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PODCAST

NatSec Matters

Beacon Global Strategies LLC

Formerly known as Intelligence Matters, the NatSec Matters podcast features former senior national security officials Michael Allen, Jeremy Bash, and Andrew Shapiro as they interview top leaders in national security, including intelligence officers, military leaders, and policymakers, on the most critical security challenges of our time. Their interviews offer insights into the world’s most pressing problems and assess the effectiveness of U.S. policy responses. They also explore the biographies and

government

All Episodes

56:20

Palaces & Policy Shifts: Jeffrey Feltman

NatSec Matters ·

2025/05/21

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 transactional style is reshaping relationships in the volatile region.

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46:57

Beijing's Long Game: Mike Studeman

NatSec Matters ·

2025/05/14

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 critical importance of Taiwan for US economic and national security, and the strategic calculations behind Xi Jinping's timeline for potential military

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43:33

The Biotech Frontline: Dawn Meyerriecks

NatSec Matters ·

2025/05/07

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 government-private sector alliances are essential to securing America's strategic edge in this vital domain.

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01:03:18

Statecraft 2.0: Dennis Ross

NatSec Matters ·

2025/04/30

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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43:43

The Arctic Power Play: Iris Ferguson

NatSec Matters ·

2025/04/23

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 the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska.

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42:03

The 'Tariff Trap': Craig Singleton

NatSec Matters ·

2025/04/16

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' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.

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50:00

The Turkish Tightrope: Glenn Corn

NatSec Matters ·

2025/04/09

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 the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.

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45:08

Trump, Ukraine, and the Ceasefire Gamble: Peter Rough

NatSec Matters ·

2025/04/02

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 Ukraine's precarious calculations on manpower, aid, and future security. With US support hanging in the balance and European resolve tested, Michael and

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45:28

Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman

NatSec Matters ·

2025/03/26

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, China’s evolving role, and the future of economic conflict in an era of great power competition.

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40:29

Guardians of the Sky: Frank Kendall

NatSec Matters ·

2025/03/19

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 Space Force, the challenges of missile defense, and the urgent need to counter China’s rapid military advancements.

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45:42

The Estonian Watchmen: Arnold Sinisalu

NatSec Matters ·

2025/03/12

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 across Europe and the ongoing battle against disinformation.

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44:51

Transatlantic Tensions: Nico Lange

NatSec Matters ·

2025/03/05

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 offers his take on the future of the war in Ukraine, Russia’s long-term military strategy, and the critical role of European security alliances in an

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49:35

Russia's 'Shadow War': Bojan Pancevski

NatSec Matters ·

2025/02/26

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 investigations into Russian cyber attacks, proxy warfare, and the growing threats against Western targets, including terror plots and assassination

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55:18

International Headwinds: Mark Montgomery

NatSec Matters ·

2025/02/19

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. He also explores geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and strategies for sustaining U.S. influence on the global stage.

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53:33

Geopolitics in Transition: Jon Finer

NatSec Matters ·

2025/02/12

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.

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53:02

Inside Israeli Military Intel: Tamir Hayman

NatSec Matters ·

2025/02/05

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 gathering intelligence on their whereabouts. Additionally, Tamir shares insights on Iran’s nuclear program and reveals details about Israel’s sophisticated

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41:10

Strategic Frontlines: Gen. Frank McKenzie

NatSec Matters ·

2025/01/29

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 McKenzie also explores the rising threat of ISIS, the limitations of over-the-horizon operations in Afghanistan, and the critical role of U.S

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58:18

'Flip the Script'

NatSec Matters ·

2025/01/08

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.

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41:32

Inside the President's Daily Brief

NatSec Matters ·

2025/01/01

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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46:32

Umasking the CIA: Jonna Mendez

NatSec Matters ·

2024/12/25

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 evaluating tampered packages and recounts the unique moment she demonstrated a disguise mask to President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office.

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103 results

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