Best Natsec Podcasts (2025)

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

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5d 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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Ep 16: Ollie Whitehouse, CTO NCSC 27:10

7h ago27:10

27:10

Ollie Whitehouse, CTO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), joins Code and Country to unpack what it really takes to secure a nation in the age of AI, ransomware, and quantum threats. Drawing from three decades of experience across public and private sectors, Whitehouse offers a candid assessment of the broken cybersecurity market, why…

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Episode 728: Non-State Special Operations, with Craig Whiteside and Ian Rice 1:04:53

8d ago1:04:53

1:04:53

On today’s Midrats, we have returning guest Craig Whiteside and his co-author Ian C. Rice joining us to discuss one of the nightmares we all have in the new book coming out this month. He co-authored it with Ian Rice, Non-state Special Operations: Capabilities and Effects. From the abstract: Building on previous research on Islamic State special op…

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Shielding the Homeland: Vice Admiral James Syring 50:19

12d 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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Ep 15: Katie Moussouris, CEO Luta Security 40:08

14d ago40:08

40:08

Katie Moussouris, founder and CEO of Luta Security, joins Code and Country to trace her path from MIT to pioneering vulnerability disclosure and launching “Hack the Pentagon.” She dives deep into the economics of the exploit market, the dangers of vulnerability disclosure laws, and how AI is shifting the dynamics of cybersecurity offense and defens…

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Episode 727: The Power & Spirit of Camp David, with Charles Ferguson 1:03:27

15d ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Take a break from the heat today to discuss some of the hidden history, and importance, of the Presidential retreat at Camp David with the author of the book, Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, Charles Ferguson. After graduating from Georgia Tech and earning his commission, Charles Ferguson served for 11 years in the Submarine force o…

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The Russian Time Bomb: Peter Rough 33:18

18d 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

26d 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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Episode 726: Pre-July 4th Free For All 1:06:07

29d ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Show Link InfantryDort’s comment mentioned at start of the show Summary The conversation explores the themes of cultural assimilation, national identity, freedom of speech, and the challenges of civil discourse in contemporary society. The hosts discuss the implications of cultural integration on national security and the importance of leadership i…

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Arrows and Quivers: Dr. Tom Karako 47:01

1M 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

1M 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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Episode 725: Hammer Time 1:08:00

1M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

What can the world’s most capable maritime and aerospace power do? The world was reminded this weekend.There is no other place this week’s Midrats could start but the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Summary The conversation delves into the recent Operation Midnight Hammer, discussing its implications for U.S.-Iran relations, the threat of Ira…

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

1M 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

1M 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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Ep 14: Robert Young Pelton Author, Journalist, Explorer 31:43

1M ago31:43

31:43

In this episode of Code and Country, host Ian Paterson is joined by Robert Young Pelton, renowned war correspondent and author of Licensed to Kill and The World's Most Dangerous Places. Pelton shares firsthand accounts from his time embedded with the Taliban, Special Forces in Afghanistan, and rebel groups in Chechnya. He discusses the evolution of…

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The Iran Equation: Gen. Frank McKenzie 40:06

2M 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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Episode 724: The Fictional Officer Corps: From Hornblower to Stark - with Claude Berube 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

Today we’re going to take a friend’s Substack post and turn it into one of the best podcast hours you’ll have this summer…and maybe give you some ideas about books you need to take with you for the July 4th weekend. From Claude’s May 23rd Substack: From the gun decks of HMS Indefatigable to the command chair of a futuristic starship, the portrayal …

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An Unwinnable War: Mark Montgomery 42:57

2M 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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Ep 13: Andrew Amaro, Former CSIS Ops Lead 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

What do spies, skateboarders, and startups have in common? Security. In this episode of Code and Country, former CSIS technical ops lead Andrew Amaro shares how his background in physical infiltration and cyber operations shaped his approach to enterprise security. We cover why insider threats remain the most overlooked risk, how physical access is…

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Episode 723: June Free For All - With Lots of UKR Drones 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

Mark and I are back from most of May taking care of business!Time for a MIDRATS! Show Links Pentagon chief tells Asian allies: Raise defence spending to 5% of GDP like Europe Tom Shugart post on PRC ship in Norfolk, from APR 2024 1980s Strategic Homeporting Initiative Claude Berube on OSS developing deep strike drone boats against Japanese bridges …

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The Long War: Glenn Corn 55:19

2M 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

2M 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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Ep 12: Best of Geopolitics (So Far) 12:09

2M ago12:09

12:09

In this special episode of Code and Country, we bring together insights from some of the world’s foremost experts in cybersecurity, intelligence, law, and defense. Built around the theme of geopolitics and digital conflict, this compilation traces how nation-state tensions, ransomware groups, and AI threats are converging to reshape the cyber battl…

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Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman 46:57

3M 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

3M 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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Ep 11: Patrick Gorman, Former US Intelligence Community CIO, CISO Bank of America 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Nation-states don’t steal data, they wage war. In this episode of Code and Country, former US Intelligence Community CIO, CISO at Bank of America, and Chief Security Officer at Bridgewater Associates, Patrick Gorman exposes how cyber warfare threatens North America’s federal systems, higher education, BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Go…

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Episode 722: China's Overseas Bases & the Transition to War, with T.X. Hammes 57:42

3M ago57:42

57:42

The People’s Republic of China continues to expand its already well-established contestation of ownership, access, and control of ports throughout the world. They have done this in parallel with building the world’s largest navy and a diverse set of military capabilities clearly designed with one purpose—defeating the U.S. military in the Indo-Paci…

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Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross 1:03:18

3M 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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Episode 721: Reforming the Pentagon, with Gary Anderson 50:57

3M ago50:57

50:57

With each new administration, there is opportunity for change and reform. In the new Trump Administration, reform isn’t seen as a secondary effect of a leadership change but as a requirement.What reform options should the new Pentagon leadership explore under the Trump Administration? Joining us to discuss this and related topics is Gary Anderson, …

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The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson 43:43

3M 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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Ep 10: Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, NATO CIO 31:04

3M ago31:04

31:04

What does it take to defend 32 nations across five domains in an era of AI, quantum, and nation-state threats? In this episode of Code and Country, we sit down with NATO’s first-ever CIO and CISO, Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, for an inside look at the alliance’s approach to cybersecurity, digital transformation, and geopolitical defense. We explore wh…

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Episode720: Sen. Tim Sheehy on the Challenges and Opportunities Revitalizing the Navy 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

Many frustrated by the perceived lack of understanding of our nation’s maritime heritage requirements want new leaders with fresh ideas, unburdened by legacy entanglements. It is hoped that a younger cohort with military experience, preferably naval, in the House of Representatives and the Senate who bring to the job an additional background in bus…

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The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton 42:03

3M 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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Episode 719: NATO's Maritime North, with Dr. Sebastian Bruns 59:35

4M ago59:35

59:35

Returning for the full hour will be Dr. Sebastian Bruns. Sebastian is a seapower expert and maritime strategist. His current project as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Policy Kiel University (ISPK) is “NATO Maritime Strategies and Naval Operations since 1985”, a multi-year effort to explore the Alliance’s maritime and naval roles be…

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The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn 50:00

4M 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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Ep 9: Brent Arnold - Partner and Data Breach Coach, Gowling WLG 29:09

4M ago29:09

29:09

When a ransomware attack hits, the headlines focus on the ransom. But what happens after the payment clears? In this episode of Code and Country, we bring in Partner and Data Breach Coach Brent Arnold of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP to uncover the truth about data breach response, the limits of cyber insurance, and the legal frontlines of cybersecurity…

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

4M 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

4M 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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Code and Country Ep. 8: Neil Bisson 23:20

4M ago23:20

23:20

In this episode of Code and Country, former CSIS and CBSA intelligence expert Neil Bisson explores the rising threats facing Canada and its allies. Cyber attacks, geopolitical tension, and cross-border crime are converging to reshape Canada’s security landscape. Cyber and physical threats are no longer separate. Nation-state actors and cybercrimina…

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Episode 718: March Free for All 56:37

4M ago56:37

56:37

Summary Sal and Mark delve into the current state of the U.S. Navy, discussing the size and capabilities of the fleet, the challenges of operating as a two-ocean Navy, and the potential for utilizing alternative naval assets such as offshore supply vessels. They explore the ongoing debate between manned and unmanned aircraft. Discussed some of the …

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Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall 40:29

4M 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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Episode 717: The Maritime State, with Ross Kennedy 52:56

4M ago52:56

52:56

The origin story of the United States of America begins, in no small part, with maritime trade issues. Most of the declared and many of the undeclared, wars our nation has fought can be traced to the safety of our maritime commerce and unfettered access to the open seas. Look at any map, and you’ll see we have oceans to the east and west of us, bet…

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The Estonian Watchmen: Arnold Sinisalu 45:38

5M 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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Code and Country Ep. 7: Richard Fadden, former CSIS Director 29:59

5M ago29:59

29:59

Canada’s next election is already under attack—and most voters don’t even know it Foreign adversaries are not waiting for ballots to be cast before interfering in Canada’s 2025 federal election. The fight isn’t happening at polling stations—it’s happening online, in misinformation campaigns, and through AI-driven influence operations. In this episo…

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Episode 716: Mid-March Melee 56:38

5M ago56:38

56:38

Having trouble keeping up with all the developments in the national security realm over the last two months? Well, let not your heart be troubled, Sal & Mark are here for you this week with the ever-popular Midrats Melee format! No guest this week for the podcast, just your two humble hosts, solving the world’s problems in 60-minutes. Show Links Re…

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Transatlantic Tensions: Nico Lange 44:51

5M 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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Episode 715: Securing Ukraine's Future Security, with Emma Ashford 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

A firm and lasting peace treaty, a ceasefire, in or out of NATO, in or out of the EU, European or international peacekeeping forces, an unending slog, or Russian tanks in downtown Kyiv? What are the realistic…and unrealistic…options for Ukraine as they enter the 4th year of the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022?Is the best path for Ukrainian security ins…

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

5M 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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Code and Country Ep. 6: Shelly Bruce 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

Ep. 6: Code and Country: The Security Agency You’ve Never Heard Of In this episode of Code and Country, we dive into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, national security, and geopolitical threats with former Chief of Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s top cyber intelligence agency, Shelly Bruce. With more than 30 years at CS…

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Episode 714: The New Administration and China, with Dean Cheng 55:24

5M ago55:24

55:24

In the first month of the new Trump Administration, much of the attention outside our borders has focused on Europe and the Middle East—the two regions that always seem to divert our focus from America’s greatest competitor, the People’s Republic of China (PRC). We often think of the challenge in terms of the most obvious arena—the Pacific—but it e…