South Korea’s Extraordinary Snap Election
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
We examine what happened in South Korea’s snap election and its implications for South Korea’s relations with the US, Japan, China, Russia, and North Korea. Guest Biographies Dr. Thomas Bickford is a principal research scientist in the CNA . His research has focused on Chinese maritime strategy, Chinese national security policy, and China’s relations with its neighbors. Carita Reid is the Research Assistant for the . Her research focuses on the Korean peninsula, and she is interested in the domestic environment of both Koreas, nuclear proliferation, democratization efforts, and human...
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India, Pakistan, and Nuclear Deterrence
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
We cover the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, why they were able to desescalate so quickly, and what this tells us about nuclear deterrence and escalation. Guest Biographies is a Research Scientist with CNA’s . She is an expert in nuclear policy and strategic deterrence, with a focus on strategic competition within the emerging two-near-peer security environment. Decker Evelth is an Associate Research Analyst with CNA’s . He specializes in open-source analysis. Further Reading CNA:
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Under Fire: Supporting Navy Operations During the Red Sea Crisis
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
Two CNA field analysts discuss their work assisting operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Guest Biographies Dr. Keith Zirkle is a research scientist in CNA’s He is CNA’s field representative at Naval Forces Central Command. Kevin O'Connell is a research analyst in CNA’s . He is currently CNA’s field representative to Commander, Seventh Fleet, but he deployed with Carrier Strike Group 2 during the Red Sea crisis. Further Reading CNA
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DeepSeek and China’s AI Ecosystem
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode examines what DeepSeek’s AI model tells us about China’s AI ecosystem, military applications for this technology, and other developments in China’s high-tech sector. Guest Biographies is a senior research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Christopher Cairns is a research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Further Reading To subscribe to Intersections, email [email protected].
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Retrospective on Russia Studies with Dmitry Gorenburg
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
Dmitry Gorenburg, winner of this year’s Trustees Award, joins the show to discuss his 20-year career at CNA and how the study of Russia has changed during that time. Guest Biography is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA’s . He is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, the Russian military, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. His recent research has focused on decision-making processes in the senior Russian leadership, Russia’s relationship with China, Russian naval strategy, and Russian influence operations. Further Reading...
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What Can We Learn About Drones from the Ukraine War
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode examines how uncrewed systems have been used in the Ukraine war and how the US can use this information to develop countermeasures. Guest Biographies is an advisor with CNA’s Russia Studies Program. His research focuses on Russian defense and technology developments; uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous military systems; artificial intelligence; and Russian military capabilities. His analysis of Russia’s war against Ukraine has appeared in globally read news outlets such as VICE and The Washington Post. is a principal research scientist in CNA's Russia Studies...
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Russia and Iran’s Evolving Relationship
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode explores the political, military, and economic dimensions of the relationship between Russia and Iran. Guest Biographies is an expert on China-Russian relations, Chinese foreign policy, and Arctic strategy. At CNA, Wishnick contributes her dual regional expertise on China and Russia, including professional proficiency in both languages, to research and analyze Xi Jinping’s risk-taking, Sino-Russian military cooperation, China’s Arctic policy, and Chinese and Russian disinformation. She was part of a team that won CNA’s CEO Teamwork Award for Arctic research. is a...
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Creating an Air Space That is ASSUREd Safe
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
Our partners from the FAA’s Center for Excellence’s ASSUREd Safe join the show to discuss integrating uncrewed aerial systems into the national airspace. Guest Biographies BJ McClenton is the Associate Director of , brings over 20 years of first responder and emergency service experience as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Prior to joining ASSUREd Safe, he spent 15 years working with Mississippi State University Extension conducting adult education and outreach programs. Michelle Hanlon is the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of...
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South Korea: Martial Law and President Yoon’s Impeachment
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode covers South Korean President Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law, his impeachment, and what this means for US/ROK security cooperation. Guest Biographies Dr. Thomas Bickford is a principal research scientist in the CNA I. His research has focused on Chinese maritime strategy, Chinese national security policy, and China’s relations with its neighbors. Carita Reid is the Research Assistant for the . Her research focuses on the Korean peninsula, and she is interested in the domestic environment of both Koreas, nuclear proliferation, democratization efforts,...
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China’s Dual Use Technology
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
This episode covers technological innovation in the People’s Republic of China, including developments in AI, subsea sensors, and the commercial space industry. Guest Biographies is a senior research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Christopher Cairns is a research scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Further Reading To subscribe to Intersections, email .
info_outlineOne of the most prominent challenges organizations face when planning for the future is grappling with how unknown external factors will impact their organization. STEEP analysis allows planners to examine future Social, technical, economic, ecological, and political factors and plan for the opportunities and threats these factors will create.
In this episode, CNA’s Melissa Gutierrez and Heleana Melendez, Captain Jose Gurule from the Denver Sheriff's Department, and Danielle Rudes from Sam Houston State University join the show to discuss applying this framework to corrections.
Guest Biographies
Melissa Gutierrez is a Senior Research Specialist with CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation. She is an expert in criminal justice research with a focus on gang networks and gun violence, including gun markets. At CNA, her work includes providing training and technical assistance on violent crime reduction programs and researching technology in law enforcement. Before joining CNA, Gutierrez worked at the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety, where she participated in projects related to program evaluation, violent death surveillance, and unintentional overdose death surveillance.
Heleana Melendez is an associate research analyst with CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation. JRI works throughout the justice system, providing training and technical assistance (TTA), conducting research, and supporting nationwide organizational reform in agencies and jurisdictions. Ms. Melendez supports projects at CNA focused on violence prevention, system improvement, and use of force.
Danielle Rudes is a Professor of Criminal Justice & Criminology at Sam Houston State University in Texas. She is also Deputy Director of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!). She is a Fellow with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, focusing on Enhancing Correctional Spaces and Cultures. Dr. Rudes is an expert qualitative researcher with over 20 years of experience working with corrections agencies. She is recognized for her work examining how social control organizations understand, negotiate, and at times, resist change.
Captain Jose Gurule started his career in 2009 with the Conejos County Sheriff's Office. Rising to the rank of Division Commander for the Detention Division. In 2015, he began his tenure with the Denver Sheriff's Department. He has been assigned to direct supervision, intake unit, the field training program, ADA Liaison, LGBTQ+ liaison, and the Peer Support Team. Currently, he is the medical/classification/receiving unit commander. Overseeing the inmate classification/housing of two facilities with a combined housing capacity of 2693 inmates
Future Reading
Register for the Virtual Symposium Futurescape of Justice: Improving Public Safety