Best Beacon Global Strategies LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Rebuilding Syria: Jeffrey Feltman 41:54

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1h ago41:54

41:54

Andrew speaks with Jeffrey Feltman, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and a distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institution. Jeffrey takes us inside the precarious state of post-civil war Syria, the deep-seated sectarian and geopolitical tensions that fueled the conflict, and the complex roles of the US and regio…

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Trade, Tariffs, and a New Normal: Kelly Ann Shaw 39:16

7d ago39:16

39:16

Michael is joined by Kelly Ann Shaw, a partner at Aiken Gump and former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs. They explore the critical state of U.S. trade policy through a national security lens, including with an eye on China. Following decades-long trade negotiations, Kelly Ann says U.S. trade policy has entered a…

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National Security's Arctic Frontier: Iris Ferguson 44:00

13d ago44:00

44:00

After a summer of action in the Arctic, Andrew Shapiro re-visits his conversation with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about this strategic frontier. Iris explains how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for …

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The New Frontiers of the US-China Tech Competition: Craig Singleton 39:55

20d ago39:55

39:55

Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, China Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about the new frontiers of the US-China tech competition. Craig explains that while trade talks are in a "tactical pause," China's dominance in rare earth minerals and its willingness to use them as leverage reveal…

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Cartel Threats - A National Security Challenge: David Fitzgerald 37:23

27d ago37:23

37:23

Michael Allen is joined by David Fitzgerald, a career intelligence officer with 38 years of service, to discuss the rapidly evolving dynamics of cartel operations at the U.S. southern border. David addresses whether these criminal organizations constitute a national security threat by examining their history and the capacity of authorities to monit…

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Critical Lines - The Geopolitics of Undersea Cables: Erin Murphy 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

Andrew Shapiro talks with CSIS researcher (and undersea cable enthusiast) Erin Murphy about the threats facing these critical transmission paths at the bottom of the world’s oceans. Erin explains why undersea cables are vital to military communications, financial systems, and healthcare—and how they’ve evolved into strategic targets. She also discu…

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Deterring Pyongyang: Syd Seiler 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

Michael speaks with Syd Seiler, former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for North Korea and one of the U.S. government’s most experienced Korea hands. Seiler unpacks the long arc of Kim Jong Un’s strategy, the roots of North Korea’s provocations, and why the regime sees nuclear weapons as essential to its survival. He also discusses the limits of…

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'World War I with Drones': Bradley Bowman 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Michael Allen talks with Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Bradley Bowman, who attacks the myth that supporting Ukraine has weakened America's defenses for Taiwan. Bradley, who's senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power, details how the war in Ukraine has become a brutal "World War I with drones"-- an attrition battle wher…

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Shielding the Homeland: Vice Admiral James Syring 50:19

2M ago50:19

50:19

Jeremy Bash is joined by former Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Admiral (Ret.) James Syring, who discusses the evolving threats to U.S. air defense, including hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He explains the vulnerabilities of current systems, which were designed decades ago and now face threats posed by advanced arsenals. VAD…

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The Russian Time Bomb: Peter Rough 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

Peter Rough, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center on Europe and Eurasia, joins Michael to discuss why time may be running out for Russia in its war on Ukraine. He argues that tighter international sanctions enforcement and increased U.S. weapons and intelligence support could begin to squeeze the Kremlin as early as late this year, as the econ…

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Beyond the Barrel: Dr. Karen Young 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

Michael talks with Dr. Karen Young, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, about the potential economic ripple effects of the Israel-Iran conflict. Dr. Young explains the ‘decoupling’ of Middle Eastern conflict from global oil prices, the impact of U.S. fracking on oil supply, and the increasing efficiency of global oil usage—and why it all ma…

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Arrows and Quivers: Dr. Tom Karako 47:01

3M ago47:01

47:01

Michael talks with Dr. Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, about the high-stakes missile confrontation between Israel and Iran, recorded just before the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom analyzes the role of ballistic missiles in the conflict, the capabilities of Israeli and US defenses, and the strategic…

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Special Episode: The Iranian Nuclear Gamble with Richard Nephew 59:29

3M ago59:29

59:29

Senior research scholar at Columbia University and former NSC Director for Iran Richard Nephew joins Michael for another special episode to analyze the recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Richard discusses President Trump's decision-making, the Iranian reaction, the assessed damage to the nuclear program versus potential hidden capabili…

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The 'Sledgehammer' to Global Trade: Kelly Ann Shaw 48:06

3M ago48:06

48:06

Michael talks with Kelly Ann Shaw, former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, about President Trump’s 'sledgehammer' approach to international trade and tariffs. Kelly Ann, who also served as Trade Counsel to the House Ways and Means Committee, explains the current state of the global "trade war," the strategic de-…

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Special Episode: The Next Move in the Iran Crisis with Richard Nephew 1:03:39

3M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this special episode, Michael talks with Iran expert Richard Nephew, who warns of impending U.S. military strikes on Iran's deeply buried nuclear facilities—a task only the American military can achieve. The former NSC official casts doubt on Israel's regime change strategy, fearing it could backfire and lead to an even more hardline Iranian gov…

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The Iran Equation: Gen. Frank McKenzie 40:06

3M ago40:06

40:06

In this episode of NatSec Matters, we revisit Michael Allen's conversation with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran’s vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel’s military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassinat…

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An Unwinnable War: Mark Montgomery 42:57

3M ago42:57

42:57

Michael Allen welcomes back RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to the podcast, where he explains why—even with a ceasefire—ending the war between Russia and Ukraine could be “impossible.” He discusses the recent shifts in military gains and losses on both sides, and what it could take to change the odds in favor of either Moscow or Kyiv.…

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The Long War: Glenn Corn 55:19

4M ago55:19

55:19

Michael Allen talks with former CIA executive and US foreign policy expert Glenn Corn, a regular guest of NatSec Matters. Glenn shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine and the outlook for US support in its fight against Russia. He also highlights smart moves by President Trump in countering the Kremlin and offers reasons for optimism for Uk…

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Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

Michael Allen talks with former senior State Department official Jeffrey Feltman about President Trump's "new approach" to the Middle East following his recent trip to the Gulf. Jeffrey analyzes the President's focus on major investment deals, the evolving US positioning on Iran's nuclear program, the surprising U-turn on Syria, and how Mr. Trump's…

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Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman 46:57

4M ago46:57

46:57

Michael Allen talks with retired rear admiral and China expert Mike Studeman about the geopolitical implications of President Trump's trade negotiations with China and US policy to counter Chinese influence and threats. Mike, former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, discusses how China might exploit an "America First" orientation, the …

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The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks 43:33

4M ago43:33

43:33

Jeremy Bash explores the biotech battleground with former CIA science and technology chief Dawn Meyerriecks. Dawn, a key voice on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, discusses the urgent need for US leadership to address critical vulnerabilities in the country's bio-industrial base. Dawn also makes a case for why powerful go…

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Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross 1:03:18

5M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

Andrew Shapiro talks with former US Ambassador Dennis Ross, who argues that the country's foreign policy needs a reboot. Amb. Ross explains the principles of "Statecraft 2.0" – why the US must adapt its leadership for a challenging multipolar world, navigating the global influence and interests of China and Russia.…

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The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson 43:43

5M ago43:43

43:43

Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China’s pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and…

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The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling…

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The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and …

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Trump, Ukraine, and the Ceasefire Gamble: Peter Rough 45:08

6M ago45:08

45:08

What does President Trump's plan for peace in Ukraine look like, and what could it cost Kyiv? Michael Allen talks with Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, about the high-stakes diplomacy under way right now. Peter unpacks the determined push for a ceasefire, the potential shift to offering Russia more 'carrots' than 'sticks,' and …

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Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman 45:28

6M ago45:28

45:28

Michael Allen speaks with Eddie Fishman, sanctions expert and author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Eddie explains how the U.S. has wielded economic weapons against Russia, Iran, and China, and how sanctions and supply chain dominance are reshaping global power. He also explores the risks of overusing these tools, Ch…

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Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall 40:29

6M ago40:29

40:29

Jeremy Bash speaks with former Air Force Secretary LTC (Ret.) Frank Kendall about the future of U.S. air and space dominance amid rising threats from China and Russia. Mr. Kendall describes the Pentagon’s toughest modernization decisions, from next-generation fighter jets to autonomous combat aircraft. He also discusses the evolving role of the Spa…

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The Estonian Watchmen: Arnold Sinisalu 45:38

6M ago45:38

45:38

Michael Allen speaks with Arnold Sinisalu, former chief of Estonia’s Internal Security Service, about Estonia’s frontline role in countering Russian espionage and subversion. Arnold describes how Estonia tracks and disrupts Russian intelligence operations, from spy arrests to cyber defense. He also discusses Russia’s evolving sabotage tactics acros…

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Transatlantic Tensions: Nico Lange 44:51

6M ago44:51

44:51

Michael Allen speaks with Nico Lange, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, about Germany’s political future and the major shifts in transatlantic security. They discuss the recent German elections, Germany’s evolving defense strategy, and Europe’s response to a changing U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Nico also offer…

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Russia's 'Shadow War': Bojan Pancevski 49:35

7M ago49:35

49:35

Michael Allen speaks with The Wall Street Journal‘s Chief European Political Correspondent, Bojan Pancevski, about his recent article on Russia’s new ‘Department of Special Tasks.’ Panchevski reveals the unit’s clandestine operations in Europe, its motives behind acts of sabotage, and the broader geopolitical implications. He also discusses his inv…

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International Headwinds: Mark Montgomery 55:18

7M ago55:18

55:18

Michael Allen speaks with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He shares insights on the Ukraine war, examining Russia’s tactical advantage, the challenges Ukraine faces amid inconsistent aid, and the vital role of international alliances. H…

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Geopolitics in Transition: Jon Finer 53:33

7M ago53:33

53:33

Jeremy Bash speaks with Jon Finer, former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Biden. Jon offers candid insights on addressing Iran’s destabilization, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and China’s ambitions over Taiwan. He also previews the challenges facing the new administration.By Beacon Global Strategies, LLC

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Inside Israeli Military Intel: Tamir Hayman 53:02

7M ago53:02

53:02

Michael Allen speaks with Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, former head of Israeli army intelligence, about the current threat landscape to Israeli national security. Tamir discusses Israel’s evolving strategic response since the October 7, 2024, attacks. He also explains the complex approach to negotiating hostage releases and the daunting challenge of gath…

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Strategic Frontlines: Gen. Frank McKenzie 41:10

8M ago41:10

41:10

Michael Allen speaks with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran’s vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel’s recent military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General…

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'Flip the Script' 58:18

8M ago58:18

58:18

Michael and Andy join Beacon Global Strategies Managing Director Michael Allen to share a major announcement about the future of Intelligence Matters. They also discuss their geopolitical forecasts for 2025, examining potential developments in the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, and China.By Beacon Global Strategies, LLC

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Inside the President's Daily Brief 41:32

9M ago41:32

41:32

Michael revisits his conversation with Andy about their unique experiences as CIA briefers for President George W. Bush. They share behind-the-scenes stories of preparing the President’s Daily Brief, navigating high-stakes national security discussions, and managing the delicate balance of delivering tough truths.…

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Umasking the CIA: Jonna Mendez 46:32

9M ago46:32

46:32

Michael revisits his interview with former CIA officer Jonna Mendez about her memoir, In True Face: A Woman’s Life in the CIA, Unmasked. Jonna reflects on her unconventional path into the CIA, her groundbreaking work in disguise and clandestine photography, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. She also discusses her work evaluat…

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The Trump-China Dilemma: Chris Johnson 40:09

9M ago40:09

40:09

Michael talks with Chris Johnson, head of China Strategies Group, about Beijing’s vulnerabilities and its uneasy anticipation of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. They explore the high-stakes rivalry between the U.S. and China, including economic tensions, Xi Jinping’s grip on power, and the geopolitical flashpoints that could redefine the …

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Inside a Dangerous Alliance: Sara Harmouch 41:56

9M ago41:56

41:56

Michael speaks with terrorism expert and H9 Defense Founder and CEO Sara Harmouch who explores the surprising alliance between Iran and Al Qaeda, tracing their decades-long relationship and warning about the growing security threats posed by their current cooperation.By Beacon Global Strategies, LLC

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The Antarctic 'Chessboard': Bill Muntean 37:00

10M ago37:00

37:00

Andy speaks with former State Department senior advisor Bill Muntean about how the vast, frozen continent of Antarctica has become an unexpected theater in great power competition. Bill discusses the delicate balance maintained by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and how surprise inspections - which he personally leads - help verify Russian and Chinese co…

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National Security's AI Wunderkind: Alex Wang 40:38

10M ago40:38

40:38

Andy talks with Alex Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for national security. Forbes says Alex, at age 25, is the world's youngest self-made billionaire. He describes the three foundational pillars of AI—data, compute, and algorithms—and how advancements …

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Inside the Digital Battlefield: Dmitri Alperovitch 44:11

10M ago44:11

44:11

Andy talks with Dmitri Alperovitch, one of the brilliant minds behind CrowdStrike and a leading voice in cybersecurity. He's also author of the new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. In this episode, Dmitri explores the digital threats reshaping national security - from sophisticated state…

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'Chip War': Chris Miller 40:22

10M ago40:22

40:22

Andy revisits his conversation with Tufts University economic historian Chris Miller, author of the bestselling book Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Chris discusses the high-stakes race for global dominance in semiconductor development and manufacturing. He reveals the fragile and complex nature of the semiconductor su…

1
'The Axis of Upheaval': Beth Sanner 57:14

10M ago57:14

57:14

Michael and Andy speak with Beth Sanner, former CIA analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, about the national security challenges facing the next U.S. president. They explore the complex relationships between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflict…

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Securing Critical Mineral Supplies: Christine Michienzi 49:27

11M ago49:27

49:27

Andy talks with Dr. Christine Michienzi, who served as the Senior Technology Advisor for the Pentagon’s Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and as the Chief Technology Officer for the Industrial Base Policy office. Dr. Michienzi explains the national security vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for essential minerals and mate…

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Lessons from a Career in Intelligence: Christy Abizaid 47:00

11M ago47:00

47:00

Michael talks with former National Counterterrorism Center Director Christy Abizaid, who shares her extensive experiences in the intelligence community. She discusses the evolution of her career from intelligence analyst to policymaker and leader in counterterrorism, emphasizing the importance of integrity, objectivity, and the need for intelligenc…

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MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence 41:46

11M ago41:46

41:46

Michael talks with former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Shapiro, former Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology Dawn Meyerriecks, and former Director of the agency’s elite Special Activities Center Brian Carbaugh about their new class on MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence. Nick helped organize the class on MasterClass with Michael, Daw…

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Biosecurity: Matt McKnight 46:54

11M ago46:54

46:54

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 cat…

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Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Eyal Hulata 46:02

12M ago46:02

46:02

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 ri…