At The Boundary

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At The Boundary, GNSI Senior Director Jim Cardoso sits down with former USAID Senior Foreign Service Officer Greg Howell to discuss the Global Fragility Act (GFA), its bipartisan origins, and what the proposed Global Fragility Reauthorization Act could mean for the future of U.S. engagement abroad.Drawing on more than two decades of international development experience across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Howell explains how the GFA sought to integrate diplomacy, defense, and development into a coordinated “3D” approach to conflict prevention and stabilization.The episode explores why the GFA was created, U.S. efforts to counter violent extremism in West Africa, and the evolving future of foreign assistance. Howell and Cardoso also examines how prevention-focused investment and long-term strategic engagement may help reduce future conflict costs while advancing broader U.S. national security interests.Links from this episode:• Student Research Fellows Program• CIA article:• Strategy Competition article• Wiswesser’s bookGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) at the University of South Florida takes you inside the GNSI DC Experience. A program designed to give USF students interested in national security careers a chance to tour capitol hill and meet professional mentors in policy and defense.  Host Jim Cardoso is joined by USF Future Strategist Program (FSP) students Dontavious Ellis and Santiago Zambrano, along with GNSI events planner Sophia Montero, to discuss how this unique program connects students directly with the U.S. national security ecosystem. They also discuss the trip itinerary and personal goals to check out while they are there. Checkpoints include Capitol Hill and the Pentagon along with visiting a few leading think tanks and intelligence professionals. The DC Experience offers unparalleled exposure to real-world decision-making, policy development, and strategic leadership.Links from the Episode:• GNSI Announces Student Cohort for DC Experience • Tad and Guido’s articleGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What happens when a military power relies on troops made of coerced recruits and convicts?In this episode of GNSI At the Boundary podcast, Drs. Guido Rossi and Tad Schnaufer join the show to unpack their latest research paper on Russia’s flawed mobilization strategy in the Ukraine war. Drawing from their article in the Journal of Strategic Security, they explore how Russia’s early assumptions of a short, low-intensity conflict with minimal resistance collapsed into a prolonged, high-intensity war requiring mass manpower.Facing constraints on full mobilization, the Kremlin turned to alternative sources of fighters, these being conscripts, convicts, contractors, and coerced recruits, or also known as “ersatz soldiers.” The result of such recruits is a fragmented force structure, mounting casualties, and growing long-term social and strategic risks.Links from the Episode: • Conscripts, Convicts, and Contractors: Ersatz Soldiers and Russia's Total Mobilization Workarounds – By Drs. Tad A. Schnaufer and Guido Rossi• GNSI Announces Student Cohort for ISI Programme • USF Article on Calvin Pham’s grandfatherGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In the beginning of this episode of “At the Boundary”, host Jim Cardoso shares some highlights of the first ever GNSI International Security Experience Strategy Competition. This includes a short interview with a member of the winning team, UCF’s Canon Wesley, about the experience. This competition is the first of its kind at USF, and is a unique learning opportunity of undergraduate students interested in the national security field.  Then for the main interview, GNSI’s Tad Schnaufer, PhD, is joined by Gregory Leighton, author of “Ideology and Holy Landscape in the Baltic Crusades” to explore why medieval history still shapes today’s global security landscape.What began as a discussion of the Baltic Crusades quickly reveals deeper insights into how ideology, narrative, and identity influence modern conflicts, including NATO strategy, Russia’s worldview, and the war in Ukraine.Links from the Episode:• GNSI Announces Student Cohort for DC Experience• Tad and Guido’s articleGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What does it take to solve real-world national security challenges under pressure?In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida takes you inside the high-stakes world of strategy competitions, where graduate students prepare to compete in the US Army War College Strategy Competition.GNSI’s Dr. David Oakley is joined by USF graduate student competitors Yoan Hermida and Dan Woods to explore how future national security leaders bridge theory and practice.The conversation breaks down how students develop analytical frameworks, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills to address complex global conflicts, from Russia-Ukraine to emerging security threats. You’ll also hear how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and intelligence technology are shaping the future of warfare and policy.Beyond the competition, this episode highlights the growing importance of experiential learning in international relations, including the launch of USF’s International Security Experience, undergraduate strategy competitions, and direct engagement with organizations like the CIA and global policy schools.Whether you’re a student exploring careers in intelligence, a policy professional, or simply interested in global affairs, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the next generation is preparing for strategy, diplomacy, and modern security challenges.Links from the Episode:• GNSI International Security Experience• CIA Recruiting and Informational Events ScheduleGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What does it take to become a national security strategist in today’s complex global environment?In this episode of the GNSI “At the Boundary” podcast, we spotlight the next generation of leaders shaping the future of national security, intelligence, and global strategy. The episode features guest host May Birch of the USF Future Strategist Program. Her guests are fellow FSP student Michael Dileonardo, Catherine Wood a student of the University of Texas in Austin, and Connor Devanney a student of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. All of them will be part of the student led portion of the upcoming GNSI 2026 International Security Experience, titled: “Shadows and Circuits.”This conversation explores how students are tackling real-world geopolitical challenges, from cybersecurity and intelligence to quantum security, policy development, and global conflict resolution.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in careers in national security, international relations, cybersecurity, intelligence, or defense policy.Links from the Episode: • GNSI International Security ExperienceGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What is the Golden Dome, and could it redefine the future of nuclear deterrence?In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer sit down with GNSI Non resident Senior Fellow and CEO of Intelligence and National Security Directions, Manolis Priniotakis to break down one of the most ambitious, and controversial, defense concepts in decades: The Golden Dome, a multi-layered missile defense system designed to counter nuclear threats, hypersonic weapons, and emerging technologies.Recorded during  the GNSI Tampa Summit 6 on nuclear technology, this conversation explores how the defense system fits into a rapidly evolving global security landscape shaped by rising nuclear powers, the collapse of arms control agreements, and accelerating military innovation.Links from the Episode:• GNSI International Security Experience• Three Body Trap D-Brief GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What is deep-sea mining, and why are countries and companies racing to the ocean floor for critical minerals?In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, host Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. LindaNhon about the growing global debate over deep-sea mining and what it could mean for national security, critical minerals, and environmental risk.The two dive into the mining of polymetallic nodules, mineral-rich deposits found on the seabed that contain cobalt, copper, and manganese. These materials are essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicle batteries to defense systems and advanced industrial supply chains. As demand for critical minerals rises, deep-sea mining is increasingly being viewed as both an economic opportunity and a geopolitical challenge.Dr. Nhon explains the key questions shaping the future of seabed mining: What are the environmental consequences of disturbing the ocean floor? Who should regulate access to these underwater resources? And how can governments balance the need for mineral security with scientific transparency and international cooperation?If you want to understand how the competition for ocean resources could shape the future of energy, defense, and global power, tune in to the episode! It not only sheds light on the matter at hand, but also offers modern solutions for policy makers and officials. Links From the Episode:• Tampa Summit 6 Registration• Rob and Arman’s article for National Interest• U.S. Naval Institute “War with Iran: General Frank McKenzie Analyzes the Campaign” Episode with General McKenzieGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! The last major nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia has ended. What happens next?In this episode of “At the Boundary,” host Jim Cardoso speaks with nuclear policy expert Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) and a senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about the expiration of the New START Treaty, the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow.Drawing from her recent analysis, Williams explains three key truths about the end of New START and what they reveal about the future of nuclear strategy, deterrence, and global security. The conversation explores whether the treaty’s expiration signals a new nuclear arms race, how the United States might adapt its nuclear posture, and why future arms control efforts may need to include China alongside Russia.Williams also emphasized the importance of new ideas in nuclear policy, encouraging the next generation of strategists to rethink how arms control can manage risks in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.From nuclear modernization to deterrence strategy and the future of nonproliferation, this episode provides a clear and accessible look at one of the most consequential shifts in global security.Subscribe to the channel to stay up to date on the latest in this new nuclear age.• Tampa Summit 6 Registration• Rob and Arman’s Article for National InterestGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Strategy and Research Manager, Dr. Tad Schnaufer II, is joined by Dr. Louise Tumchewics, a professor at the Center for War Studies at the University of Southern Denmark. They discuss Tumchewics’ upcoming project with the Center that focuses on the nexus of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and supply chain resilience for average businesses in Denmark.Tumchewics mentions the human aspect of cybersecurity, and how Denmark is working to educate its civil population on digital security. She mentions that a cyberattack to critical infrastructure, such as the 2017 Maersk shipping crisis, would be damaging to the Danish supply chain and the Danish people, who rely heavily on online services. She ends with a hopeful look to the future, where countries like Denmark could have effective plans in case of cyber or hybrid threats. Links from the Episode:• International Security Experience (ISE)• GNSI Tampa Summit 6 Registration • GNSI on Iran: Three Years of Research, Analysis, and Engagement• Dr. Tad Schnaufer’s Substack Article GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Academic Director, Dr. David Oakley, is joined by the U.S. Army War College’s Chair of Executive and Strategic Leadership, Dr. Celestino Perez, to discuss GNSI’s upcoming undergraduate strategy competition during April’s International Security Experience.Perez, who developed the Army War College strategy competition, worked with Oakley to plan the ISE’s strategy competition for undergraduate students from USF and other universities around the country and globe, most of whom do not have military backgrounds.  Perez and Oakley discuss the merits of this experiential learning exercise in solving strategic problems, as well as Perez’s mantra for strategy competitions: “Strategy is performance.”They emphasize the importance of teamwork in crafting successful strategies and discuss how classroom environments can foster better strategic thinking among students. During the competition, teams made up of six students each will develop a strategic response based on a prompt, and then each team’s strategy will be judged, and one team will ultimately win the competition. GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, host Jim Cardoso speaks with strategy expert Tad Schnaufer, PhD about the launch of his GNSI Research Initiative titled: “Path to Durable Peace in the Ukraine War.” The series will feature scholars and experts analyzing the question: What would a durable peace in the Ukraine war actually look like?Drawing on firsthand experience in Eastern Europe and military service with the Florida Army National Guard, Schnaufer explains why ending the war between Ukraine and Russia will be far more complex than signing a ceasefire agreement. The discussion explores the realities on the battlefield, the failures of past negotiations like the Minsk agreements, and why true peace could require decades of costly deterrence, peacekeeping forces, and political commitment from Western allies.Whether you follow international relations, military strategy, or current events, this episode provides essential context for understanding how the war could end — and what comes after.Links From the Episode:• JSS Call for Papers• Tampa Summit 6 Registration • International Security Experience GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! How can the U.S. government balance public safety and privacy in a world with AI?In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso is joined by GNSI Senior Research Fellow Jeff Rogg to discuss the latest GNSI Decision Brief “Intelligence, Technology, and the Future of the American Republic.” Having written extensively on the history of U.S. intelligence in his book “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence,” Rogg sets his sights in the Decision Brief on the future of intelligence, privacy, and democratic trust in an era of constant data collection.During the conversation, Rogg emphasizes the historical relationship between technology and intelligence, highlighting the Cold War's impact on the US intelligence community's structure. He warns of the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and ubiquitous technical surveillance (UTS), which threaten privacy and national security. Listen in on the conversation to get a perspective on balancing surveillance and security, as well as the ways the public can stay informed on this technology.  Episode LinksJeff Rogg's GNSI Decision Brief, "Intelligence, Technology and the Future of the American Republic."GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At The Boundary, Dr. Andrew Whiskeyman, a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at GNSI, speaks with Ryan Gutwein, a data security and compliance expert, to explain how rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping national security. The conversation breaks down what technological layers AI actually depends on and why each of these four layers introduces unique security risks. Gutwein highlights threats such as data manipulation, data poisoning, parameter theft, and malicious code injection in open‑source environments, and why they matter for both military operations and everyday technology.Whiskeyman and Gutwein also discuss the importance of secure‑by‑design incentives, while advocating for accelerated deployment of large language models, expansion of AI infrastructure and cooling capacity, and scaling drone development. Altogether, the episode offers a clear, approachable look at how AI is changing modern security—and what the U.S. must do to stay ahead.GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! How is space is shaping our future, and are we ready for it?In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso is joined by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott and space industry leader Chris Stott for a conversation that redefines what space really means for life on Earth, and why it matters now more than ever.From GPS and global communications to climate monitoring and data security, space quietly powers the modern world. Drawing on Nicole Stott’s time aboard the International Space Station, and Chris Stott’s work building off-world data infrastructure, the discussion reveals how space has become essential to national security, economic resilience, and everyday life.The episode explores the Moon as the next strategic frontier, the role of international cooperation in keeping space stable and secure, and how new commercial ventures, from lunar data centers to space-based solar power, could reshape global competition and resource access.Along the way, Stott and Stott challenge the idea of space as a distant or scarce domain, offering a compelling vision of space as a source of opportunity, collaboration, and long-term abundance.GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mark Fedor joins GNSI’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer for a wide-ranging conversation on how space is rapidly emerging as a critical domain for national security, commercial innovation, and operational risk. What does a retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral know about space? As it turns out, quite a lot. Fedor is currently Executive Vice President with a veteran-owned company (Operator Solutions), which specializes in rescue, recovery, and operational support services for outer space missions. Drawing on his decades of maritime leadership and his current work supporting commercial space missions, Fedor explains why the growing launch volume is creating new demands for astronaut rescue, space vehicle recovery, and hazard response. The discussion explores space debris, private astronauts, space tourism, and the rise of space-based manufacturing and orbital supply chains with potential military and commercial applications. Fedor also draws compelling parallels between governing the maritime commons and the need for international norms in space. As commercial activity accelerates and regulation struggles to keep pace, the episode highlights the strategic, legal, and human challenges shaping the future of space operations—and why preparedness on Earth remains essential.Episode Links:Operator SolutionsSt. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs "Space: International Collaboration and Competition" (Feb 10-11, 2026)GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Field Historian Daniel Armes explains the deep historical ties between Russia and the Ukraine, and how that context is significant to the current conflict on GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast.Along with Tad Schnaufer, PhD, Armes breaks down his “Journal of Strategic Security” article which broadens the perspective of the region’s tension. The struggle between the two countries dates back to the 800s, and is influenced by the Byzantine Empire, the Great Schism of 1054, and the impact of the Mongol invasions. The episode also touches on how the Russia-Ukraine war affects other global and national security issues.Links from the episode:Daniel Arme’s JSS ArticleUSF article on research investment rising and outpacing AAU membersTampa Bay Business & Wealth Article on 5th Best CityVideo Series Interview with Austin BeckerEpisode 5 Generalship Series SPCWA ConferenceCyber Beacon RegistrationGNSI Tampa Summit 6 Registration GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of "At the Boundary," GNSI's Jim Cardoso and guests Dr. Rob Burrell and Dr. Homer Harkins discuss the complex history and current state of Venezuela. They delve into the country's socio-economic evolution, from oil exploitation to democratic transition, and the rise and fall of political leaders like Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro. They detail the recent military operation that removed Maduro, highlighting the use of advanced technology and multi-domain tactics. The discussion also covers potential democratic transitions, the role of the U.S., and the importance of international support, emphasizing the need for a long-term, unbiased understanding of Venezuela's situation.Links from the episode:Rob Burrell on SubstackSt. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs Outer Space: International Collaboration and Competition"What Happens if Donald Trump Bombs Iran?" article by Dr. Arman MahmoudianGNSI Tampa Summit 6: Cracks in the Lamp - Freeing the Nuclear GenieOther noteworthy links:Caracas ChroniclesMaria Corina Machado on XGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso and retired Lieutenant General Michael Plehn break down the newly released 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) from the Trump administration, and why it places unprecedented focus on the Western Hemisphere.They explore why this NSS dedicates four full pages to the region, far more than any previous version, and what that means for U.S. national security.The conversation examines: The expanding role of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and security cooperation, China’s growing influence in Latin America and the Caribbean through the Belt and Road Initiative, and why the U.S. military must be better educated, technologically adaptive, and ready for rapidly evolving threats.This episode provides a clear, accessible breakdown of a major shift in U.S. strategy — and what it means for policymakers, practitioners, and the future of Western Hemisphere security.Links from the Episode: • Northeastern University Global Leadership Summit 2025: GLS 2025 - An Aerial View of U.S. and Latin American Relations on Vimeo Other noteworthy links:• GNSI Tampa Summit 6: Cracks in the Lamp: Freeing the Nuclear Genie• 2026 International Security Experience• Sign up for the GNSI NewsletterGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with Terry Guild, a former senior U.S. Army intelligence officer with a 30–year military career and five years of experience in the defense industry at CAE and Intrinsic Ventures. Together, they unpack one of the most controversial policy debates shaping the future of U.S. military readiness: the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025.For decades, military policy has restricted what soldiers can repair in the field—even when they have the skill to do so. Broken equipment often must be shipped out or serviced by contractors, creating delays, increasing costs, and reducing operational flexibility. The proposed Right to Repair Act seeks to change that by empowering warfighters to fix more of their own gear. What does this mean for proprietary source code or intellectual property? Dr. Rossi and Guild explore:·       Why the military has historically limited soldier-level repairs·       How contractor dependence affects readiness on modern battlefields·       The cultural, logistical, and security concerns driving debateFrom wartime efficiency to industrial politics, this episode breaks down what’s really at stake for America’s fighting forces — and whether the Pentagon is ready for a fundamental shift in how the U.S. maintains its equipment.Links From the Episode:• GNSI Tampa Summit 6: Cracks in the Lamp: Freeing the Nuclear Genie Pre-Registration• “Military Right to Repair Reform Could Reshape Readiness and Innovation” Article Featuring GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi• 2026 Intelligence and Tech Conference• 2025 Warsaw Security Forum RecapGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, retired four-star General Frank McKenzie joins USF’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer to break down one of the most pressing national security questions today: Can the United States build a true “Golden Dome” to defend the homeland from nuclear missile attack?Together, they explore how America’s past missile defense systems—from Nike and Sentinel to THAAD—shaped today’s strategic landscape, and why emerging technologies may finally make boost-phase interception realistic. The conversation dives into the potential of space-based missile defense, the growing threat of hypersonic weapons, and what future U.S. policy and NATO cooperation would require keeping pace with rapidly advancing adversaries.General McKenzie provides a candid assessment of the U.S.–China nuclear competition, the limits of current deterrence, and what it would take to shield the American homeland in a future strategic conflict.A must-listen episode for anyone tracking U.S. defense strategy, missile defense innovation, and global security trends.Links from the Episode:• Pre Register for GNSI Tampa Summit 6GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At The Boundary podcast, senior director of the GNSI, Jim Cardoso, sat down for a roundtable discussion with Mark Luther, an Associate Professor at USF and the Director for the Center of Maritime and Port Studies, Mark DuPont, the Executive Director of the National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and Brian Langley, the Senior Executive Advisor for Cyber Florida. The four recapped the 2025 Florida Security Forum, focusing on Port and Maritime Security, and they discussed the impact of the event, the major takeaways, and planning for the future of both state and national port security.  The maintakeaways from the Forum were the necessity of following up on conversationswith plans of action, working across the state to reinforce port-to-portrelationships, and not losing sight of traditional threats, such as natural disasters, in theface of emerging cybersecurity and drone threats. Action is needed to remindboth state and federal lawmakers of the importance of port and maritimesecurity.  Another maintheme explored how to train the next generation of maritime employees, and howto educate the general public on port affairs.The current lack of a Maritime Academy in Florida is concerning; it outsourcesmaritime education to other states, could undermine the Florida workforce, and could thus have anegative economic impact in the future. Additionally, policymakers can becomeout-of-touch when it comes to creating policies around threats to infrastructure. Educational efforts willreinforce state and federal port security, as well as create strongerpublic-private partnerships between policymakers and the maritime workforcewhich will enable a more unified threat response.  Links from the episode:• WTSP TV news Story Featuring Dr. Robert Burrell: “Venezuelans in Tampa Bay think the U.S. will cause Maduro's downfall”GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Guido Rossi speaks with Dr. Peter Mansoor, a professor and the General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Chair in Military History at The Ohio State University. Their conversation delves into counterinsurgency warfare and preparing the American military for future threats. Mansoor opens with the state of U.S. counterinsurgency doctrine, referencing Field Manual 23-4 and the foundations of counterinsurgency warfare, such as population persuasion. He notes that the wars between Ukraine and Russia and between Israel and Palestine do not qualify as counterinsurgencies and warns of the potential for larger scale hybrid conflicts in the United States’ future. He argues that the American military needs to stay educated and trained in counterinsurgency warfare, as well as continue to evolve its strategy to include drone warfare. In the future, NATO and Pacific allyship will be crucial for countering China and Russia should they decide to pursue a large-scale conflict against Taiwan or Europe, respectively.  GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer moderates a panel discussion on key insights from the 2025 Cyber Bay Conference. Joining him are Dr. Linda Nhon, Resident Fellow at GNSI; Dr. George Burress, Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida; and Chris Hunter, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at IWP Family Office.The panel took a broad look at cyber security, especially as it relates to national security, and emphasized the need to create a stronger knowledge of cyber preparedness in case of malicious attacks on critical infrastructure. Examples of past cyber-attack incidents, such as with the Salt Typhoon and Vault Typhoon groups from China, and Sandworm from Russia, gave insight into how both cyber and physical vulnerabilities can be exploited by hostile actors. Currently, most critical infrastructure in the U.S. is not prepared for a large-scale attack or grid shutdown.As the world becomes more integrated, the panel underscored how modern tech can be exploited to take advantage of the individual user, a company, or even the government. The individual needs to be educated on how cybercrimes can affect their personal lives, and the broader community needs a plan of action for when a cyber-attack may cause a grid shutdown.Links from the episode:• Tampa Summit 6: Nuclear Weapons in Modern Warfare • Axis of Resistance Episode 8: General (ret) Frank McKenzie InterviewGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, interviewed Fabio van Loon about his latest publication on the topic of the pitfalls and challenges of U.S. foreign policy, specifically with interagency coordination.  Fabio explained his paper’s focus on three different presidents and their national security advisors, from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger to Jimmy Carter and Zbigniew Brzezinski, and George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice. He homed in on the major security and foreign policy decisions of their terms and shared that clear interagency coordination is foundational for a country and its agencies to be successful in their missions.  Some challenges to coordination may be conflicting personalities and disunity in command. The author also explained the challenges that come with managing wars, such as in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and how both the CORDS and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) programs aided or hindered strategic efforts. Towards the end of the episode, he highlighted three solutions for interagency disjunction and reiterated the importance of operational unity within government agencies. Links from the episode:• Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security Registration• “Trickle-Down Coordination: The National Security Advisor’s Role as the Strategic and Operational Planner of the DoD-DoS Interagency Relationship” by Fabio S. van Loon• Axis of Resistance Episode 8: General (ret) Frank McKenzie Interview GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer was joined by Lt Col. John "JAY" Patrich to talk about the need for innovation when it comes to strategic drone attacks, with a focus on the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, and in light of Lt Col Patrich’s recent decision brief on drone warfare. Lt Col Patrich dove into the need for creativity and innovation of drones to achieve air superiority or air denial, particularly within the air littoral space. The vast array of drones (in size and capability) lends itself to making progress with innovative research that could change the approach of irregular warfare. The rapid evolution in how Russia and Ukraine have been using drones in combat was a key topic, as were possible future near-peer conflicts and their potential to push drone innovation in a new direction.     To round out the conversation, they explored the necessity of policies to guide drone uses, and the necessity of drone education for those within the government and military who are tasked with acquiring and maintaining the drones. Links from the episode:• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security• Port Security Interview with Port Tampa CEO, Paul Anderson • What Can WWII Teach Us About Future Conflicts with China? GNSI Research Initiative with guest Dr. Craig SymondsGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, USF’s Dr. Robert Burrell is joined by authors Dr. Zacharias Pieri and Dr. Kevin Fridy to discuss their new book, Governance, Grievance, and Violent Extremism in West Africa:From the Caliphates to Great Power Competition. The conversation explores how local governance, resource competition, and regional instability shape violent extremism in West Africa, with a focus on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.Together, they unpack:·       How governance failures fuel extremist movements across the Sahel·       The lingering effects of colonial and pre-colonial systems on modern governance·       The role of natural resources and external powers in local conflict·       How the United States and international actors can more effectively engage at the local level🎙️ Recorded at the University of South Florida, this episode offers vital insights into one of the world’s most complex and consequential security challenges.Links from the episode:• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security• “Governance, Grievance, and Violent Extremism in West Africa: From the Caliphates to Great Power Competition” by Zacharias P. Pieri and Kevin S. Fridy• “Disarming Hezbollah: Challenges and Opportunities in the Pursuit of a Regional Settlement” Decision Brief by Mohamed Nabil El-Bendary• Check out the GNSI Official Youtube Channel!GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, led a panel discussion on the JSS article, “Detecting Drone Threats at Stadiums and Public Venues: Overview, Operational Considerations, and Technical Implementation.” Joining him were the article’s authors: Nathan Jones, associate professor of security studies in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University; John Sullivan, a retired career police officer and an instructor in the Safe Communities Institute at the University of Southern California; and George Javis Jr., a specialist in geospatial information systems and geospatial intelligence.The discussion focused on the use of drones as a national security threat, both present and future, to public stadiums and other large venues. The authors detailed the range of drone technologies and its expanding development, and how the United States legal system and law enforcement are not currently prepared to regulate drone usage in the way that is necessary for public safety.Current and future concerns about the potential for drones to be used maliciously were also explored. The authors cited the 2021 Astroworld tragedy as a case study to examine how similar situations occur under a drone-based terrorist attack.Main points discussed:Emerging drone threats to public events and large venues.Legal gaps in drone regulation and how law enforcement agencies and security professionals should respond.Current and emerging concerns tied to the evolving capabilities and variety of drone swarm technology and the expanding array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).Links from the episode:• “Detecting Drone Threats at Stadiums and Public Venues: Overview, Operational Considerations, and Technical Implementation” JSS article• “Urban Operations: War, Crime and Conflict” byJohn P. Sullivan, Nathan P. Jones, and Daniel Weisz Argomedo• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime SecurityGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI Academic Director David Oakley, PhD, spoke with two students from the University of South Florida selected to attend the 2025 ISI Programme: May Birch and Kyle Rudd.Throughout the episode, Birch and Rudd, who are both members of USF’s Future Strategist Program, share their experiences over the summer. They discuss exclusive networking opportunities and insight into intelligence and security careers unknown to them beforehand. The students also noted the wealth of first hand experiences shared by distinguished experts from around the globe. Not to mention the scenic Cambridge University campus and surrounding landscape.The five week trip is part of a partnership between GNSI and The International Security and Intelligence Programme presented by the Cambridge Security Initiative & The Department of War Studies. GNSI is determined to support this and other student initiatives to better prepare the next generation of security practitioners. For more information about The International Security and Intelligence Programme at Cambridge University, please check their website in the links below.Links from the episode:• Cyber Beacon 2025 registration here!• Register for the Florida Security Forum: Port and Maritime Security• More information about The International Security and Intelligence Programme at Cambridge University GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundarypodcast, Research Fellow Dr. Guido Rossi and war studies specialist Dr. Matthew Ford to unpack one of the U.S. Army’s most consequential decisions: replacing the standard-issue M4 with the new M7 rifle. At the heart of the debate is the shift from 5.56mm to 6.8mm ammunition—and the controversy over reduced magazine capacity.Together, they explore the trade-offs between combat effectiveness, soldier burden, and cost, while assessing how this change could reshape NATO standardization and global small arms policy. What does this decision mean for U.S. influence, allied forces, and the future battlefield? And is the Army truly ready for the operational and logistical challenges that come with the switch?From military history to weapons innovation, this episode offers insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and strategy in modern warfare. Perfect for listeners interested in defense policy, small arms development, and the future of U.S. military power.GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! 🎙️ At the Boundary reaches its 100th episode with a critical conversation on one of the fastest-growing threats in modern warfare: drones. Host Jim Cardoso is joined by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn and Molly Campbell to explore why the U.S. must urgently rethink its counter-drone strategies—before it’s too late.From the looming risk of a Taiwan conflict to the rise of low-cost Chinese drones, this episode examines:Why expensive missile defenses are unsustainable against cheap drone swarmsThe need for layered defenses and operational resilienceThe role of sensors, directed energy weapons, and low-cost interceptorsIf you care about national security, emerging military technology, or the U.S.’s ability to compete in great power conflict, this episode is a must-listen.📍 Recorded at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) in Tampa, Florida.Links from the episode:• Register for CyberBay Here!• Countering the Swarm: Protecting the Joint Force in the Drone AgeGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Are America's Transformers the Weak Link in National Security?  In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Lt Col John "JAY" Patrich, an MQ-9 pilot and National Security Research Fellow at the GNSI, sits down with Jesse Humpal, Ph.D., an Air Force officer currently serving in the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Strategic Studies Group. Their discussion centers on Humpal’s recent article “Transformer Trouble and the National Security Imperative.”   This episode looks at America’s transformer infrastructure vulnerabilities—whether due to age, or the fact that they’re not set up to handle emerging technologies such as data centers, electric vehicles and AI powered machinery. These structures are vulnerable to both cyber and kinetic attacks, from both foreign adversaries and domestic extremists.Transformer failures can impact tens of thousands of people, and with most military bases relying on local power, sustained blackouts could have disastrous consequences.Listen to hear what Humpal thinks needs to be done to make this outdated and aging infrastructure more resilient and how we might prepare for the next attack.Links from the episode:• Register for CyberBay Here!• Register for a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason! (Closed)• Cyber Florida’s “The Making of a Defender” Documentary Premiere• “Governance, Grievance, and Violent Extremism in West Africa: From the Caliphates to Great Power Competition” – by Zacharias P. Pieri and Kevin S. FridyGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! The U.S. once built 90% of the world’s ships—today, it produces less than 1%. What went wrong, and can America reclaim maritime dominance?In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with maritime expert Dr. Randall Gentry, the principal research scientist at CNA Corporation, to unpack the crisis in U.S. shipbuilding. Together, they trace the decline of the industry, from globalization and shifting trade patterns to decades of policy choices that weakened America’s industrial base.They also explore the current administration’s executive order on maritime dominance and the Ships Act for America, analyzing whether these measures can revive shipbuilding. Issues include: the urgent need for a skilled and stable workforce, how multi-ship contracts and long-term investment could change the game, and the role of allies like South Korea and Japan in strengthening U.S. capabilities.If you care about American industry, national security, and the future of naval power, this episode dives deep into one of the most urgent questions facing U.S. strategy today.Links from the episode:• American Shipbuilding: From Crisis to Made-in-America Opportunity By Guido Rossi, PhD and Randall Gentry, PhD • Register for CyberBay Here!• Register for a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason!GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of the GNSI At the Boundary podcast, USF’s Dr. Rob Burrell is joined by Colonel Dave Maxwell (Ret.), of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and the Global Peace Foundation, and Lieutenant General Charles T. Cleveland (Ret.) to examine the future of the American way of irregular warfare. From the overlooked role of the human domain to the need for a national-level capability dedicated to irregular warfare, the conversation challenges conventional thinking about U.S. defense and security.General Cleveland highlights why the United States must move beyond a purely conventional mindset, while Colonel Maxwell revisits the Nunn-Cohen amendment to Goldwater-Nichols, advocating for a dedicated organization to address the nation’s irregular warfare challenges. Together, they argue that political warfare and irregular strategies must be fully integrated into U.S. national security policy—just as airpower became indispensable in the 20th century. Links from the episode: • Register for CyberBay Here!• Register for.a webinar on irregular warfare with Dr. Rob Burrell and Chris Mason!• Resilience and Resistance: Interdisciplinary Lessons in Competition, Deterrence, and Irregular Warfare• The American Way of Irregular WarGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of GNSI’s  At the Boundarypodcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer sits down with Dr. Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, to unpack one of the most ambitious U.S. defense projects in decades: the Golden Dome missile defense system.Announced by the Trump administration in January 2025, the Golden Dome aims to protect the United States by intercepting missiles—including hypersonic threats—in both their boost and terminal phases. The system relies on a proliferated constellation of space-based sensors and interceptors, with the first demonstration expected by 2028.The discussion explores the history of missile defense, the technological leaps that make Golden Dome possible, and the strategic implications for U.S. security, NATO allies, and global power competition. From the Cold War’s “Star Wars” program to today’s hypersonic challenge, this episode provides crucial insight into how space and missile defense are reshaping national and international security.If you’re interested in U.S. defense strategy, missile defense, space security, or geopolitics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Links from the episode:• Register for CyberBay Here!• Armies to Algorithms: AI’s Role in National Defense Interview with Guest Retired Colonel Nancy BlackerGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, Arman Mahmoudian, PhD, interviews Marvin G. Weinbaum, PhD, who is senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Drawing on his recent article, “Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy” ( which was recently published in the Journal of Strategic Security), Dr. Weinbaum offers a detailed assessment of the collapse of the Afghan state and the return of the Taliban in 2021.This episode discusses:Why the U.S. failed at state-building and counterinsurgency in AfghanistanThe shift from counterterrorism to democratic nation-buildingWeinbaum’s analysis of Afghan leadership under Karzai and Ghani, and how their governance choices helped shape the state’s collapseFragmentation within the Taliban leadershipHow the presence of ISIS-K pressures Taliban unity and policyThe collapse of U.S. military support and Afghan troop moraleDangers of a failed Taliban state and the regional risk of civil warWeinbaum’s direct message to Afghans affected by the regime changeThroughout the interview, Weinbaum emphasizes that U.S. disengagement has reduced its leverage on critical issues like human rights, warning that effective diplomacy with the Taliban requires long-term engagement, not conditional demands. He also argues that continued absence risks ceding influence to regional powers already moving toward recognition. Links from the episode:• Register for CyberBay Here!• GNSI Tampa Summit 5 Report (March 2025) The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons for Future Conflicts• The Latest Journal of Strategic Security (JSS)• GNSI’s Axis of Resistance Research Initiative PlaylistGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, Tad Schnaufer, PhD, speaks with John Pennell, PhD, a Senior Diplomacy Fellow with Narrative-Strategies, Senior Strategic Advisor with Pax Strategies LLC, Senior Practitioner with the Irregular Warfare Center, and author of Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of WarPennell breaks down Russia’s military and political strategies in two key theaters, Ukraine and Syria, and the implications for NATO, the United States, and global security.Their discussion covers:Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine prior to the 2022 full-scale invasion, including “Little Green Men,” the Wagner Group, and local proxy forcesHow Russia’s disinformation campaigns, strategic plausible deniability, and cyber warfare shaped operations in Crimea and DonbasThe 2015 Syrian intervention was a testing ground for drones, electronic warfare, and emerging military technologyThe debate over terminology used to describe the conflict: hybrid warfare vs. new generation warfare vs. full-spectrum conflict, and why these distinctions matter in military strategy and geopoliticsLessons for NATO, the U.S., and allies from Russian military operations between 2014–2022The Kremlin’s shift from destabilizing Ukraine to pursuing regime change, and the information warfare narratives used to justify itImplications for future conflicts and how the U.S. and partners can counter hybrid threats effectivelyLinks from the Episode:• Cyber Bay Registration Link • Read The Latest GNSI Newsletter• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog• Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War by Dr. John A. PennellGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Joining us again is Charles Lister, a senior fellow and director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute (MEI), where his research focuses on Syria, terrorism, and insurgency across the Levant. In this episode of At the Boundary, Lister breaks down both the history and the sequence of events that reshaped Syria. He details Bashar al-Assad’s sudden flight to Russia to the rise of Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a figure who was once designated terrorist with a $10m bounty but is now engaging with diplomats from over 70 countries.This discussion takes a look at the following:· The “Rush to Damascus” and Assad’s unexpected downfall.· Ahmed al-Sharaa’s foreign policy success and his mixed domestic policy performance.· The effect of lifting sanctions and Syria’s economic recovery.· Southern Syria’s clashes, the Druze, and Israel’s intervention.· The future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and U.S. counter-ISIS operations.· The U.S. policy on Syria moving forward.· How the region now views Syria as the key to unlocking a more stable and prosperous Middle East.Charles Lister unpacks Syria’s past to help us understand its present and why there may finally be reason to hope for a better future.Links from the Episode:• Cyber Bay Registration Link • "Building Trust in Digital Response: The Role of Chatbots in Cybercrime Prevention" Decision Brief  • "Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy" JSS Article by Dr. Marvin G. Weinbaum• 2025 Notes from Cambridge BlogGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!  In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Rob Burrell, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, about GNSI’s new research initiative on the Future of Warfare. Dr. Burrell also introduces his upcoming book, Resilience and Resistance, and outlines a fresh analytical framework for understanding irregular warfare in the 21st century.The conversation explores how resistance movements evolve—from nonviolent protest to full-scale civil war—and how emerging technologies like AI and cyber tools are reshaping the battlespace. Burrell also previews future episodes in this new podcast series, featuring leading experts such as General Charles Cleveland and Dr. Chris Mason.Whether you’re a defense strategist, policymaker, or curious listener, this episode offers critical insights on how the U.S. must prepare for an era of complex, unconventional conflict.Links from the episode:• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog• 2025 Cyber Bay Event Link• Link to “Resilience and Resistance: Interdisciplinary Lessons in Competition, Deterrence, and Irregular Warfare” by Robert S. BurrellGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, William Parker, a Business Librarian at the University of South Florida (USF) sat down with GNSI’s Strategy and Research Manager Dr. Tad Schnaufer to the newest GNSI Decision Brief, "Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings."They discussed how BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have been increasing their gold reserves in an effort to challenge Western financial systems and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. The conversation also explores the role of gold in a nation’s financial and economic credibility.Some of the key topics discussed include:What BRICS and BRICS+ represent, and why their expansion matters geopoliticallyWhy gold still matters, even when some nations have dropped the gold standardThe potential shortcomings of fiat currenciesThe potential for BRICS nations to offer an alternative to the US dollar in the global financial structureHow physical gold can act as a tool to circumvent sanctionsWhat other metals, if any, could compete with gold as a monetary standard“Currency decoupling” and its effects on monetary systemsLinks From the Episode:• Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings Decision Brief• 2025 Notes From Cambridge• Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War GNSI Summit• Axis of Resistance GNSI Research InitiativeGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! What’s the U.S. endgame in Afghanistan now—and what role does the Taliban really play?In this episode of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schroden, a non-resident fellow at the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), to explore how U.S. foreign policy toward Afghanistan has evolved under the the most recent presidential administrations.Schroden examines the administration’s transactional relationship with the Taliban, which prioritizes counterterrorism cooperation and human rights advocacy, while contrasting it with the Trump administration’s more rhetorical approach. The conversation also breaks down the threat landscape in Afghanistan, identifying ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan) as the primary concern, alongside Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).Key topics include:·       U.S. policy shifts from Trump to Biden·       The rise of ISIS-K and regional terrorism threats·       Challenges of working with the Taliban and neighboring powers·       The moral and strategic dilemmas of engagementThis episode offers a timely, candid look at one of America’s most complex foreign policy challenges.Links to the Show:• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Student Blog• Jonathan Schroden’s Article in the Journal of Strategic Security• “Policy Options for Securing U.S. Interests in Afghanistan” Decision Briefs• CNA WebsiteGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Polarization Feels Unstoppable. Will it Destroy Democracy? In this episode of At the Boundary, we explore how America’s deepening divides are shaking the very foundations of democracy. Dr. Josh Scacco—USF’s first-ever Carnegie Fellow and founding director of the Center for Sustainable Democracy—joins us to dissect the troubling link between political polarization, public trust, and national security. From social media echo chambers and disinformation to local political violence and eroding public health consensus, Scacco explains why polarization feels so relentless—and what it could ultimately cost us. He also reveals his new research on vaccine attitudes in Latino and Hispanic communities, showing how polarized messaging threatens long-term democratic resilience. Most importantly, we discuss practical ways to rebuild trust and civic engagement, starting close to home. If you’re concerned about America’s democratic future—or just curious about how communication shapes the security landscape—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Episode Links:Receive Updates on the first Florida Security Forum (Nov 4: Port and Maritime Security: Risks & Resilience)GNSI Decision Brief: Assessing BRICS Gold HoldingsThe Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous TimesGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Senior Director Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jeff Rogg, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, about his new book The Spy in the State: The History of American Intelligence. Drawing on both history and current events, they explore the enduring coordination struggles in the U.S. intelligence community, tensions between executive and legislative oversight, and how the balance between liberty and security continues to evolve.Dr. Rogg explains why U.S. intelligence has often been accused of failure, from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, and how a lack of coordination among its many agencies, not a single department, plays a central role. The discussion also tackles the complex relationship between the intelligence community (IC) and the American public, and the growing challenges posed by domestic surveillance, new technologies, and public expectations. Key topics:• Coordination struggles and failures in U.S. intelligence• Executive vs. legislative tensions in intelligence oversight• The rise and limits of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)• Domestic surveillance, technology, and threats to civil liberties• Public perception of intelligence and its impact on policyLinks From the episode:• Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity | GNSI Policy Dialogues• Axis of Resistance Episode 4: Iraq Panel | GNSI Research Initiative• "At the Boundary:" SPECIAL EPISODE Iran's Breaking Point: Missiles, Miscalculation and Reckoning• “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeffrey P. RoggGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this urgent special episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Arman Mahmoudian offers in-depth, real-time analysis of the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has now drawn in the United States. Following a U.S. and Israeli joint strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has shifted dramatically. Mahmoudian breaks down the consequences of the precision bombing campaign, which reportedly dealt serious blows to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, air defenses, and military leadership. He also explores Tehran’s limited response, the strategic calculus behind it, and what this means for the future of U.S. policy in the region.The conversation covers the potential collapse—or evolution—of Iran’s long-standing Axis of Resistance, the possibility of asymmetric retaliation, and the regime’s internal struggle to maintain control amid leadership losses. This episode delivers timely insights into one of the most consequential flashpoints in international affairs.Be sure to also check out the GNSI Research Initiative, Axis of Resistance, led by Dr. Mahmoudian. It's a comprehensive analysis of the small group of countries and non-state actors brought together by Iran in a loose coalition to destabilize the region.  # # # #GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! It’s been over 50 years since the U.S. transitioned to an all-volunteer military force. But with rising threats from China, the demands of modern warfare, and persistent recruiting shortfalls, is it time to ask the unthinkable: Could the draft return? In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with Katherine Kuzminski, Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), to explore whether the U.S. military is prepared to scale up in a great-power conflict. Together, they discuss: • Legal, cultural, and logistical roadblocks to reinstating the draft • The gender equity questions that could halt a draft in court • What history (and “Nifty Nugget”) teaches us about readiness • Why deterrence might depend on preparing for the very thing we hope to avoid Kuzminski draws on her experience to unpack what mobilization really requires, including processing capacity, civilian coordination, and a whole-of-government draft authority. With America's defense industrial base under pressure, this conversation tackles one of the hardest questions in U.S. national security today: If the moment comes, can we rise to meet it?Links from the episode:• The Golden Dome for America • From Attrition to Asymmetry: A Strategic Assessment of Recent Developments in the Russia-Ukraine War"What's Really Happening?" Podcast Episodes:• Is the “Golden Dome” the Future of U.S. Nuclear Missile Defense?• Is Operation Spiderweb a Glimpse Into the Future of Conflict? GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Found over 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface, polymetallic nodules may hold the key to powering the future. In this episode, Dr. Mark Luther, Director of the Ocean Monitoring and Prediction Lab at USF and President Elect of the International Marine Mineral Society, joins us to explore how deep seabed mining could help meet global demand for critical minerals like cobalt, manganese, and iron.What is deep seabed mining, and how does it compare to land-based mining?What kinds of minerals are harvested—and why is cobalt so vital for battery safety and energy transition?How are these resources collected from the seafloor, and what are the environmental risks, including sediment plumes and disruption of deep-sea ecosystems?Dr. Luther shares insights on how close we are to commercial operations, including updates from the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), and why the Cook Islands could potentially meet all global battery mineral needs for the next 30 years. He also explains the ongoing development of the international mining code, the role of the International Seabed Authority, and how the U.S might  be signaling new deep sea mining ambitions through recent executive orders.What investments and policies should the U.S. prioritize now to stay competitive in deep sea mineral access? And can we mine the ocean responsibly without repeating the mistakes of land-based extraction?Register for the Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity here! Presented by the GNSI at USF,  in partnership with the University of Paris-Saclay, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity and the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and ComputingLearn more about Dr. Luther and his work: 🌐USF College of Marine Science 🌐USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies 🌐International Marine Mineral SocietyJSS – Special Issue on AfghanistanRead the issue here.GNSI Signs Academic Agreement with Poland’s War Studies UniversityGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, Dr. Nicolas Sabouret of the University of Paris-Saclay joins GNSI’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer to preview the upcoming Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity. Together, they explore how France and the U.S. approach cybersecurity—from technical expertise in cryptography and networks to the policy implications of securing national infrastructure. It’s a candid, international look at cybersecurity education, research, and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or tech enthusiast, you’ll find insights on the future of global cyber strategy. Episode Links:Webpage and Registration for The Transatlantic Forum on CybersecurityGNSI Newsletter Issue #27GNSI Video Series: Dr. Golfo Alexopoulos with Peter PomerantsevGNSI Video Series: Dr. Matthew Ford with Students from FSP####GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this episode of At the Boundary, Dr. Andrew Whiskeyman sits down with Milo McBride of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to explore one of the most consequential issues in global security today: the race for critical minerals and the future of energy transition.From solar and battery innovation to deep sea mining and friendshoring strategies, this conversation breaks down how access to rare earth elements, lithium, and other essential materials is reshaping geopolitics, military readiness, and climate ambitions. McBride shares why China’s dominance in energy supply chains is a structural challenge for the U.S., how new geothermal and battery storage technologies could offer a way forward, and what policies might close the gap between environmental ideals and practical realities.If you care about energy security, emerging tech, or the intersection of national strategy and sustainability, this is a must-listen.GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! In this Memorial Day edition of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso sits down with Colonel Allan Peterson, the Danish senior national representative to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the new chairman of its 35-nation military coalition. Based in Tampa, Florida, this enduring coalition was born out of the post-9/11 fight against terrorism—but its mission has since evolved dramatically.Colonel Peterson offers a rare insider’s look at how partner nations are collaborating on today’s most pressing security challenges, from freedom of navigation in the Red Sea to the uncertain futures of Iraq and Syria. As global attention shifts to the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine, why does the Middle East still demand a dedicated multinational presence? And what makes this coalition, quietly operating inside MacDill Air Force Base, such a strategic asset?If you're interested in defense policy, military coalitions, or U.S. foreign relations in the Middle East, this episode delivers timely insight into a vital—but often overlooked—pillar of American national security strategy. GNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you! Description: In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso sits down with Dr. Tracey Pérez Koehlmoos—Director of the Center for Health Services Research and Doctoral Programs in Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University—to explore how lessons from the Ukraine war are reshaping U.S. battlefield medicine.From the death of the "Golden Hour" to the rise of drone evacuations and mobile surgical units, this conversation examines how the U.S. military is preparing for medical realities in future conflicts—especially across vast, maritime regions like INDOPACOM.Topics include: • Why traditional evacuation timelines are no longer reliable • Medical innovation in low-air-superiority environments • Field surgeries, hospital trains, and rapid-deployment surgical ships • Challenges of sustaining operating rooms at sea • Digitizing battlefield medical records • Impacts of aging fighting forces and declining youth healthFollow the GNSI Podcast At the Boundary for weekly conversations on global security, strategy, and defense innovation.Links from the episode:• GNSI YouTube page• Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity with GNSI, Paris-Saclay, and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity• “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeff RoggGNSI on X GNSI on LinkedinGNSI on YouTubeAt the Boundary  from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida,  features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus. The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.