NatSec Matters - Beacon Global Strategies LLC

Latest Episodes:

Biosecurity: Matt McKnight Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Andy talks with Matt McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks, about the new frontier of global threats posed by weaponized cell engineering. Matt discusses the need for a comprehensive global monitoring and early detection system, enhanced international cooperation, and a unified defense approach to mitigate the potentially catastrophic impacts of biological events, whether accidental or malicious.

Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Eyal Hulata Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Michael speaks with former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata, now a senior international fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about recent military strikes against Hezbollah, the strategic implications for Iran, and the need for a comprehensive agreement to secure long-term stability in Lebanon. Eyal also warns of the risk of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and highlights the importance of international support for the Iranian people. Their conversation took place just before Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, and Tuesday's Iranian missile barrage.

Punishing Putin: Stephanie Baker Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks with Bloomberg senior writer Stephanie Baker about her new book, Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia, which examines the unprecedented economic statecraft waged by the U.S. and its European allies in response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The book evaluates the effectiveness of sanctions, how Russia is enduring them, and what may happen next.

Michael & Andy: World Roundup Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Michael and Andy discuss their recent travels and the bleak prospects for resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Taiwan's preparedness for a potential Chinese attack, and the unfolding crisis in Venezuela. Michael also shares his son's podcast, "3rd & 33", which focuses on college football.

Decoding the Minds of World Leaders: Jennifer Welch Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Michael explores the world of leadership analysis with former CIA analyst Jennifer Welch. Now the Chief Geoeconomics Analyst for Bloomberg Economics, Jennifer discusses the art and science of crafting detailed profiles of world leaders—from understanding their personal histories to deciphering their strategic mindsets. She reveals how leadership analysis illuminates the human element in global affairs and can make or break diplomatic negotiations.

Israel's Intelligence Failures: Uri Bar-Jospeh Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Michael talks with Israeli intelligence expert Uri Bar-Joseph, who dissects the stunning failure of Israeli intelligence ahead of the October 7th Hamas attack—a "perfect failure" that shook the foundations of Israel's vaunted security apparatus. Tracing the roots of this debacle back decades, Bar-Joseph discusses the fatal flaw in Israel's national security strategy: prioritizing military might over diplomatic engagement. It's part of Uri's new book in Hebrew, 'Beyond the Iron Wall.'

A Window on Russia: Rolf Mowatt-Larssen Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

Michael reintroduces this episode featuring his conversation with former CIA officer Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, who shares unique anecdotes that reveal the Russian mindset, from a puppet show to a symbolic Bolshoi performance. His firsthand experiences in the country explore how history, culture, and psychology shape Russia's worldview—and foreshadow its actions in geopolitics today.

Dismantling the Khan Nuclear Network: Jim Lawler Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Michael reintroduces this episode featuring Andy's conversation with former CIA operative Jim Lawler, who reveals how he and his team unraveled the world's most extensive nuclear proliferation network, led by the 'father of the Islamic bomb,' A.Q. Khan.

Keeping AI in Check: Mary Ellen Callahan Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Andy speaks with Mary Ellen Callahan, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office. They discuss a recent DHS report on reducing the risks of AI accelerating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Mary Ellen explains the government's efforts to build consensus among agencies, engage with the private sector, and develop safety standards to combat these emerging AI-driven threats.

Venezuela's Presidential Election: Pedro Burelli Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Michael speaks with Latin America and Venezuela expert Pedro Borelli, the Founder and Managing Director of B&V Holdings, a financial advisory firm. Pedro discusses the disputed results of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, in which President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory despite opposition tallies indicating that their candidate, Edmundo González, won. Pedro provides historical context on Venezuela's transition from a stable democracy to a "mafia state" under the Chávez and Maduro regimes. He also offers his insight into why stability and security in Venezuela matter to U.S. interests and the world.