NatSec Matters - Beacon Global Strategies LLC

Latest Episodes:

Venezuela, China, and America's Secrets: David Shedd & Andrew Badger Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with David Shedd, former acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Andrew Badger, a corporate risk advisor and former intelligence officer. David and Andrew share their stark forecasts for possible U.S. military strikes on Venezuela's Maduro regime and narco-trafficking targets. They then shift hemispheres to discuss their book, The Great Heist: China's Epic Campaign to Steal America's Secrets. They reveal how China's "whole of society" espionage campaign feeds into a comprehensive global intelligence operation that poses unique national security risks to the U.S.

Lessons from Ukraine: Mick Ryan Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Major General Mick Ryan (Ret.), a Senior Fellow for military studies at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, about the latest developments in the war in Ukraine and what we can learn to apply in conflicts around the globe. General Ryan assesses the current state of the front lines, detailing how Russia is leveraging its advantage in electronic warfare and drone technology. He also explains why the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been hampered by a lack of Western ground-based capabilities and a shortage of young soldiers.

Skepticism and Survival in Moscow: Dr. Kirill Shamiev Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Dr. Kirill Shamiev, a non-resident fellow at the Kennan Institute, about the internal dynamics of the Kremlin and its war in Ukraine. Dr. Shamiev discusses the growing skepticism among the Russian elite regarding Putin's invasion, increasing economic anxiety, and the current state of the regime. He also unpacks how the war has strained civil-military relations and forecasts that the most likely outcome is a "semi-frozen conflict" until there is clarity regarding European political and security uncertainties.

Pressuring Putin Towards a Ceasefire in Ukraine: Nico Lange Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Nico Lange, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and the Munich Security Conference, about the grinding war in Ukraine and the outlook for Europe. Nico details how Russia's summer offensive failed to deliver results for the Kremlin and argues that Western support for Ukraine must move beyond "survival mode." He outlines the strategic necessity of deep strikes on Russian oil refineries and infrastructure to limit Putin's ability to wage war. Nico also discusses the success of U.S. pressure in increasing European support and explains why more pressure on Putin is urgently needed to find the war's off-ramp.

After Asia - The President's Trip Fortifying US Economic Security: Sara Schuman Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Michael talks with Beacon's new Director of International Trade Practice Sara Schuman, who previously served as the Senior Trade Representative for China at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Sara discusses President Trump's trip to Asia and its implications for economic security, reflecting on what works and doesn't work when negotiating with China. Sara also reveals how the Trump administration is linking trade and security and uses trade as a tool of economic statecraft, and why that matters for U.S. strategic partners.

AI Spies, Economic Espionage and the New Forces Reshaping Global Intelligence: Anthony Vinci Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Anthony Vinci, a former senior intelligence officer and the first Chief Technology Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Anthony discusses his new book, "The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America," arguing that AI has launched a revolution where "machines are going to spy on machines." Anthony warns that the new cyber threats mean every American is now a target, demanding a new strategy. He also explains why the U.S. must rethink policy to aggressively engage in economic espionage to counter China's broad surveillance strategy.

Pressure on Caracas - Inside the U.S. Counter Drug-Shift: David Shedd Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with David Shedd, former CIA officer and former acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, about the Western Hemisphere and the escalating threat from Venezuela—on the heels of recent U.S. strikes targeting alleged drug mules off the country's coast. David discusses the significant shift in U.S. strategy, which now treats narco-trafficking more like counter-terrorism targets than criminal organizations. He explains why the U.S. is using MQ-9 Reaper drones and Navy assets to disrupt trafficking and openly acknowledging a covert action campaign. David also outlines how Venezuela, led by President Nicolas Maduro, is driving illicit migration and acting as a hub for malign influence from Cuba, Russia, China, and Iran. They also discuss the critical role of Colombia and Mexico in countering these drug trafficking and migration threats to the U.S.

Putin's Hybrid War - Dan Twining Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Dan Twining, president of the International Republican Institute, about the future of US-Russia relations and the war in Ukraine. Dan discusses Valdimir Putin's current and long-term strategy, and his alliances with countries like North Korea and China. He also takes aim at Biden-era policies that forced Ukraine to "fight with one hand tied behind its back." Finally, Dan discusses what's at stake and the war's most likely off-ramps.

Inside Israel's High-Stakes Intelligence Gambles: Ralph Goff Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Michael speaks with Ralph Goff, a 35-year CIA veteran and six-time Chief of Station. Ralph, now with Cipher Brief, talks about Israel's daring "Rising Lion" operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. He explains why Israel pursues such high-stakes missions, from the theft of Iran's nuclear archive to the targeted assassinations of top officials. Ralph also reveals the immense risk tolerance that allows the Mossad to operate so deeply inside a hostile Iranian police state.

COVID & The Next 'Big One': Dr. Michael Osterholm Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Andrew speaks with Dr. Michael Osterholm, founding director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Center at the University of Minnesota about his new book, "The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics", which is an urgent warning about the next global health crisis. Dr. Osterholm explains why the continued focus on COVID's origin is distracting from the critical lessons we need to learn. He also offers a frank critique of "meaningless" plexiglass shields and six-foot distancing, sharing what truly works in transmission prevention. And, he outlines why these biological threats are a core national security challenge for U.S. military forces that demands an increase in research and funding.