pressure far beyond the Middle East. Guest Anders Puck Nielsen is a naval officer and military analyst at the Royal Danish Defence College. His work focuses on maritime strategy, naval warfare, and contemporary security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and Russia’s military strategy. He also runs a widely followed YouTube channel explaining military and geopolitical developments. Subscribe to The Focus For more conversations with leading experts on geopolitics, defence, and global security:👍 Like the video
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As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, the geopolitical map is shifting in real time.In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the war’s trajectory, the future of NATO, and the global ripple effects now shaping the international order.Recorded before the outbreak of U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, this conversation captures the strategic debate at a critical moment — when tensions were already rising and the world stood on the edge of a wider conflict. The insights remain deeply relevant to understanding what comes next.Whether the conflict ends through negotiation, exhaustion, or escalation, one thing is clear: Ukraine has become the central strategic battleground shaping the 21st-century security order.Show Notes:Topics Discussed• Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort in Ukraine after five years of fighting
• Whether Moscow still possesses a coherent strategy or is now fighting a war of attrition
• The latest realities on the Ukrainian battlefield, including drones, long-range strike systems, and evolving tactics
• Europe’s growing role in supporting Ukraine and what this means for the future of NATO and the transatlantic alliance
• Insights from the Munich Security Conference and the strategic mood among Western policymakers
• Russia’s shadow fleet and the ongoing effort to disrupt sanctions evasion
• The broader geopolitical landscape involving Iran, China, and shifting global power dynamics
• The strategic importance of Greenland and the Arctic in future great-power competition Key QuestionIs NATO weakening without dominant U.S. leadership — or evolving into a more balanced alliance where Europe carries greater strategic responsibility? GuestLt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges
Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
Senior strategic analyst on European security and NATO. HostDr. John Bruni
Founder & CEO, SAGE International
Host of The Focus Podcast About The FocusThe Focus Podcast brings together leading thinkers in geopolitics, defence, and international security to explore the forces shaping the global strategic environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Is Australia’s Defence Capability Strong — or Structurally Vulnerable? Australia talks constantly about defence capability. But if we can’t build, sustain, and properly crew our own force structure — are we truly sovereign?In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the country’s defence industry base.This is not a procurement discussion. It’s a sovereignty discussion. Show Notes: Guest: Mel Pikos (Talking Tactics)
Host: Dr John Bruni Australia talks constantly about defence capability — new platforms, AUKUS, procurement announcements. But are we building sovereign capacity — or managing structural dependence? In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the ADF and Australia’s defence industry base. We examine: • Is defence industry effectively a “fourth arm” of the ADF?
• Are Australian SMEs central to innovation — or sidelined by foreign primes?
• Does supply chain dependence create strategic vulnerability?
• Is recruitment weakness creating hollow force risk across Navy, Army and Air Force?
 • Can capability be strengthened without introducing national service?This conversation moves beyond procurement headlines to the deeper issue of national resilience.Sovereignty isn’t announced. It’s built. You can watch Mel’s excellent podcast Talking Tactics here: https://www.youtube.com/@MelPikos    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is India still a strategic partner of the United States — or is it becoming an independent pole in a rapidly shifting global order?In this high-level panel discussion, Dr. John Bruni is joined by Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army, and Professor Salvatore Babones, political economist at the University of Sydney, to examine India’s evolving role in global geopolitics. Show Notes Guests Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.) is the former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army and currently serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras. With a distinguished military career spanning decades, he is a respected commentator on India’s defence posture, China–India dynamics, Pakistan, and broader strategic affairs. The Gunner’s Shot (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot  General Shankar regularly publishes strategic and military analyses through his channel. Professor Salvatore Babones is a Political Economist and Globalisation Scholar at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on great-power competition, global inequality, and the structural dynamics shaping U.S.–China–India relations. Recent Books by Salvatore Babones: The Global Political Economy of the Indo-Pacific (2024)American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power, and the End of History (2023)The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our second episode for 2026, John is joined by returning guest Professor Scott Lucas to talk about the recent tragic events in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Show Notes: Episode Description From Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., Minnesota has become the epicentre of seismic political conflict — from mass protests to intense debates over immigration enforcement, federal power, and public accountability. We explore how the state’s recent upheavals reflect broader shifts in U.S. political life, and what they reveal about leadership, legitimacy, and the social fabric of American civic life. About the Guest Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView, a leading site for global political analysis, and a frequent commentator on major international TV and radio outlets. EA WorldView – https://eaworldview.com/ UCD Clinton Institute – https://www.ucdclinton.ie/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first episode of The Focus for 2026 opens with a wide-ranging and hard-edged conversation with political theorist and commentator Roy Casagranda.As global politics enters a period of heightened uncertainty, Dr Bruni and Casagranda examine the strategic, political, and moral pressures shaping the international system — from the Americas to Europe and the Middle East. The discussion explores the return of transactional politics, the limits of moral clarity in foreign policy, and how domestic political shifts are reshaping global decision-making. This episode sets the tone for The Focus in 2026: analytical, unsentimental, and grounded in strategic reality. Topics Covered Transactionalism, power, and the erosion of norms in international affairsVenezuela, energy politics, and strategic leverageEurope’s strategic unease and leadership fatiguePublic opinion, populism, and the changing voter landscapeWhat 2026 reveals about the durability — or fragility — of the global order  Why This Episode Matters As governments grapple with overlapping crises — political, economic, and security-related — this conversation cuts through surface-level narratives to examine how power is actually being exercised, justified, and contested.For policymakers, analysts, and engaged citizens alike, this episode offers a sobering but necessary assessment of where the world is heading. About the Guest Roy Casagranda is a political theorist and commentator specialising in political philosophy, leadership, and the intersection of power and morality in modern politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain enters 2025 facing economic strain, strategic uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. In this hard-hitting year-end special, Dr John Bruni sits down with former Royal Navy submariner and intelligence specialist CDRE Pat Tyrrell OBE (Ret.), and investigative journalist Pete Warren, for an unfiltered assessment of the UK’s political and strategic direction. We break down the British Budget, stalled growth, defence underfunding, and the question of whether the UK can still project credible power. We explore Britain’s shifting foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, Russian hybrid provocations, cyber intrusions, and the fragility of European security. The panel also examines Keir Starmer’s political survival, public fatigue, the rise of the Reform Party, and what Britain must do to avoid strategic drift in 2025. If you care about the UK’s future — its defence, diplomacy, politics and global role — this is your must-watch end-of-year episode. Show Notes: Contact Chris X: @chrismullinexmp Website: https://www.chrismullinexmp.com/  Books by Chris Mullin - 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of Judgement 2009, A View from the Foothills 2010, Decline & Fall 2011, A Walk-On Part 2016, Hinterland 2019, The Friends of Harry Perkins 2023, Didn’t You Used to be Chris Mullin?  Contact Pat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6 Articles by Pat - AUKUS: A Tale of Politics, Strategy, and Submarines — published 04 Aug 2022, Crash-Diving into Australia’s Submarine Dilemma — published 13 Jul 2022, Adrift and Rudderless – The Sad Story of SS United Kingdom, Monty Python Politics: A Reflection on the Tumultuous Reign of PM Liz Truss, Nov. 2022, Rip van Winkle and the Age of Complacency, Aug. 2022, A Peace that Dares Not Speak its Name — a co-authored piece (with Dr. John Bruni) June 2022 Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “Why Australia, the UK and Japan need closer security cooperation.” SAGE International Australia Strategic Concept Paper, 12 August 2020. Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “A New Strategic Trilateral of the UK, Australia and Japan?” The Naval Review, vol. 108, no. 4 (2020), pp. 362–368.  Pat also contributed as part of a larger report for SAGE International Australia, writing sections on the UK and France in a 2020 Indo-Pacific strategic assessment.  Contact Pete LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petewarren  Website: https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/  Books by Pete Warren - AI on Trial – with Mark Deem 2025 (2nd edition), Cyber Crime & Warfare: All That Matters – with Michael Streeter 2013, & Cyber Alert: How the World Is Under Attack from a New Form of Crime – with Michael Streeter 2005.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the climate debate more complex than we’re being told? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer — geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia’s climate conversation. Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge.In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate. This is not an episode about “right” or “wrong.” It’s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream — while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics. Show Notes: Contact Ian: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D OpEds: “The Copenhagen charade” Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and “Legislative time bomb” (also 5 Feb 2020).  “Professor Ian Plimer Launches Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth” Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) — this is not strictly an op-ed but a release. Books: Ian Plimer, Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time (Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0. Ian Plimer (ed.), Climate Change: The Facts 2025 (Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with leading strategist Professor Andrew A. Michta about whether the West is in decline or on the cusp of renewal, exploring the fractures inside the transatlantic alliance, America’s fading primacy, Europe’s struggle for strategic agency, China’s growing economic fragility, and the deeper civilisational crisis undermining Western confidence. Drawing on Michta’s recent RealClearDefense essays, we discuss Europe’s defence readiness, U.S. strategic miscalculations, the risks of misreading history, and what the West must believe again to survive the 21st century. A sharp, sweeping conversation on power, purpose, and the future of the liberal order.  Show Notes: Connect with Andrew X: @andrewmichta  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/  OpEds: RealClearDefense—“The West Needs to Come Together” 27 October 2025 https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/10/27/the_west_needs_to_come_together_1143377.html  RealClearDefense—“The Next U.S. National Security Strategy Risks Misreading History Again” 22 September 2025 https://www.realcleardefense.com/2025/09/22/the_next_us_national_security_strategy_risks_misreading_history_again_1136224.html  Books by Andrew:  The Future of NATO: Regional Defense and Global SecurityJune 23, 2014 — University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Limits of Alliance: The United States, NATO, and the EU in North and Central Europe2006 — Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland. The Soldier-Citizen: The Politics of the Polish Army after Communism1997 — St. Martin’s Press, New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🇪🇺 Is Europe finally rising as a defence power?As the war in Ukraine grinds on and populist politics reshape Europe, the EU faces a historic test: defend the continent, support Kyiv, and hold the line against Moscow — while staying united.In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with EU analyst Piotr Maciej Kaczyński on Europe's defence transformation, Poland’s upcoming EU Presidency, and the populist forces reshaping Europe's future. 🔍⚔️ 👉 Subscribe for more global strategy & geopolitics🔔 New episodes weekly Clarifications The Austrian Empire (1804-1867), ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, evolved from the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806), where the Habsburg family dominated politics, providing almost every emperor from 1438 to 1806. In 1867, the Austrian Empire evolved into the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a direct consequence of Hungarian nationalist agitation. The Austro-Hungarian Empire came to an end at the conclusion of World War I in 1918. Overall, the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire lasted 114 years.   The USSR came into being in 1922 and lasted until 1991, that’s 69 years in total.   Yugoslavia, as with the Austrian Empire, had two phases. There was the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1941) that emerged out of the collapse of the Austrian Empire. It lasted 22 years. After a period of time under NAZI occupation (1941-1945), the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (modern Yugoslavia) was founded after World War II. Ruled by dictator Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslav leader from 1945 to 1980), Yugoslavia lasted till 1991. This phase of Yugoslavia lasted 46 years. In total, Yugoslavia, since its emergence, lasted 68 years.   In comparison, the European Economic Community (EEC) was founded through the Treaty of Rome in 1957, coming into existence the following year in 1958. It evolved into the European Union (EU) in 1993, after the Maastricht Treaty. The UK left the EU in 2016. At present, the European project for economic, currency and political integration has lasted 67 years.   Note: Josef Stalin, Soviet dictator during World War II, did not fight a two-front war because the bulk of the Soviet population lay west of the Ural mountain range, with much of it either threatened or occupied by NAZI forces. The vast expanse of Siberia was largely inhospitable and poorly serviced by transport routes stretching from the developed and most populous parts of the USSR. Therefore, there was no way the Soviets could conduct a sustained two-front war during World War II. For the Soviets, until the NAZI threat was defeated, they could not risk transporting large parts of the Soviet Army to confront the Japanese. This calculus changed upon Germany’s surrender in mid-1945. SHOW NOTES: Connect with Piotr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkaczyn/  OpEds “What to expect from Poland’s EU Council presidency in 2025” — by Real Instituto Elcano, 27/01/2025 “Europe after the elections: the centre holds out, but for how long?” — by Real Instituto Elcano, 20/11/2024 “Poland’s shifting positions on the future of the European Union: deepening and widening?” — by Casimir Pulaski Foundation, 30/10/2024 Books The Ever‑Changing Union: An Introduction to the History, Institutions and Decision‑Making Processes of the European Union (2nd fully revised edition, ~2011) — co-authored.  Upgrading the EU’s Role as Global Actor: Institutions, Law and the Restructuring of European Diplomacy (~2011) — contribution among multiple authors. Polish Council Presidency 2011: Ambitions and Limitations (~2011) — listed as one of his major works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with CTO of NY-based company Artorias, Shane Curtis, about how truth is shaped, challenged, and weaponised in today’s information age and how Artorias' premium product, SITREP, is democratising Open Source Intelligence. From the algorithms driving attention to the blurred line between journalism and influence operations, this conversation explores how digital ecosystems are transforming modern strategy and public perception. Glossary of terms: OSINT - Open Source Intelligence G-SOC - Global Security Operations Centre Thirty-five Fox - Intelligence Analyst SME - Subject Matter Expert TSI - Trusted Source Index HUMINT - Human Intelligence CW5 - Chief Warrant Officer 5 Download the SITREP App here - https://sitrep.artorias.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when ceasefire becomes status quo? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni interviews Israeli scholar Dr Ori Goldberg on the fragile Gaza truce, Israel’s surveillance corridors, and the internal power-struggles that could spark a new war. Expect hard questions, blunt truth, and no easy answers. Show Notes: X: @ori_goldberg  Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social  Ori’s Top Publications:  Articles “The real reason Israel attacked Iran”, Al Jazeera, 15 June 2025  “Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024  “Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024    Books Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts.  Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon.  Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after the October 7 attacks, the world remains caught between memory and escalation.In this gripping episode, Dr John Bruni sits down with political theorist Dr Roy Casagranda to unpack the transformation of American power under Trump 47 — from Quantico’s “warrior ethos” and the rebranding of the Pentagon as the Department of War, to the U.S. government shutdown and the deepening global fallout from Gaza to Moscow. Show Notes: 🔗 Connect with Roy X:  @RoyCasagranda Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html  Books by Roy:  The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.  Articles by Roy:  Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-a….  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is no longer a silent player in world politics. As the U.S. courts New Delhi, Russia relies on Indian markets, China looms across the border, and Pakistan remains a constant rival, India stands at the centre of global geopolitics. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Professor Salvatore Babones (University of Sydney) about India’s bold gamble on its future. Will New Delhi define the Indo-Pacific century—or be defined by it? Show Notes 🔗 Contact Salvatore: Website: https://www.salvatorebabones.com/  X: @ProfBabones  UoS: https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3231.html Salvatore’s  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SalvatoreBabones  *Top 5 Books by Salvatore:*  Dharma Democracy: How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy (2025) – His most recent work is an empirical assessment of India’s democratic evolution.  The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2018) – Named among the Best on Politics 2018 by The Wall Street Journal  BRICS or Bust? Escaping the Middle Income Trap (co-authored with Hartmut Elsenhans) (2017) – A comparative study of BRICS economic trajectories  American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History (2017) – Challenges the narrative of a looming Chinese century  Sixteen for ’16: A Progressive Agenda for a Better America (2015) – A policy manifesto outlining a forward looking progressive platform  *Top 5 Articles by Salvatore:*  “Global Kondratiev Waves and Political Transformations in Russia since 1800: A Relative Deprivation Approach” (with Philipp Babcicky & Oleg Gubin) – International Politics (2023)  “Mobile Netware, Social Graphs, and the Reconfiguration of Space” (with Colin Agur) – New Media & Society(2023)  “International Student Revenue and International Rankings Success: A Case Study of Australian University Research Strategies” – Youth and Globalization (2022)  “China’s Development Model: Can it Be Replicated in Sub Saharan Africa?” – Politics & Policy (2020)  “From Tianxia to Tianxia: The Generalization of a Concept” – Chinese Political Science Review (2020)  #IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #TheFocusPodcast #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #QuadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Yuki Tatsumi to explore foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. From the US-Japan alliance to ties with Australia, India, and the Quad, we unpack how regional countries and the US navigate today’s shifting fault lines. We also examine the legacy of Shinzo Abe—including his reputation as the “Trump whisperer”—and how it has shaped the West’s foreign policy under Trump 47. Show Notes: Contact Yuki IIPS https://indopacificsecurity.org/team-member/yuki-tatsumi/ IIPS website https://indopacificsecurity.org/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuki-tatsumi-166a4b21/ Books by Yuki: Lost in Translation? U.S. Defense Innovation and Northeast Asia(2017) U.S.-Japan-Australia Security Cooperation: Prospects and Challenges(2015)  Opportunity out of Necessity: The Impact of U.S. Defense Budget Cuts on the U.S.-Japan Alliance(2013) Global Security Watch: Japan(co-author, 2010) Japan’s National Security Policy Infrastructure: Can Tokyo Meet Washington’s Expectations?(2008) Articles by Yuki: August 28, 2025 Economic Coercion from the People’s Republic of China Stimson Center June 4, 2025 Trump’s Green Light: Can Tokyo Replicate Nippon Steel Deal? Stimson Center April 4, 2025 Back to the Future? The Implications of Growing Strategic Competition in the Arctic for the US-Japan Alliance Stimson Center February 14, 2025 Trump and Ishiba Meet for the First Time—Success, Maybe? Stimson Center November 6, 2024 Trump Wins—Can the Indo-Pacific Region Withstand? Stimson CenterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is rising — but what does that mean on the frontlines? 🇮🇳 In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery and the bold voice behind The Gunner’s Shot. Unapologetic and unfiltered. This is India’s rise told from the inside. Show Notes Connect with Ravi The Gunners Shot YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot  Website: https://gunnersshot.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palepu-ravi-shankar-084980214/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and Indonesia are tied together by geography — but how well do we really understand each other? Despite being close neighbours, relations between Canberra and Jakarta are often uneasy, marked by cooperation, competition, and occasional mistrust. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. Gatra Priyandita (Australian Strategic Policy Institute) joins Dr. John Bruni to unpack one of the most important — yet least understood — relationships in our region. From trade, migration, and defence, to cultural ties and political tensions Show Notes: Contact Gatra X: @GPriyandita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gatra-priyandita/  ASPI: https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/dr-gatra-priyandita/   Gatra’s Publications Priyandita,Silence as strategy: Southeast Asia and China’s persistent cyber campaigns, ASPI, Canberra, 01/09/2025. Hogeveen, G. Priyandita & J. Corera, Curbing the cost of cybersecurity fragmentation: an agenda for harmonisation across the Indo-Pacific, ASPI, Canberra, 28/08/2025. (eds.) J. Corera & M. Opatha,  Hyperscale cloud and shared security in the Indo-Pacific: Views from The Strategist, ASPI, Canberra, 26/08/2025. Graham & G. Priyandita, Australia and Indonesia can deepen security cooperation by fighting hybrid threats, The Strategist, ASPI, Canberra, 05/08/2025. 👉🏻 E. Graham & G. Priyandita, Australia-Indonesia defence and security partnership: Overcoming asymmetric aspirations to tackle common threats, ASPI, Canberra, 05/08/2025. The article upon which much of this episode is based.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS wasn’t natural — but alien technology? In this special episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Harvard astrophysicist Prof. Avi Loeb about the James Webb Space Telescope’s new images and asks the ultimate question: Who speaks for Earth if the universe makes contact? What are the geopolitical implications? Show Notes: Contact Avi: Medium - https://medium.com/me/following-feed/writers/adb0e108a94b X - @GalileoProject1 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegalileoproject/?hl=en  The Galileo Project website - https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/galileo/home  Best-selling Books by Avi Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars (2023) – His follow-up, expanding the discussion beyond ʻOumuamua to humanity’s role in the cosmos, the search for alien civilisations, and the implications for our future. Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth (2021) – His breakthrough popular science book, where he argued that the interstellar object ʻOumuamua could be a form of alien technology. It became a New York Times bestseller and put him at the centre of global debates about extraterrestrial life. Relevant Articles by Avi: Should We Be Happier if 3I/ATLAS is a Comet?  https://avi-loeb.medium.com/should-we-be-happier-if-3i-atlas-is-a-comet-91b3f8e74f98 The Adaptive Communication Framework (ACF) for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Discovery  https://avi-loeb.medium.com/the-adaptive-communication-framework-acf-for-extraterrestrial-intelligence-discovery-c1cc91fd0e7e  What Should Humanity Do on the Day After an Interstellar Object is Recognised as Technological? (The article that made us reach out to Avi) https://avi-loeb.medium.com/what-should-humanity-do-on-the-day-after-an-interstellar-object-is-recognized-as-technological-ff26c6fec04dSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe stands on shaky ground. With Trump floating “peace plans” for Ukraine, Putin pressing his advantage, and NATO allies second-guessing their future, uncertainty is the only constant. In this episode of The Focus Podcast, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Commander Anders Puck Nielsen of the Royal Danish Navy — one of Europe’s sharpest military analysts.  Show Notes:  Connect with Anders  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anderspucknielsen/ Bluesky: @anderspucknielsen.dkHis ‘Logic of War’ Newsletter: https://www.logicofwar.com/ To see full content, you’ll have to subscribe  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@anderspuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico’s cartels aren’t just crime syndicates—they’re power brokers shaping politics, security, and the U.S.–Mexico border. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Stefano Ritondale to unpack the rise of the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and Gulf Cartel—and what their influence means for North America. #mexicancartels #geopolitics #thefocuspodcast Show Notes Connect with Stefano: X: @All_Source_News  Artorias: https://www.artorias.com/leadership  Podcasts & Interviews: Stefano featured on Cleared Hot podcast (Episode 373) where he discussed cartel violence, organised crime, and Latin American security as an intelligence expert. He also appeared on The Distinguished Savage Podcast (Episode 319), exploring Mexican cartel dynamics. Print/Online Interviews & Commentary In an interview with Rolling Stone published in February 2025, Ritondale offered expert commentary on how cartel leaders perceive government protection and the implications of being labeled terrorists. Recent Media Mentions Most recently, in a Defense Feeds article (July 2025), he provided insights into how Mexican cartels are training in Ukraine to utilise FPV drones, indicating the rising sophistication of cartel tactics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yale professor Samuel Moyn joins us to explore how drones, AI, and precision strikes have transformed modern conflict. Based on his book Humane, this conversation asks whether efforts to make war more “humane” have sidelined the goal of peace itself. Show Notes:Connect with SamYale: https://law.yale.edu/samuel-moyn Website: https://campuspress.yale.edu/samuelmoyn/Books by Sam:🆕 Liberalism Against Itself: Cold War Intellectuals and the Making of Our Times (2023) A critique of Cold War-era liberal thinkers who, in Moyn’s view, stripped liberalism of its utopian and transformative aspirations — leading to the more constrained version we see today. 🧠 Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War (2021) Explores how efforts to humanize war — through legal and technological means — have helped make war more acceptable and therefore unending. 📉 Not Enough: Human Rights in an Unequal World (2018) Argues that modern human rights discourse has focused on minimum protections rather than addressing global inequality and distributive justice. Articles by Sam:Casus Belli, Harper’s Magazine, August 2025.America is over Neo-Liberalism & Neo-Conservatism - Trump is not, The Guardian, July 2025.The United States and the Human Rights Presidency, June 2025.Previous Episode with Sam:https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/humane-war-making-a-better-world/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can ancient Stoicism help us face today’s crazy world? In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with philosopher Prof. Massimo Pigliucci on how Stoic principles offer clarity, resilience, and meaning in an age of rage, war, and misinformation. We also explore real Stoicism vs. “Broicism,” and how to apply timeless wisdom to modern crises. 🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni. SHOW NOTES 🔗Connect with Massimo Substack: https://substack.com/@figsinwintertime?utm_source=top-search City College, New York: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/profiles/massimo-pigliucci?srsltid=AfmBOorpDgfdOTs_fokK4iIJL2Zbnen_-EoVL-yFbnzvsgs8G9pi2WKU  Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Pigliucci  Top Books on Stoicism: The Stoic Guide to a Happy Life (2020) A Handbook for New Stoics (2019) How to Be a Stoic (2017) Top five articles on Stoicism:   “Did the Stoics Get Their Theory of Beauty Wrong?” Published: November 11, 2023 Overview: Pigliucci explores whether ancient Stoic theories on beauty hold up today, drawing from his Stoicon 2023 presentation. Modern Stoicism+15Modern Stoicism+15Modern Stoicism+15 “Updating Epictetus and Stoicism for the 21st century” Published: December 19, 2020 Overview: A reflection—and partial update—on Epictetus’ Enchiridion, arguing for modern adaptation in his later book A Field Guide to a Happy Life. goodlisten+5Modern Stoicism+5colabstaging.co.uk+5 “Minimalism Is Not Enough” Published: February 2, 2019 Overview: Pigliucci pushes back against oversimplified Stoicism, emphasizing that logic and physics must remain part of the practice—not only ethics. Modern Stoicism+14Modern Stoicism+14Wikipedia+14 “Do People Commit Evil Out of Ignorance?” Published: November 25, 2017 Overview: Based on his Stoicon 2017 talk, Pigliucci examines Epictetus’ view that wrongdoing often stems from deluded thinking rather than true malevolence. Modern Stoicism+4Modern Stoicism+4Modern Stoicism+4 “Why not Stoicism?” Published: 2013 Overview: A foundational piece outlining the enduring relevance of Stoicism’s three pillars—ethics, logic, physics—for modern life. #stoicism #geopolitics #massimopigliucci #philosophy #thefocuspodcast #geopolitics #resilience #broicism #marcusaurelius #modernstoicism   Previous Episodes with Massimo: https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/a-stoics-take-on-modern-celebrity-the-rise-of-rogan-peterson-the-role-of-social-media/ https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/on-stoicism/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. John Bruni speaks with Prof. Salvatore Babones about U.S.–India relations, Modi’s strategic balancing act, the Quad, and how Russian oil, and a possible F-35 purchase, affects Trump’s thinking on India and how this could reshape stability on the Subcontinent & Indo-Pacific security more broadly. #IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #TheFocusPodcast #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #Quad Show Notes: Contact Salvatore: https://www.salvatorebabones.com/ X: @ProfBabones https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3231.html Salvatore’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SalvatoreBabones Top 5 Books by Salvatore: Dharma Democracy: How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy (2025) – His most recent work, an empirical assessment of India’s democratic evolution The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2018) – Named among the Best on Politics 2018 by The Wall Street Journal  BRICS or Bust? Escaping the Middle‑Income Trap (co‑authored with Hartmut Elsenhans) (2017) – A comparative study of BRICS economic trajectories  American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History (2017) – Challenges the narrative of a looming Chinese century  Sixteen for ’16: A Progressive Agenda for a Better America (2015) – A policy manifesto outlining a forward‑looking progressive platform Top 5 Articles by Salvatore: “Global Kondratiev Waves and Political Transformations in Russia since 1800: A Relative Deprivation Approach” (with Philipp Babcicky & Oleg Gubin) – International Politics (2023)  “Mobile Netware, Social Graphs, and the Reconfiguration of Space” (with Colin Agur) – New Media & Society(2023)  “International Student Revenue and International Rankings Success: A Case Study of Australian University Research Strategies” – Youth and Globalization (2022)  “China’s Development Model: Can it Be Replicated in Sub‑Saharan Africa?” – Politics & Policy (2020)  “From Tianxia to Tianxia: The Generalization of a Concept” – Chinese Political Science Review (2020) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges joins us to unpack Europe’s growing defence dilemma. As U.S. support for NATO faces political headwinds and war rages in Ukraine, can Europe stand on its own? Or is it still relying too heavily on the American security umbrella? We explore NATO’s credibility, European rearmament, and what’s needed to keep the continent safe in an age of rising threats. Show Notes: Contact Ben: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BsE89zn7ZQEaGKjLMT3r2PQ%3D%3D The Alphen Group (TAG): https://thealphengroup.com/ben-hodges/ Top 5 Articles by Ben: 📰 1. Business Insider – “A key NATO ally said it would be 'really big mistake' for Europe to break away from the US weapons industry” Date: June 25, 2025A detailed interview where Hodges cautions Europe against moving away from U.S. defence suppliers.   📰 2. Business Insider – “Most NATO armies likely 'could not meet Ukrainian standards' in combat effectiveness, retired US Army general says” Date: June 18, 2025Hodges argues NATO should learn from Ukrainian battlefield experience rather than the other way around    📰 3. Cipher Brief – “Getting NATO to Be Able to 'Fight Tonight'” (Expert Q&A) Date: July 1, 2025Hodges examines NATO’s readiness following the Hague summit, focusing on rapid mobilisation and military preparedness.   📰 4. Cipher Brief – “Expert Q&A: Can Europe Defend Itself?” Date: March 27, 2025A deep dive into Europe’s defence capacity, allied cohesion, and whether the continent can maintain security without U.S. support.   📰 5. Swissinfo – “Former US general advises Switzerland to prepare for war” Date: March 16, 2025In this interview, Hodges urges Switzerland to ramp up defence — particularly drone defences and large-scale manoeuvres — as a precautionary measure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Roy Casagranda returns to The Focus to explore the global and domestic impact of a second Trump term—covering democracy, immigration, alliances, Ukraine, Iran, and more. 🎧 Watch now & subscribe for more insight on geopolitics and global affairs. #geopolitics #trump47 #roycasagranda #uspolitics #thefocuspodcast #globalsecurity #foreignpolicy Show Notes: 🔗 *Connect with Roy Casagranda*  X: @RoyCasagranda  Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html  Books by Roy:  The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.  Articles by Roy:  Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-and-the-left-roy-casagranda-auid-2408.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with economist Nicolas Michelon on how protectionism and power politics are reshaping global trade. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube | Also on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Show Notes: Connect with Nicolas X: @MichelonNicolas Asia Power Watch: https://asiapowerwatch.com/ Alagan Partners: https://alaganpartners.com/our-team/nicolas-michelon/ Nicolas’ Recent Publications: "Navigating Corporate Geopolitics in a World Between Orders” Asia Power Watch, April 14, 2025. "The Renault-Nissan War and the Future of the Automobile Industry: An Interview with Carlos Ghosn” Asia Power Watch, October 9, 2024. "The Price of East-West Economic Warfare: Carlos Ghosn and the Fate of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance” Asia Power Watch, July 8, 2023. "The Death of Multilateralism: Disruptions of the Trump Era” Asia Power Watch, May 21, 2021. "The Carlos Ghosn Case: Business Warfare, Economic Patriotism and the Fate of Foreign CEOs in Japan” Asia Power Watch, March 8, 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is General Joseph Aoun the man to rescue Lebanon’s institutions? Can the Lebanese Armed Forces disarm Hezbollah? Can the Lebanese state recover from years of corruption and poor governance? And what role do external powers—Iran, Israel, Syria, and the Gulf states—play in Lebanon’s fate? Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Imad Harb to unpack the country’s fate under new leadership. Show Notes: Connect with Imad: Arab Center Washington D.C. https://arabcenterdc.org/team/imad-k-harb/ X: @harb3imad Imad’s Top Publications: Articles: The Prickly Issue of Disarming Palestinian Factions in Lebanon President Trump’s Gulf Trip: Post-Visit Observations Books: The Arab World Beyond ConflictCo-editor: Imad Harb and Zeina AzzamPublished by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2019 newarab.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11 Trump and the Arab World: A First Year AssessmentEditor: Imad HarbPublished by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2017 arabcenterdc.org+5me-policy.org+5arabcenterdc.org+5 Domestic and Regional Challenges to US–Iran RelationsCo-authors: Imad Harb and John BruniEmirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, April 2015 books.google.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11 Higher Education and the Future of IraqAuthor: Imad K. HarbUnited States Institute of Peace Special Report No. 195, 2008 globalresilienceconsortium.org+10 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel vs. Iran: What Drives Tehran’s Strategy? Dr. Ori Goldberg joins The Focus to decode ideology, deterrence, and the risks of a wider Middle East war.   Show Notes: X: @ori_goldberg Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social   Ori’s Top Publications: Selected Articles (2024) “Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 “Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts. Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon. Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Australia charting its own defence course—or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. Show Notes: Contact Peter Layton on: Griffith Asia Institute: [email protected]  LinkedIn X: @GAIGriffith  Peter’s Top Five publications: Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through Complex Interdependence (May 2025) In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks.  Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules (2024) Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment.  Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia (2024) In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming. Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications (2021) Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches. Grand Strategy (2018) In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️As China increases military pressure and Trump 47 reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Taiwan’s future is more uncertain than ever.Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Alice Yang from Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research about Taiwan’s fight for democracy, U.S. ambiguity, and what regional conflict could mean for the world.🎧 Available now on Spotify, iTunes & the Auscast Network. Show Notes: Connect with Alice: At INDSR - [email protected]  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INDSRTW X - @INDSRTW YouTube - https://youtube.com/@indsr8906?si=diU9m_YM3w2438vp  Taiwanese political parties: 🇹🇼 1. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Position on China: Pro-status quo with an emphasis on sovereignty While it doesn’t formally push for de jure independence, it views Taiwan as already independent under the name “Republic of China (Taiwan)” Strongly resists unification with China ✅ Supports a Taiwanese identity distinct from China🚫 Opposes “One China” or any future unification with the PRC 🇹🇼 2. Kuomintang (KMT) Position on China: Supports eventual peaceful unification under the right conditions but rejects the use of force Favors closer economic and cultural ties with China Supports the "1992 Consensus" (One China, but each side has its own interpretation) ⚖️ Seeks peace and dialogue with Beijing🧩 Ambiguous on independence vs. unification, but tilts toward eventual integration if democratic and safe 🇹🇼 3. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Position on China: Promotes status quo Calls for pragmatic engagement with both the U.S. and China Avoids strong ideological stances on unification vs. independence 🧭 Middle-of-the-road approach: avoid provoking China while protecting Taiwan’s democracy 🇹🇼 4. New Power Party (NPP) Position on China: Advocates for formal independence Strongly opposes unification or the “1992 Consensus” 🔥 More hardline than the DPP on Taiwanese independence 🇹🇼 5. People First Party (PFP) (Now marginal) Position on China: Pro-unification under peaceful, negotiated terms Supports “One China” framework 📉 Formerly significant, now politically marginal   Top Publications: Publications: Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments (INDSR).  Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis (TAEF).  Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance(TAEF).  Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values (TAEF).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does Finland still rely on conscription? And what can Australia learn from it? Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo breaks down Finland’s “Total Defence” strategy, NATO’s Nordic front, and how citizen readiness can shape national security. 🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni.   Show Notes: Connect with Jyri -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyri-raitasalo-4b96bb96/ X: @JyriRaitasalo Finnish National Defence University: https://maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu.fi/en/frontpage Top 5 publications by Jyri: Finnish Defense 'Left of Bang' Published in PRISM, Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023), this article explores Finland's evolution from a Cold War-era total defence model to a comprehensive security approach. Raitasalo discusses how Finland integrates military and civilian sectors to address modern hybrid threats. NDU Press+1NDU Press+1 "Cyber Deterrence: An Oxymoron for Years to Come Co-authored with Joshua Stowell and published in Global Security Review (2020), this article examines the challenges of establishing effective cyber deterrence. The authors contend that the lack of clear empirical evidence in cyber warfare complicates traditional deterrence models. Muck Rack+1Muck Rack+1 2. "Scandinavia Won’t Be Russia’s Next Target" In this Foreign Policy piece (2019), Raitasalo counters claims that Russia is poised to target Scandinavian countries. He argues that Finland and Sweden's strategic positions and defence policies make them unlikely immediate targets for Russian aggression. Muck Rack+1Foreign Policy+1 5. "Hybridisota ja hybridiuhat – paljon vanhaa…onko mitään uutta?" Published in Tiede & Ase (2018), this Finnish-language article critiques the Western narrative on hybrid warfare post-2014. Raitasalo argues that the concept of hybrid threats is not novel and reflects traditional great-power behaviours.Wikipedia+2Journal.fi+2 4. "Reconstructing Finnish Defence in the Post-Cold War Era" This academic paper (2010) analyzes Finland's defence restructuring following the Cold War. Raitasalo discusses the shift in threat perceptions and the adaptation of defence policies to address new security challenges. AcademiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni is joined by Professor Harsh V. Pant — one of India’s foremost strategic thinkers — to dissect the geopolitical shifts shaping South Asia and beyond. From China’s expanding influence to Pakistan’s persistent provocations and the Modi government’s evolving doctrine, we explore whether India’s foreign policy is keeping pace with the region’s growing instability. What does a rising India mean for the world — and how will it respond when the next crisis comes knocking?Harsh V. Pant Links:X; @orfonline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-v-pant-9218437/Show Notes:Most recent Articles -  Operation Sindoor and Beyond: India’s Response and Pakistani CalculusCo-authored with Yogesh JoshiThis analysis examines India's strategic response to Operation Sindoor and its implications for Pakistan's military calculus.  Current Trends in India’s National Security 2025Co-authored with Sameer PatilThis special report assesses the evolving security landscape of India, highlighting challenges such as the China-Pakistan nexus, internal insurgencies, and advancements in cyber and space domains.  A Record BoomCo-authored with Suchet Vir SinghThis article discusses the significant growth in India's defense sector, analyzing factors contributing to the boom and its implications for national security.  Biden-Xi Meeting and the US-China CalculusThis piece explores the dynamics of the Biden-Xi summit and its impact on US-China relations, with a focus on strategic implications for India.  India-China Power Play Gets New Life in MaldivesCo-authored with Aditya Gowdara ShivamurthyThis article analyzes the renewed strategic competition between India and China in the Maldives, examining the geopolitical stakes involved.  Books -  India and Japan: A Natural Partnership in the Indo-Pacific (2024)Co-authored with Madhuchanda GhoshThis book explores the evolving strategic partnership between India and Japan within the Indo-Pacific framework. Politics and Geopolitics: Decoding India’s Neighbourhood Challenge (2024)An analysis of India's regional challenges and its geopolitical strategies to navigate complex neighborhood dynamics. The Making of a Global Bharat (2024)Co-authored with Sameer PatilThis work examines India's transformation into a global player and the domestic and international factors influencing this shift. India and Global Governance: A Rising Power and Its Discontents (2023)A critical look at India's role in global governance structures and the challenges it faces as an emerging power. India Shows the Way: A Decade of Modi’s Foreign Policy (2023)An edited volume assessing the impact and direction of India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over ten years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this gripping episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with political analyst Dr. Roy Casagranda to unpack the seismic shifts in U.S. politics after 100 days of Trump 47. From executive overreach to the global ripple effects, this conversation explores how America’s democratic institutions are being reshaped — and why the world should pay attention. 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation that’s redefining geopolitics. Show Notes: X: @RoyCasagranda  Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html  Books by Roy: The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.  Articles by Roy: Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-and-the-left-roy-casagranda-auid-2408.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Europe prepared for war? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni speaks with former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff on Ukraine, NATO’s weaknesses, and the growing threat from Russia. A hard-hitting, unfiltered look at what may lie ahead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 🔗 Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff X: @RichardShirreff  LinkedIn: Richard Shirreff Strategia Worldwide  Top Five Publications: What Would Cause the Next Nuclear Strike? (The Naked Scientists, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Arming for Deterrence (Atlantic Council, 2016) 2017: War with Russia – An Urgent Warning from Senior Military Command (2016)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.