The Precision-Guided Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 58: Highlighting the Overlooked Elements of African Security - Why It Matters in the Era of Strategic Competition Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

What is the current state of the African security landscape in the context of great power competition? What is the significance of Africa to China, Russia, and the United States? Host Iku Tsujihiro invites guest Ashliyn Burgos to discuss African security and how the United States can grow its relationship with African nations.

Episode 57: Peloponnesian War and Maritime Security with John Maurer Feb 05, 2024

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To look at the present, it pays to study the past. No past conflict is more foundational to the field of international relations and security studies than the Peloponnesian War. The Peloponnesian War (431 BCE - 404 BCE) was fought between Greek city-states Athens and Sparta. Why is this conflict so studied 2500 years after it took place? We sit down with Doctor John H. Maurer to deduce the modern relevance of the Peloponnesian War. We discuss how the Peloponnesian War is one of the first examples of many modern security problems, including coalition warfare, ideological conflict, and long-range expeditionary operations.

Episode 56: Reimagining a More Secure Arctic with Dr. Jeremy Mathis Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly turbulent arena for global geopolitics. Consequences of climate change are rapidly changing the region, sparking more opportunities for global powers to assert territorial claims, promote tourism, and push forward with research - often to the detriment of indigenous populations and the environment. Without any international treaties on the Arctic, the region is effectively in a state akin to the “Wild West.” Nicole Butler (SSP’25) hosts Dr. Jeremy Mathis to discuss the current state of Arctic politics and offers some creative, proactive solutions for stable Arctic policy and to protect this unique ecosystem.

Episode 55: Imposter Syndrome with Alani Bankhead Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Have you experienced feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy, especially after a major life transition like starting graduate school or starting a new job? If so, you could have been experiencing imposter syndrome. Our guest, Alani Bankhead, a career supervisory special agent and professional coach, explains how to recognize imposter syndrome and provides advice and tools that young professionals can use to break the cycle of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that feed imposter syndrome.

Episode 54: Book Talk - Power Up with Steven Leonard and Jonathan Klug Jan 08, 2024

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Superhero tales captivate us through their exploration of human nature and their reminder of our duty to improve the communities around us. These themes underpin the timely anthology Power Up: Leadership, Character, and Conflict Beyond the Superhero Multiverse, where the iconic Avengers battle scene and ethos of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl offer lessons in leadership, ethics, and conflict resolution. Editors Steven Leonard and Jonathan Klug translate imagination-sparking stories into critical teachings on decision-making, teamwork, and character. Hosts Kellsie Herrmann and Max Caplan sit down with Steven and Jonathan to dig into the inspiration for the book, critical lessons learned from our favorite superheroes, and more.

Episode 53: How Domestic Terrorism Hurts America and the World with Bruce Hoffman Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

During the Global War on Terror after 9/11, the United States frequently criticized other states for exporting extremism. In recent years, however, it is the US that has seen an expansion of far-right extremism spread within its country. As some American allies have designated groups within the United States as terrorist organizations, US-based far-right groups have continued to export their ideologies and strategies for violence abroad. Guest Bruce Hoffman details the far-right ideologies that drive these groups and describes their connections with jihadist terrorist organizations. Dr. Hoffman also provides recommendations on how to prevent the spread of violent far-right terrorist organizations.

SSP Weekly: Episode 8 - Dutch Elections and Implications for Ukraine Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Gareth Smythe sits down with GSSR's Associate Editor for Europe and Central Asia Arjan van Tongerlo to discuss the latest on the war in Ukraine and how Dutch elections, shifting European politics, and the world's focus on the Middle East may impact the progress of Ukraine's fight. We hope you enjoy!

Book Talk: Next War with Colonel (ret.) John Antal Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

It is evident that the nature of warfare has evolved, as demonstrated by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Exponential technological acceleration is driving much of this change: multi-domain sensors are making the battlespace transparent, long-range precision munitions can accurately hit any observed target, and autonomous weapons can attack from above, hitting the weakest point of tanks and armored vehicles and reshaping how we conceive of air superiority and air control.

How do technological advancements impact tactical warfare? How should U.S. policymakers and military leaders approach these new technologies, and what lessons should they draw from Ukraine, Israel, and other modern conflicts?

Hosts Gareth Smythe and Miriam Pasternak Jorgensen sit down with Colonel (ret.) John Antal, a former U.S. Army Cavalry officer and author, to discuss John’s new book Next War: Reimagining How We Fight. Next War provides insights on these topics and more to guide leaders to think critically about the challenges the modern battlefield poses.

Episode 51: Rethinking National Security - The Hunter/Gatherer Theory Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

In a world increasingly polarized and facing complex challenges like climate change, distrust in institutions, and great power competition, it is vital to move beyond apathy and fear and rethink how we approach security. Kellsie Herrmann (SSP ‘24) hosts Professor Gina Bennett, a renowned former member of the intelligence community with a distinguished counterterrorism record who considers national security to encompass more than bullets and bellicose leadership. On this episode of the Precision-Guided Podcast, she explains why America must incorporate a ‘Gatherer’ mindset into traditional national security approaches to better meet the intimidating challenges of today and the future.

SSP Weekly: Episode 7 - Understanding Tripolar Nuclear Deterrence Strategy Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to SSP Weekly! This week, host Miriam Pasternak explores the U.S.'s posture on strategic nuclear deterrence and the concept of 'tripolar deterrence’, in light of a recently published Congressional report. Miriam sits down with two guests: Shane Ward, an SSP Master’s student at Georgetown University who focuses on nuclear deterrence in his studies at SSP, and Dr. Adam Mount, an important voice and expert in the debate on U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy. Dr. Mount is a senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists and holds a PhD from the Department of Government at Georgetown University. Earlier this week, he published his article: “A Not-So-Strategic Posture Commission” for the Arms Control Association, which sparked our interest. We hope you enjoy the episode!

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