What Can We Learn About Drones from the Ukraine War
CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
Release Date: 04/09/2025
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...
info_outline
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:
info_outline
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
info_outline
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].
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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_outlineThis 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
Samuel Bendett 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.
Michael Petersen is a principal research scientist in CNA's Russia Studies Program. He is an expert on Russian military strategy, operations, and net assessments of high-intensity conflict. From 2023-2024, he served as senior advisor to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti.
Further Reading
CNA InDepth: Drones Over Ukraine
CNA Report: Russia’s Use of Uncrewed Systems in Ukraine