Midrats

Latest Episodes:

Episode 759: Maritime Service Revival, with Brent Sadler Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

In creating a maritime renaissance in the U.S., there is a lot of work, discussion, and money going toward not just buying more ships, but also expanding the industrial base and training skilled tradespeople to make that expansion possible. A cornerstone of this should be training more dedicated Merchant Mariners and employing their skills in a better way.
Returning to Midrats is Brent D. Sadler to discuss this and related topics. Along with Hollins Randolph and Peter Lynch, he co-authored a report at Heritage, Time to Bring Back the U.S. Maritime Service to Support America’s Maritime Revival and a Wartime Economy, that we will use as a basis for our conversation.
Brent is Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, and a retired U.S. Navy Captain.
Summary
This episode features Brent Sadler from the Heritage Foundation discussing the urgent need to revitalize the US maritime industry, focusing on the reactivation of the US Maritime Service, improving merchant marine training, and enhancing logistics for national security and wartime readiness.
Chapters
00:00: Revitalizing Naval Power and Merchant Marine Support
02:34: The Importance of Merchant Mariners
06:19: Organizational Challenges in Maritime Operations
12:17: Credentialing and Training Issues
15:06: The TidalWave Project and Sea Lift Requirements
20:03: Leadership and Cultural Shifts in Maritime Services
25:10: Immediate Solutions for Maritime Needs
30:39: Addressing Vulnerabilities in Maritime Logistics

Episode 758: Mid Month Free for All May 18, 2026

Show notes

Blockades, 11-month deployments, the Vietnam War, shipbuilding plans, and some love for our friends from The Philippines…a full plate for a Midrats Free for All.
Summary
This episode covers the recent return of the USS Gerald Ford after a 326-day deployment, the significance of naval operations, shipbuilding plans, and geopolitical considerations in the Indo-Pacific region. The hosts analyze naval readiness, technological advancements, and strategic challenges facing the US Navy.
Show Links

Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Overview of the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment
10:01: Lessons Learned from the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment
14:24: Historical Context of Carrier Deployments
22:29: Life on Deployment: Experiences and Morale
30:27: Current Naval Operations and Future Considerations
33:02: The Ongoing Naval Operations in the Persian Gulf
38:55: Challenges in Aircraft Carrier Deployment
44:47: The Future of Shipbuilding and Naval Assets
50:54: The Role of Nuclear Power in Modern Naval Warfare
56:52: International Naval Cooperation and Exercises

Episode 757: May Maritime Melee May 04, 2026

Show notes

Summary
This episode explores the strategic maritime operations off the Straits of Hormuz, the impact of economic sanctions on Iran, and the future of naval amphibious forces. Experts discuss the nuances of naval blockade effectiveness, the importance of leadership in amphibious ships, and the broader geopolitical implications.
Show Links

Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Maritime Topics
01:58: The Blockade in the Straits of Hormuz
06:47: Understanding the Impact of Blockades
09:56: Economic Pressure on Iran
12:57: The Role of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
18:01: Challenges of Regime Change in Iran
24:00: Lessons from Iraq and Venezuela
31:26: Naval Readiness and Command Changes
34:54: Navigating Command Structures in the Navy
39:00: The Role of Surface Warfare Officers
42:03: Career Pathways in Amphibious Warfare
45:47: The Future of Amphibious Forces
53:02: Leadership Changes in the Navy
\01:00:04: Foreign Ship Designs and Naval Strategy

Episode 756: Latin American Policy, with Dr. Colin Dueck Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

Summary
This episode features Dr. Colin Dueck, with Mark and Sal, discussing the historical and strategic importance of U.S. policy towards Latin America, the evolution of the Monroe Doctrine, and current challenges and opportunities in the hemisphere. Discussion is centered on how U.S. foreign policy can shape the future of the region amid great power competition.
Show Links

Why the Monroe Doctrine Still Matters, Colin Dueck
Dr. Colin Dueck’s AEI page
China’s Growing Influence in Latin America, Council on Foreign Relations
Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America
The band The Minutemen circa 1985

Chapters
00:00: Introduction to U.S. Policy in Latin America
03:08: Historical Context of U.S. Influence
06:10: The Monroe Doctrine and Its Evolution
08:49: Cold War Dynamics in Latin America
11:30: Post-Cold War Attitudes and Challenges
14:37: Recent Political Shifts in Latin America
17:22: The Rise of Conservative Governments
19:53: Crime and Governance in Latin America
23:02: Future Implications for U.S.-Latin America Relations
28:33: Revitalizing Latin America: Opportunities and Challenges
29:26: Political Dynamics in Latin America: A Regional Overview
36:00: Energy Resources: The Key to Economic Development
37:51: China’s Influence in Latin America: A Double-Edged Sword
47:03: Strategic U.S. Engagement: Priorities for the Future
Dr. Colin Dueck is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he is focusing on the interconnection between US national security strategies and party politics, conservative ideas, and presidential leadership. He is also a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, where he is the faculty adviser for the Alexander Hamilton Society. A senior nonresident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, he has also served as a foreign policy adviser on several Republican presidential campaigns.
Dr. Dueck is the author of three books on American foreign and national security policies: The Obama Doctrine: American Grand Strategy Today (Oxford University Press, 2015), Hard Line: The Republican Party and US Foreign Policy Since World War II (Princeton University Press, 2010), and Reluctant Crusaders: Power, Culture, and Change in American Grand Strategy (Princeton University Press, 2006). He has testified before Congress and has been published in academic journals and the popular press. These include International Security, Orbis, Political Science Quarterly, the Review of International Studies, Security Studies, World Policy Journal, The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, RealClearPolitics, and National Review.
A Rhodes scholar, Dr. Dueck has a PhD in politics from Princeton University and an MPhil in international relations from Oxford University. He was also awarded a John M. Olin Postdoctoral Fellowship in national security studies by Harvard University. His earlier degrees in history were obtained from the University of Saskatchewan.

Episode 755: Mid-April Free for All Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Summary
This episode features a lively free-for-all discussion covering recent naval operations, geopolitical tensions, naval maintenance issues, and international defense collaborations. The hosts share insights on maritime security, shipbuilding, and the strategic importance of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Topics

Naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz
US Navy maintenance and readiness issues
International defense collaborations in the Indo-Pacific
No one in the Navy has ever been hungry underway
Byron Audler: a good yardbird

Show Links

Chapters
00:00: Introduction
02:19: Recent Strait of Hormuz Activity
07:26: US Navy Intercepts Iranian Ship in Gulf of Oman
11:47: Maintenance Challenges
16:58: USS Boise Maintenance and Accountability
21:40: Naval Readiness and Fleet Sustainability
29:46: Japan-Australia Defense Cooperation and Shipbuilding
38:55: Pacific Region Security and Naval Assets
45:24: China’s Demographics and Economic Outlook
47:26: NASA Moon Mission and Space Exploration
53:14: US-Philippines Relations and Strategic Partnerships
58:41: Naval Food and Morale Myths
59:57: Remembering Byron Audler

Episode 754: European Navies' Lessons, with Alessio Patalano Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

The last four years’ conflicts from the Strait of Hormuz through the Red Sea to the Black Sea have presented a raft of lessons to the navies of Europe. How are they positioned to address the lessons, and what moves are already taking place?
Returning to the Midrats Podcast to discuss this and related topics is Alessio Patalano.
Alessio is a Professor of War and Strategy in East Asia and senior fellow at the Center for Statecraft and National Security at King’s College London, where he specializes in maritime strategic issues.
Summary
In this episode, Alessio Politano, Mark, and Sal engage in a deep discussion on the evolving landscape of naval security, strategic innovation, and the importance of historical and contemporary insights in shaping maritime defense policies.
Main topics include:

The significance of maritime history and its influence on current naval strategies
Challenges facing the UK Royal Navy and European navies amid funding and technological gaps
Modern threats in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and beyond, including missile and drone warfare
Interoperability and technological advancements in NATO naval forces
The strategic importance of autonomous systems and undersea infrastructure resilience

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and overview of current naval strategic challenges
02:11 - Major recent regional conflicts and their global implications
03:09 - Mritime strategy and how history informs modern security
04:48 - The importance of understanding maritime history in policy making
05:45 - Lessons from past empires and their relevance today
07:36 - Strategic literacy among policymakers and military leaders
08:49 - The impact of natural disasters and supply chain disruptions (e.g., Japan 2011)
10:28 - Europe’s response to emerging naval threats and fleet modernization efforts
11:51 - The role of anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) systems in modern warfare
13:23 - Challenges faced by European navies in resource allocation and modernization
14:48 - The Red Sea operations: European and NATO approaches to maritime security
17:01 - Lessons learned from Ukraine and how they influence fleet development
18:24 - The state of the Royal Navy’s readiness and funding issues
19:48 - Upgrades and challenges regarding naval guns and missile defense systems
20:45 - British Navy’s current strategic considerations and historical perspective
22:23 - Political and financial factors impacting UK naval capabilities
23:13 - The importance of strategic investments and capability development
26:33 - The role of autonomous systems and unmanned vessels in future naval missions
33:24 - Regional missile threats, focusing on Iran and Chinese developments
37:18 - Europe’s plans for missile defense and cooperation with the U.S.
44:36 - The significance of interoperability and joint exercises
50:07 - Building resilience through technology, autonomy, and international collaboration
55:09 - Critical infrastructure protection in the Baltic and North Sea
62:57 - Future trajectories for European and Asian navies
63:13 - Alessio’s upcoming projects and publications
Resources & Links:

Books by Alessio Patalano
The Sun Also Rises — by Ernest Hemingway
Fleet Tactics and Naval Operations, Third Edition — by Wayne Hughes:
Centre for Statecraft and National Security at King’s College London
Books by Sam J. Tangredi
Project Beehive
Russia probing of the UK seabed resources
NATO’s Baltic Sentry

Episode 753: The Case for Pacific Optimism, with Blake Herzinger Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Having trouble keeping up with the world around you? Head swirling with too much?
You’re not alone. Good news…we’ll get you all caught up and set right.
Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Blake Herzinger.
Blake Herzinger is Microsoft’s Defense and National Security Policy Lead for Asia. Previously, he led policy strategy and advocacy at Citi across North and South Asia and Australia, advised senior leaders on geopolitical and regulatory trends at Indo-Pacific Advisors, and held roles at Twitter and Booz Allen Hamilton focused on defense policy, risk, and market strategy. He has been affiliated with think tanks including the American Enterprise Institute and the US Studies Centre in Sydney. From 2008 to 2017, Blake served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer; he continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He holds an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) and a B.A. in Political Science from Brigham Young University.
He speaks English and Bulgarian.
In this episode:

The significance of Japan increasing its defense expenditure to 2% of GDP and regional implications
Japan’s soft power growth through development aid and maritime security contributions
The increasing security cooperation between Japan, Australia, South Korea, and regional partners
How regional maritime choke points affect security and trade resilience
The digital revolution in shipbuilding and defense modernization efforts
The strategic importance of AUKUS and integrated supply chains for alliance strength
Insights into Singapore’s strategic posture and its partnerships in Southeast Asia
Challenges in defense procurement, cyber security, and digital infrastructure resilience
The shifting dynamics of global energy supply and regional economic interests

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the regional security context
02:05 - Blake Herzinger’s role and current focus in Asia
02:33 - Japan’s defense spending increase and regional security implications
03:56 - Japan’s relationships with neighbors and regional development efforts
04:50 - Japan’s soft power in Southeast Asia and maritime security contributions
05:43 - Japan’s defense export initiatives and security cooperation
07:43 - Personal experiences with Japan-U.S. naval exercises and alliance benefits
08:13 - Japan’s assertiveness regarding Taiwan and regional security alignments
08:46 - Building security networks among U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific
09:36 - The evolution of regional defense partnerships and trilateral arrangements
10:01 - Historical context of Pacific conflicts and current opportunities for cooperation
11:20 - The non-expansionist nature of current regional disputes and interests overlap
12:15 - The growing economic and security ties around Southeast Asia
13:26 - Japan’s defense uplift post-Shangri-La Dialogue and its regional impact
14:01 - Ukraine’s influence on Japan and regional resilience initiatives
15:04 - Cyber warfare, critical infrastructure, and future regional security challenges
16:17 - Maritime choke points’ strategic importance and regional defense planning
17:41 - U.S. and regional shipbuilding efforts, technological modernization
18:48 - Evolving international relationships beyond traditional hubs
20:01 - The growing defense collaborations across Asia and beyond
21:35 - The importance of digital infrastructure and cyber security in defense
22:53 - The challenge of modernizing shipbuilding through data and digital supply chains
24:07 - Regional energy security, oil dependencies, and diversifying supplies
26:21 - Australia’s energy policies and regional resilience strategies
29:33 - The potential of nuclear energy and green energy initiatives in Asia
31:18 - The strategic significance of AUKUS and regional perceptions
36:54 - Modernizing defense logistics, munition production, and industrial cooperation
38:21 - Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles in defense modernization and tech sharing
40:30 - The ongoing efforts to evolve U.S. defense capabilities and partnership standards
43:18 - Australian and Japanese shipbuilding cooperation and regional interoperability
46:49 - Singapore’s strategic posture, partnerships, and regional stability efforts
51:24 - Final thoughts: emerging issues and the importance of optimism in security
54:12 - Blake’s recent publications, ongoing initiatives, and staying connected
Resources & Links:

Managing the Unbreakable Alliance: Agreements, Core Instruments, and Related Documents, by Blake Herzinger
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
As the US Navy just demonstrated, war at sea is global, John Andrews at ASPI
Mobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III, Shyam Sankar and Madeline Hart

Episode 752: March NATSEC Free-for-All Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

After a series of great guests, the Midrats Podcast returns this week with the ever popular, “Free-for-All” format!It’s just Mark and me for the full hour as we discuss the latest developments from the Iranian conflict and elsewhere.
Summary
Sal and Mark discuss the meticulous planning behind military operations, the nuances of Iran’s strategic posture, and the broader implications for global security. Whether you’re a defense enthusiast or a security professional, this discussion sheds light on the complexity and professionalism inherent in modern military planning.
In this episode:

The myth of spontaneous military actions and the importance of detailed operational planning
Decades of strategic intelligence and military preparation on Iran
The layered process of deliberate planning, from high-level directives to tactical execution
The significance of coalition operations, particularly with Israel, and target division strategies
How the U.S. and allies use phased operations to achieve specific objectives and measure success
The potential long-term impacts of current operations on Iran’s regime and regional stability
The role of misinformation and the importance of diversified information sources in understanding geopolitical events
Insights on missile defense systems, threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and implications for Europe and Asia
Reflections on Iranian capabilities, internal resistance, and future regional conflicts

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
00:42 - The importance of deliberate military planning
02:24 - Iran’s decades-long strategic preparation
03:46 - Hierarchical planning from national directives to tactical execution
05:05 - Goals of the recent operations and response to higher command
06:57 - The reality of complex war plans, including branch and serial strategies
08:15 - Collaboration with Israel and target sharing
09:29 - Long-term planning and crisis adaptation
10:55 - Asset management and tactical operational adjustments
12:30 - The process of assessing mission success and defining end states
15:39 - Comparative military experience of the U.S. and Israel
17:02 - Duration and exit strategies for military operations
18:17 - How success is measured and operational end points
19:38 - Risks of mission creep and regime stability post-operation
21:11 - Insights from military leadership on regime resilience
22:58 - Impacts of leadership losses and succession in Iran
24:44 - Potential for regime radicalization and future conflicts
27:40 - Clarification on key geographic targets in the Strait of Hormuz
30:01 - Ballistic missile threats to Europe and the U.S.
33:07 - Iranian missile development and regional motivations
36:15 - Defense systems in Europe and political considerations
43:03 - China’s position regarding tanker escort and regional interests
50:38 - Focus on geographic hotspots and missile threats near Iran
52:29 - Israeli agility and sensor capabilities in targeting
57:41 - Internal resistance within Iran and revolution prospects
59:34 - Strategic patience and operational objectives
60:10 - Teaser for next week’s guest: Blake Herzinger
Show Links:

Episode 751: Dmitry Gorenberg on Russia in year five of the war Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Here we find ourselves approaching the fifth spring of the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022.As the rest of the world’s geopolitical landscape changes dramatically, Russia’s “friend group” shrinks, and Ukraine’s friends grow weary and distracted, where is the war moving and where could we expect Russia to adjust for another year of conflict?
Returning to Midrats again to discuss this and related issues is Dr. Dmitry Gorenburg, a Senior Research Scientist in the Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs division of CNA, where he has worked since 2000.
Dr. Gorenburg is an associate at the Harvard University Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and previously served as Executive Director of the American Association of the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS). His research interests include security issues in the former Soviet Union, Russian military reform, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Dr. Gorenburg is author of Nationalism for the Masses: Minority Ethnic Mobilization in the Russian Federation (Cambridge University Press, 2003), and has been published in journals such as World Politics and Post-Soviet Affairs. He currently serves as editor of Problems of Post-Communism and was also editor of Russian Politics and Law from 2009 to 2016. Dr. Gorenburg received a B.A. in international relations from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University.
Summary
In this episode, we explore the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, marking its fifth spring, and analyze Russia’s current military strategy, technological dependencies, economic adjustments, and geopolitical efforts. Our expert guest, Dr. Dmitry Gorenberg, a senior research scientist at CNA, provides insights into Russia’s military tactics, technological challenges, and international alliances, painting a comprehensive picture of a pivotal moment in the conflict.
Key Topics:

The significance of the fifth spring of the Russia-Ukraine war and its implications
The role and impact of Starlink and Russian anti-satellite capabilities
Russian military tactics: steady grinding, troop mobilization, and drone warfare
The Russian psyche regarding prolonged conflict and public sentiment
The influence of repression and government control on information dissemination
Economic resilience: sanctions, oil prices, and support from BRICS nations
Russia’s strategic partnerships: Venezuela, Iran, China, and others
The role of sabotaging NATO and Western countries to weaken collective defense
Information warfare: Russian propaganda, disinformation, and influence operations
Technological dependencies: reliance on US-based satellite systems and Chinese components
Russian military leadership: promotions, strategic updates, and future outlooks
The geopolitics of energy, with focus on shadow fleets and the Straits of Hormuz

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and overview of Russia’s fifth spring in the Ukraine conflict
02:09 - The impact of cutting off Starlink and communication disruptions on the front lines
04:20 - Russian troop mobilization strategies and tactics
05:39 - External foreign fighters: North Koreans, North Africans, and recruitment trends
08:33 - Russian public perception and cultural narrative about the war’s longevity
09:29 - The influence of repression, propaganda, and societal attitudes in Russia
12:46 - Government control of communications, internet censorship, and surveillance
16:15 - Russia’s dependence on US satellite systems and Chinese technology
17:36 - Russia’s technological gap: Satellites, GPS, and domestically developed systems
19:10 - Economic impacts: sanctions, oil prices, and Russia’s financial resilience 21:25 - Russia’s efforts with BRICS and global network of allies to bypass sanctions
23:24 - The role of Venezuela, Iran, and other countries in Russia’s geopolitical web
27:06 - Russia’s sabotage operations against NATO and Western nations
30:13 - Political influence campaigns, disinformation, and influence operations
32:09 - Reflection on Cold War-era propaganda and current information strategies
33:38 - The use of media, social platforms, and online influence in shaping narratives
37:40 - Historical perspective on propaganda, public manipulation, and media control
39:51 - Modern military technology, including missile attacks and Ukraine’s defense
42:11 - The evolving missile landscape, targeting energy infrastructure and battlefield logistics
44:46 - Russia’s advanced satellite capabilities: intercepting and maneuvering satellites
46:47 - External support for Russia: North Korean, Iranian weapons, and China’s role
48:00 - Chinese technology and components aiding Russia’s military industry
50:17 - Russia’s long-term concerns about China’s rising dominance
52:24 - Russia’s diplomatic and military support networks in Latin America and beyond
54:00 - Shadow tanker ships, oil sanctions, and economic strategies related to energy
55:47 - The geopolitical implications of oil sales, shadow fleets, and global markets
57:06 - Russia’s support to Iran: targeting capabilities and strategic assistance
58:21 - Ukraine’s recent military developments and regional connections
60:59 - Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity and regional alliances
62:24 - Russia’s outreach and support to Middle Eastern countries; strategic intentions
64:39 - Future outlook: military promotions, strategic planning, and the war’s trajectory

Resources & Links:

Episode 750: Springtime for the PRC with Dean Cheng Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

The first quarter of 2026 still has three weeks to go, but the assumptions and friend group of the People’s Republic of China has changed dramatically.
Recent changes in the assumptions concerning Venezuela, Iran, Japan, and other nations will impact the national security concerns of the West’s greatest challenger on the world stage.
Returning to the Midrats Podcast today from 5-6 PM Eastern to discuss will be Dean Cheng.
Dean is a Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 14 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009.
Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex.He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China’s Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs.
Show Links

Dean Cheng’s article on Chinese military purges
An Army at Dawn, by Rick Atkinson
China’s HQ‑9B Defense System Under Scrutiny

Summary
In this episode, Dean Cheng discusses China’s strategic posture, military reforms, cyber capabilities, and the implications of recent global events on China’s long-term plans. We explore China’s economic outlook, military modernization, regional influence, and the impact of purges within the PLA.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Context of Global Tensions
03:01: China’s Strategic Position and Five-Year Plan
07:07: Defense Spending and Global Security Concerns
10:05: China’s Vulnerabilities and Energy Security
11:44: Military Purges and Leadership Control
18:22: Military Readiness and Combat Experience
23:27: Testing Chinese Military Equipment in Conflicts
28:45: Global Arms Market and Strategic Alliances
30:24: Military Culture and Learning from Underperformance
32:57: Training and Realistic Combat Experience
35:40: Cyber Warfare and Electronic Warfare Concerns
38:05: Regional Conflicts and China’s Diplomatic Stance
40:46: China’s Image and Political Warfare
44:48: Shifts in Global Alliances and Economic Influence
47:34: The Importance of Economic Engagement
50:25: China’s Diplomatic Approach to Neighbors
54:16: Cyber Threats and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected