In this episode of The Burn Bag, A’ndre Gonawela sits down with Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, to examine immigration as a foreign-policy and national-security issue. Drawing on her own family’s journey from Sri Lanka, her service at the State Department and Obama White House, and her work leading one of the country’s major refugee-serving organizations, Krish explains how U.S. policy toward refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants reverberates far beyond America’s borders.

Krish discusses what gets lost when immigration is treated only as a domestic-policy debate, how restrictive policies can affect U.S. soft power and alliances, and why people fleeing conflict or persecution often see America’s immigration system as a test of its global leadership. Krish also discusses the strategic consequences of framing immigrants as threats, climate migration as a growing security challenge, and the role faith communities and civil society play in welcoming newcomers.

This conversation goes beyond the book to ask bigger questions about dissent itself: What separates genuine dissidence from performative rebellion? When does courage become recklessness? Why do authoritarian systems fear humor, memory, and witness? And how can acts of conscience become movements capable of changing history?

Drawing on his decades of work fighting tuberculosis, cholera, AIDS, and community violence, Dr. Slutkin explains how violence spreads through exposure, trauma, social networks, and norms — and how it can be interrupted using tools adapted from public health. We discuss why punishment-first approaches often fall short, how violence interrupters work on the ground, and what this model can teach us about community violence, political extremism, authoritarianism, and war.

At a time when violence is shaping communities, politics, and conflicts around the world, Dr. Slutkin offers a different diagnosis — and a more hopeful path toward prevention.

You can find Dr. Slutkin's book, The End of Violence, here.

The conversation covers U.S.-China competition across trade, technology, national security, and Taiwan, while examining where current policy debates may benefit from what Zhengyu believes are more evidence-based assumptions. Zhengyu also discusses economic decoupling, deterrence, the China Initiative, and the role of Chinese Americans in U.S. national security debates.

Together, A’ndre and Zhengyu discuss how Washington can think more clearly about competition with China while avoiding overreach, miscalculation, and unnecessary escalation.

What happens when data centers become wartime targets? How vulnerable is the infrastructure powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the global economy? And what could attacks on commercial compute hubs mean for markets, businesses, and ordinary Americans?

On this episode of The Burn Bag, A’ndre Gonawela speaks with Morgan C. Plummer about the growing strategic importance of AI infrastructure in an era of geopolitical conflict. They discuss why commercial cloud infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a high-value target, how disruptions to data centers could ripple through the global economy, and what governments can do to protect the digital backbone of modern life.

In this episode, Andre sits down with Nilanthi Samaranayake to unpack how these states are balancing great-power competition, maritime security challenges, and economic vulnerability. They explore how energy shocks spawned by the U.S.-Iran War are reshaping foreign policy decisions, the growing strategic importance of ports and sea lanes, and how smaller states are hedging to preserve autonomy amid intensifying rivalry between India, China, and the United States.

The conversation also examines India’s evolving role as a regional crisis manager and what the future holds for smaller states navigating an Indian Ocean that is becoming more contested, more strategic — and more consequential than ever.

Rapp-Hooper explains how the international system is undergoing a fundamental transition driven not just by political leaders like Donald Trump, but by deeper shifts in global power, technology, and economics. These changes are unfolding as the United States and China compete for influence, while allies and emerging powers chart more independent paths.

In this conversation, Rapp-Hooper explains:

• What the “international order” actually is—and why it’s so hard to define
• Why 2025 may mark the end of the post–Cold War global system
• How China’s rise and the diffusion of power are reshaping geopolitics
• Why U.S.–China competition is structural, but not a new Cold War
• Why there’s no going back to the pre-2016 or pre-2024 foreign policy status quo
• How alliances are evolving beyond military cooperation into tech and supply chains
• What burden sharing actually means—and why it’s often misunderstood

As global tensions rise and the rules of the international system are rewritten in real time, this episode provides a clear framework for understanding where the world is headed—and how the United States fits into it.

In this episode of the Burn Bag Podcast, A’ndre Gonawela is joined by Vali Nasr, the Majid Khadduri Professor of Middle East Studies and International Affairs at Johns Hopkins SAIS and one of the leading scholars of Iranian politics and Shia leadership structures.

Nasr breaks down the power structure of the Islamic Republic following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the rise of his son Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. The leadership transition comes as the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate, with Tehran threatening to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and expand attacks across the region.

In this conversation, Nasr explains:

• Who Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was and how he shaped modern Iran
• How the Supreme Leader actually governs inside the Islamic Republic
• The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran’s power structure
• What Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership means for the regime and the war
• Who is making wartime decisions inside Iran right now
• Whether the conflict represents an existential fight for the Islamic Republic

As the war intensifies and global energy markets react to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, this episode provides a clear guide to how Iran’s leadership thinks — and what it means for the future of the conflict.

The conversation also examines the sustainability of the U.S.–Israeli air campaign, the role of munitions production and drone warfare, and how the United States can manage escalation as Iran retaliates across the region. Esper weighs in on the strategic implications of leadership decapitation following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the widening geographic scope of the conflict, including the U.S. strike on an Iranian vessel near Sri Lanka. He concludes with his assessment of how the conflict could end — and what advice he would give the president at this critical moment.

They examine how Tehran is likely interpreting the strikes, why this moment differs from past U.S.–Iran flare-ups, and what Iran’s retaliation ladder could look like across missiles, proxies, maritime disruption, and asymmetric tools. The conversation also explores the risks of regional spillover, why Iran is hitting the Gulf states, the leadership shock inside Iran, and whether any credible off-ramp still exists.

With tensions rising across the Gulf and no clear endgame in sight, this episode breaks down what policymakers, businesses, and observers should be watching next.

Read Javed's piece in the conversation here.

As tensions between Washington and Tehran escalate, the risk of military confrontation looms large. Alex Vatanka provides an in-depth analysis of the regime's response to the protests, including internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and the use of force. He discusses the implications of these actions on regime stability and the risks of further escalation both within Iran and across the region. The conversation delves into the generational divide, the regime's ideological rigidity, and the potential for military defections.

Listeners will gain insights into the complex dynamics at play, including the role of the Iranian military, the influence of foreign powers, and the potential for regime change. This episode is essential for anyone interested in understanding the current crisis in Iran and its implications for the Middle East.

Follow Alex Vatanka on X @AlexVatanka and explore more of his insightful analysis on his MEI page.

In recent weeks, a fragile ceasefire and phased integration agreement has put Syrian Interior Ministry forces back into major cities like Hasakeh and Qamishli. On paper, the deal could mark the beginning of Syria’s re-centralization. However, that fragility was exposed in early 2026, when fighting broke out between the SDF and Syrian government forces, raising fresh doubts about whether integration can hold.

In this episode of The Burn Bag, A’ndre Gonawela sits down with Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute, to provide a clear, ground-level primer on what’s actually happening — and what could come next.

Together, they unpack how Syria’s political map shifted after Assad’s fall and why the Syrian Democratic Forces remain central to the country’s trajectory. The discussion breaks down what the March 2025 integration framework actually required, why talks stalled ahead of the January escalation, and what Interior Ministry deployments into Hasakeh and Qamishli signal about Damascus’ return to the northeast. They also examine how Arab tribal defections reshaped eastern Syria, whether ISIS is quietly adapting, how the U.S. posture may evolve, and the most likely paths ahead — consolidation, hybrid control, or renewed conflict.

Follow Charles on X @Charles_Lister and check out his other work here.

Dr. Joja explains how Russia is pursuing a long-term strategy focused on maintaining relevance rather than dominance, using selective military presence, economic engagement, energy diplomacy, and partnerships with regional actors including Iran, Gulf states, and eastern Libya. The episode also explores Russia’s coordination with Iran short of a formal alliance, its ties to regional proxies, and how footholds in Libya and the Red Sea expand Moscow’s leverage over Europe, NATO, and global trade routes.

This discussion offers a clear-eyed assessment of what Russia can realistically achieve in the Middle East, where its limits are, and what Moscow’s evolving approach means for U.S. foreign policy, regional stability, and great-power competition going forward.

Host A’ndre Gonawela is joined again by Tony Frangie Mawad, a Venezuela-based journalist and political scientist, to examine how the United States’ intervention reshaped Venezuela’s political landscape overnight. The conversation explores how power is being reconfigured under interim president Delcy Rodríguez, how Venezuelans are reacting on the ground, and why the removal of Maduro has not meant the collapse of the system he left behind.

The episode also unpacks the role of oil, the interests of China and Russia, and the difficult question at the center of this moment: whether Venezuela is headed toward democratic transition, authoritarian stabilization, or something far messier in between.

Read Tony's Politico piece, "What I Saw in Venezuela After Trump Seized Maduro," here.

Together, they trace how a resource-rich country descended into economic collapse and authoritarian rule — examining the role of oil, populism, repression, and policy choices that reshaped Venezuelan society over two decades. The conversation provides essential historical context for understanding why Venezuela’s political system proved so resilient, and why recent events did not emerge in a vacuum.

This is Part One of A'ndre's two-part conversation with Tony on Venezuela. Part Two will examine the U.S. strikes, the arrest of Maduro, and what this turning point means for U.S.–Venezuela relations and the country’s future.

Alexandra explains why nuclear policy has fallen out of public view even as the world edges closer to crisis, and why diplomacy — often undervalued and underfunded — remains the only real mechanism for preventing disaster. Drawing on her experience negotiating the New START Treaty and other engagements, she breaks down the collapse of Cold War–era treaties, the rise of new nuclear states, and the challenge of rebuilding trust in a multipolar world.

We also explore how deterrence theory holds up in an era of political volatility and weapons on minutes-notice alert. Alexandra discusses realistic steps the United States and others could take to reduce tensions, the role of scientific cooperation when politics freeze, and why public engagement has always been the catalyst for major progress on nuclear issues.

As the Doomsday Clock sits closer to midnight than ever, Alexandra makes the case for “fearless diplomacy” — and why, despite the risks, the path away from catastrophe is still possible if governments and citizens choose it.

Our guest, Dr. Steve Fetter — Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, former Assistant Director in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and member of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board — walks us through how nuclear launch authority actually works inside the U.S. system. We explore why the president has sole authority, why that concentration of power is riskier than most Americans realize, and how “launch-on-warning” creates a decision window measured in minutes.

Steve breaks down famous near-miss incidents, the vulnerabilities of command-and-control systems, and his proposal to require concurrence from other top officials before any nuclear order is carried out. The conversation is grounded, accessible, and quietly unsettling — a reminder that deterrence relies on human beings who can make mistakes.

This episode asks a deceptively simple question with civilization-level implications:

How safe is a system that depends on one person getting everything right?

In this first episode, astrophysicist Dr. Laura Grego, Research Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, joins A’ndre Gonawela to break down the science — and the myths — behind missile defense. Grego explains why the United States’ decades-long effort to build a reliable shield against nuclear attack has repeatedly failed, and how those failures risk deepening global instability. From the early “Star Wars” program to today’s multi-billion-dollar “Golden Dome” initiative, she unpacks the physics that make missile interception nearly impossible, the political incentives that keep these programs alive, and the illusion of safety that drives them. The conversation explores how misplaced faith in technology can push the world closer to, not further from, the nuclear threshold.

Ross analyzes how the current ceasefire was reached, the leverage Washington used to pressure both sides, and the uneasy coalition of Arab mediators that made it possible. He breaks down the complex second phase of the agreement — from disarmament and reconstruction to the future governance of Gaza — and assesses whether U.S. engagement can translate coercive diplomacy into lasting stability. Drawing on lessons from Oslo and decades of regional experience, Ross offers an unsentimental look at what it will take for this truce to hold — and whether the United States can still convert leverage into peace in a region defined by mistrust.

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Fauci joins A'ndre for an in-depth conversation about his decades-long career in public health and his experiences leading the U.S. response to some of the world’s most pressing infectious disease challenges. Dr. Fauci reflects on his early work during the HIV/AIDS crisis, the evolution of treatments that saved millions of lives, and his role in launching PEPFAR, one of the most significant global health initiatives in history. He  discusses his leadership at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), navigating crises such as Ebola, Zika, H1N1, anthrax, and COVID-19, while working alongside multiple U.S. presidents to shape national and global health policies.

Beyond his career in government, Dr. Fauci shares his thoughts on the intersection of public health and national security, the growing challenges of vaccine skepticism and misinformation, and the vital role of institutions like the NIH and CDC in protecting public health. He also highlights the major health threats that remain overlooked in mainstream discourse. Now a professor at Georgetown University, Dr. Fauci reflects on his transition to academia and the importance of training the next generation of medical leaders in an era of evolving global health challenges.

You can purchase his recent memoir, On Call, here.

In this episode of The Burn Bag, A’ndre Gonawela speaks with two of the most influential voices in defense innovation: Steve Blank, the father of the Lean Startup movement and co-founder of Hacking for Defense, and Pete Newell, CEO of BMNT and former leader of the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force. Together, they’ve helped release the 2025 PEO Directory—a first-of-its-kind playbook that maps who buys what inside the Pentagon and how startups can navigate the system.

We break down why so many companies fail when they try to sell to the military, what’s changing in the Pentagon’s acquisition culture, and how new reforms could give startups and investors a real shot at competing with defense giants. Steve and Pete also walk through the different paths a startup can take—whether building patiently through government programs or charging directly to the field—and share how founders can take advantage of the PEO Directory.

If you’ve ever wondered how innovation actually gets into the hands of warfighters—or why it so often doesn’t—this conversation is your guide to understanding and changing the system.

Download the 2025 PEO Directory here.

Read Steve Blank's blog post on the Directory here.

The conversation begins with the state of the intelligence community under the Trump administration, exploring the risks of politicization, the purge of seasoned officers, and why analytic integrity depends on clearly distinguishing what is known, unknown, and judged with confidence. McLaughlin also responds to recent political controversies, including DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s claims about the 2016 election and the enduring debate over Russian interference.

Turning to geopolitics, McLaughlin shares his views the War in Ukraine and the Trump administration's handling of Putin's Russia. He also breaks down deterrence with China, including where the U.S. is most deficient in communication, capability, and credibility, and how Washington should approach Taiwan. On the Middle East, he outlines what a realistic U.S. priority stack should be over the next 12 months.

Burns weighs in on the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, including the strategic implications of the Modi–Xi–Putin meeting, and assesses how Xi Jinping’s centralized leadership style has hardened China’s power. He and A’ndre also discuss how Chinese officials view Trump’s return to power and the broader risks and opportunities for U.S. diplomacy in Asia. The former ambassador offers a candid, perspective rooted in his recent on-the-ground experience of China’s evolving strategy and the path forward for American policymakers.

In this conversation, Jim breaks down why he believes the U.S. has been “fighting with one hand tied behind its back,” what it means to be not neutral in global competition, and how Spirit of America became the only nonprofit with a formal partnership with the Department of Defense. We explore how his team works alongside U.S. troops and diplomats in places like Ukraine and Taiwan, strengthening trust, building resilience, and shaping outcomes in the gray zone.

Jim and A’ndre reflect on where civilian support fits in a new era of strategic competition—and what it says about America’s ability to lead without uniformed force.

He discusses Putin’s proposed land-for-peace deal, Zelenskyy’s constrained agency, and the risk that Washington’s approach trades away strategic leverage for short-term optics. Lt. Col. Vindman and A'ndre discuss discuss whether Monday's White House Summit of Trump, Zelenskyy, and European allies actually showcased unity, in addition to the current state of the war. The former NSC official offers a candid assessment of what’s at stake—for Ukraine, for Europe, and for American credibility on the global stage.

Read Lt. Col. Vindman's new book, The Folly of Realism, here.

We dive into the historical roots of the Crimean Tatar struggle, their role in shaping Ukraine’s civic identity, and why Crimea remains central to understanding the war today. From silent protests to grassroots organizing, this conversation spotlights the people and stories often left out of the headlines—but at the heart of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.

Greta's new book, Decolonizing Ukraine: How the Indigenous People of Crimea Remade Themselves after Russian Occupation, is available now.

Now, she’s pushing for a paradigm shift with her Hunter-Gatherer National Security theory — a bold framework that challenges the traditional, militarized view of power and argues that skills like emotional intelligence, civic engagement, and social cohesion are just as vital to national security as military might. Together, A’ndre and Gina explore the deep historical biases embedded in how we define “security,” the concept of evolutionary power, the dangers of neglecting civic education in a democracy, and what a more holistic, evolved security strategy could look like.

Read more about Shubhi here.

The conversation begins with McChrystal’s reflections on the defining moment of his resignation from the military and how it reshaped his understanding of identity, accountability, and integrity. He speaks candidly about navigating fear and how it presents itself in warfare and political polarization. General McChrystal also discusses leadership and accountability, drawing on the examples of prior military leaders such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Topics covered include:

• The personal reckoning after his resignation and how it redefined his understanding of character
• Leading through fear, uncertainty, and moral complexity
• How belief systems and perception shape conflict, politics, and leadership
• Bridging division in a polarized society and restoring trust through integrity

You can purchase On Character here.

Dr. Staniland analyzes the strategic logic behind India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The conversation explores the evolving nature of India and Pakistan's disputes over Kashmir, the role of militant networks, and the risks of escalation in a nuclear-armed region shaped by domestic politics and great power rivalry.

Topics covered include:

• The political and strategic rationale behind India’s cross-border strikes
• Pakistan’s relationship with armed groups and its role in crisis escalation
• Lessons from past India-Pakistan confrontations — and what may be different now
• The role of the U.S., China, and backchannel diplomacy in managing the ceasefire
• How domestic politics contributed to the confrontation

Dr. Staniland offers a uniquely grounded perspective on how South Asia’s most volatile rivalry is evolving — and what to watch for as both countries recalibrate their strategies under rising regional and global pressure.

With decades of experience leading U.S. trade policy across multilateral institutions and bilateral platforms, Linscott offers expert analysis on how tariffs are being used as both an economic and geopolitical tool. The conversation covers the legal basis for executive tariff authority, the mechanics behind President Trump's “reciprocal tariffs,” and how Trump administration’s actions will impact the global trade landscape.

Topics covered include:

• The fundamentals of tariff policy and the legal tools used to implement them

• The scope and possible strategy behind Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs

• Escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and the role of 145% tariffs

• Reactions from key partners such as India, and the broader global economic impact

• How tariffs are being increasingly intertwined with national security concerns

Mark Linscott brings a uniquely informed perspective on how current tariff policies may redefine America’s role in global trade — and what to watch as the economic and political consequences unfold.

The conversation explores how the war in Gaza is shaping political expression in the United States, particularly in the context of university activism, and examines broader questions around immigration policy, civic space, and public discourse. Dr. Munayyer also provides his view on U.S. support for Israel and how this is influencing domestic debates.

Topics covered include:

• The current state of the conflict in Gaza and U.S. policy under both Biden and Trump
• The status of the two-state solution and implications of regional diplomacy
• Campus protests and public discourse surrounding Israel-Palestine
• Recent deportation efforts impacting international students
• The intersection of foreign policy, free expression, and immigration enforcement
• Possible long-term impacts on U.S. civic space and international engagement

Dr. Munayyer authored a chapter Suppressing Dissent: Shrinking Civic Space, Transnational Repression, and Palestine-Israel, which you can find here.

Drawing from his front-row experience during Trump’s first administration, Bolton reflects on the decision-making process he witnessed firsthand: the role of personality, the unpredictability, and the often transactional approach to global affairs. We dig into what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it all means for U.S. national security.

Topics include:

• How Trump’s foreign policy in term two compares to term one
• Who Trump listens to and who he does not, and how that shapes U.S. policy
• The recent NSC firings and what it may signal about who has influence
• Trump’s approach to China, NATO, and the war in Ukraine
• What to make of Trump’s renewed talk of acquiring Greenland — and why Amb. Bolton believes there are real security interests behind the idea
• How Bolton views Trump’s latest tariff decisions through the lens of his leadership style

Amb. Bolton brings his signature candor and deep institutional knowledge to the table as we explore whether the second Trump term is more strategic — or a continuation of its most unpredictable tendencies.

In this conversation, A'ndre asks:

• What laws were likely broken — and do they apply to former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and others in the chat?
• Is the Trump administration’s defense that the info was “unclassified” legally sound — or dangerously misleading?
• Could a journalist face legal exposure for publishing the leaked Signal thread?
• What would’ve happened to a junior officer who made the same mistake?
• Are we in uncharted territory, legally and institutionally, as executive power is increasingly stretched?

Plus, A'ndre and Mark dig into the broader crackdown on law firms and legal professionals seen as critical of the Trump administration, and what it means for checks and balances in the years ahead.

Mark brings his decades of experience — representing whistleblowers, intelligence officers, and journalists — to help us break down the legal implications, national security risks, and systemic dangers of a White House seemingly operating outside the lines.

In this episode, A’ndre Gonawela sits down with Ambassador Steven Pifer, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and a leading expert on U.S.-Russia relations, to dissect the fallout from President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Washington and its impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations. They explore the broader geopolitical ramifications of Zelenskyy’s contentious meeting with President Trump, including Europe’s reaction and the shifting balance of U.S. global leadership. Ambassador Pifer provides insights into the current state of the Russia-Ukraine war, the feasibility of a ceasefire, and Ukraine’s urgent push for security guarantees. The discussion also delves into the historical context of U.S. policy on Ukraine, the evolution of military aid, and mistakes made by past administrations. Ambassador Pifer provides his candid criticisms of President Trump's approach towards Ukraine and Russia, ponders why President Trump is conciliatory towards Russia, and provides his perspective on why the U.S. should continue to aid Ukraine as it fends off the Russian invasion.

This week, A'ndre unpacks the latest developments in U.S.-Russia negotiations and the rising tensions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—highlighting why they mark a significant shift from U.S. policy since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He also examines the impact of DOGE cuts on key federal agencies essential to national security and foreign policy, including those overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile, cybersecurity, and institutions like the CDC, NIH, and USAID.

Additionally, A'ndre breaks down President Trump’s latest tariff announcements since taking office on January 20 and delves into the indictment of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot—along with shocking claims of a plot to poison incumbent President Lula.

Beyond his career in government, Dr. Fauci shares his thoughts on the intersection of public health and national security, the growing challenges of vaccine skepticism and misinformation, and the vital role of institutions like the NIH and CDC in protecting public health. He also highlights the major health threats that remain overlooked in mainstream discourse. Now a professor at Georgetown University, Dr. Fauci reflects on his transition to academia and the importance of training the next generation of medical leaders in an era of evolving global health challenges.

You can purchase his recent memoir, On Call, here.

On the security front, Dr. Madan assesses the rapid growth of U.S.-India defense and technological collaboration while also addressing whether India’s longstanding relationship with Russia has hindered deeper engagement with Washington. The conversation further examines India’s recalibration of its approach to China, as New Delhi and Beijing take steps toward “normalization” following the 2020 border clashes. With Prime Minister Modi set to meet President Trump on February 13, Dr. Madan offers insights into what to expect from the summit and whether the second Trump administration is likely to deepen or complicate the U.S.-India partnership.

The conversation also expands beyond Russia, addressing Moscow’s role in exporting far-right ideology to Eastern Europe and the broader rise of far-right politics across the continent. Professor Laruelle considers whether these trends reflect a broader rejection of the global liberal order or if they are driven by country-specific dynamics. A’ndre and Professor Laruelle then discuss whether growing illiberalism in Europe could signal a deeper shift towards authoritarianism. Finally, they explore whether the rise of far-right politics in the United States mirrors trends in Europe and Russia, or if these movements are shaped by unique national contexts.

NOTE: This episode was recorded on December 17, 2024.

Tahra outlined some of her policy recommendations, emphasizing the need for reforms to CEQA, fire-resistant construction mandates, and proactive wildfire prevention programs to address the growing risks. She also explored why urban neighborhoods tend to be more fire-resistant than suburban areas, the role of housing policy in pushing development into high-risk zones, and the implications of Proposition 103 for California’s insurance market. Tahra advocated for an Operation Warp Speed-style initiative to tackle the wildfire crisis in Los Angeles, integrating innovative solutions and regulatory reforms to build long-term resilience.

You can read Tahra's Medium op-ed, where she outlines her recommendations, here.

They examined Carter’s presidency in the context of the geopolitical landscape of the late 1970s and his approach to diplomacy, contrasting his administration with the subsequent Reagan era. The conversation also touched on Carter’s post-presidential influence on foreign policy through the Carter Center and drew parallels between his legacy redefinition and that of John Quincy Adams.

The discussion then shifted to U.S.-China relations, with Secretary Esper offering his assessment on why the U.S. must do more to deter China in both security and economic spheres. A'ndre and Secretary Esper also delved into the state of innovation within the Department of Defense, examining the effectiveness of innovation initiatives in the U.S. Armed Forces. Secretary Esper reflected on his experience establishing Army Futures Command during his time as Secretary of the Army and discussed the challenges facing the U.S. defense industrial base, including potential munitions shortages related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The conversation concluded with A'ndre asking Secretary Esper about Ukraine's struggles on the battlefield against Russia, why a negotiated settlement appears increasingly likely, and some of the overlooked threats facing the incoming Trump administration.

You can find Secretary Esper's auto-biography, A Sacred Oath, here.

Bishop Curry addresses the church's unique stance on LGBTQ+ rights and reflects on the divisions within the global Anglican communion, particularly regarding Uganda's severe penalties for LGBTQ+ individuals. He also shares his perspective on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and how he approaches conversations about it, given the region's significance to the three major Abrahamic religions.

A'ndre and the Bishop conclude the episode with a discussion on Christian Nationalism, where Bishop Curry offers strong critiques of the concept.

NOTE: This episode was recorded on September 19, several days before the escalation in Southern Lebanon.

They discuss the Quad's history, including its inception in 2004 after the Indian Ocean tsunami, its revitalization in 2017, and why it shouldn't be seen as an "Asian NATO." Aman contrasts the views of the Trump and Biden administrations on the Quad and provides insights into India's engagement in the partnership, highlighting its policy of "multi-alignment."

A'ndre and Aman conclude by previewing this Saturday's summit and discussing potential outcomes and announcements from the four leaders that they expect.

CORRECTION: A’ndre refers to the Quad as a security dialogue in his introduction. While some have referred to the group in this lens, none of the four member-states refer to the Quad as that, and it’s more accurate to refer to the partnership as a diplomatic grouping.

• Senator Bob Menendez's recent conviction that he accepted gold bars to promote policy favored by the Egyptian government; 
• Former NSC official and think tank expert Sue Mi Terry's alleged advocacy of South Korean interests on behalf of her Korean government handlers;
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul's aide Linda Sun's alleged engagement in political activities in China's interest within the governor's office;
• and former Senator Bob Dole's advocacy on behalf of a Russian oligarch.

You can purchase Casey's new book, Foreign Agents, here.

• BIOINT as an Intelligence Collection Method
•  Increasing Threat of Zoonotic Spillover Events
• Matthew McKnight on the Intersection of Biosecurity, Biodefence, National Security, and Related Issues

Roderick and Vice Admiral LeFever have co-authored a book entitled 'End Game First: A Leadership Strategy for Navigating Crisis and Business,' which you can purchase here. 

Erik Gartzke is a Professor of Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and specializes in the impact of information on war. Jon Lindsay is an Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and teaches cybersecurity and international relations. Together they have written numerous articles and recently co-edited the book “Cross-Domain Deterrence: Strategy in an Era of Complexity” which serves as one of the leading sources of modern cross-domain scholarship.

NOTE: In A’ndre’s introduction, he mentioned that Professor Rashid Khalidi was a negotiator for the PLO. The correct statement is that he was an advisor to the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid and Washington Arab-Israeli peace negotiations from October 1991 until June 1993. 

NOTE: In A’ndre’s introduction, he mentioned that Professor Rashid Khalidi was a negotiator for the PLO. The correct statement is that he was an advisor to the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid and Washington Arab-Israeli peace negotiations from October 1991 until June 1993. 

NOTE: In A’ndre’s introduction, he mentioned that Professor Rashid Khalidi was a negotiator for the PLO. The correct statement is that he was an advisor to the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid and Washington Arab-Israeli peace negotiations from October 1991 until June 1993.

• CSIS Space Threat Assessment 2023
• ⁠DIA 2022 Challenges to Security in Space

Join Andrea Ochoa and Amulya Panakam in a discussion with Erin Sikorsky as they break down climate security essentials and what our country should be mindful of looking ahead to future security strategy. Learn more about the domestic and international implications of climate security threats and what a more secure future entails. 

Burn Bag Podcast co-host Andrea and Girl Security Fellows Amanda Hart and Emilie Reitinger join Former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michèle Flournoy and Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence Susan Gordon in a discussion on Refocusing Defense. We talk more in depth about the changing nature of national security priorities in the 21st century, and segue into stakeholder engagement within the national security apparatus.  

Ultimately, how can we rethink our national security approach while maintaining a strong defense? Join us as we delve into these issues and more as both Michèle and Susan bring their wealth of knowledge to the table. 

For our introductory episode, we are joined by Lauren Buitta and Gina Bennett, CEO and Strategic Advisor of Girl Security, respectively. We will go more in depth into the work Girl Security is doing to make the national security field more inclusive, as well as how we can rethink national security to understand the true scope of national security threats. We will introduce our series, and talk a little bit more about Gina’s Hunter-Gatherer National Security as well. We look forward to having you listen as we speak with more guests throughout the series! 

In this introductory episode, A’ndre and Ryan are joined by Trenchcoat Founders Bill Priestap and Holden Triplett to discuss their perspectives on the collision of business and national security and learn what’s in store for our Risky Business series.

Stay tuned for Episode One!

Paul Massaro serves on the staff of the U.S. Helsinki commission. The views expressed here are his own and do not represent an official position of the U.S. government.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/24/ukraine-eu-us-embassy-russia/

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/01/21/russia-sanctions-stop-putin-energy-markets-us-invasion-527524

https://www.fpri.org/article/2022/01/moscows-compellence-strategy/

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2021-12-28/what-putin-really-wants-ukraine

https://warsawinstitute.org/occupied-donbas-stronghold-russian-military/

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1498.html

Ron is currently a Visiting Professor at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. 

This conversation was based on Will’s recent article in USA Today. 

Ambassador Neumann currently serves as the President of the American Academy of Diplomacy, and you can find out more about his work there, here.