CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast
CNA’s experts understand today’s complex and dynamic national security environment. On CNA Talks, you’ll find analysis of globe-shaping conflicts, foreign policy and shifting alliances, regional breakdowns, pandemics and other health crises, environmental disasters, homeland security concerns, and the future of strategic competition. Follow CNA Talks to go behind the headlines and learn from data-driven, objective, discussions on the factors shaping today’s national security landscape.
info_outline
Modeling Climate Change in New Orleans
07/17/2024
Modeling Climate Change in New Orleans
Climate change is a complex and multifaceted problem that no actor can address alone. How can governments understand the impact of various actors in their jurisdiction and ensure that solutions are rolled out effectively and sustainably? Dawn Thomas joins the show to discuss her work using ecosystem models to examine New Orleans’ efforts to tackle climate change. Guest Biography is a co-director of the Center for Emergency Management and Operations and director of the Center for Critical Incident Analysis. She is an expert in large-scale incident planning and response. She has worked on a large array of emergency preparedness issues, helping federal, regional, state and local agencies prepare for and respond to biological attacks, active shooters, large-scale evacuations, medical evacuations, earthquakes and tsunamis, mass casualty chemical incidents, public health outbreaks and cyberattacks.
/episode/index/show/cna/id/32180642
info_outline
Independence Day Special: The Continental Navy's Legacy
07/03/2024
Independence Day Special: The Continental Navy's Legacy
The United States Navy is the most powerful naval force on earth, able to project power in every corner of the globe, but this mighty forces has humble beginings. Just in time for Independence Day, Steve Wills, joins the show to discuss the Continetial Navy’s role in the American Revolution and how its legacy is reflected in the modern day US Navy. Biographies is an expert in U.S. Navy strategy and policy, and U.S. Navy surface warfare programs and platforms. As a Navy historian, his research interests include the history of U.S. Navy strategy development over the Cold War and immediate post-Cold War eras, and the post-World War II Navy surface fleet. He is also the Navalist for the Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League.
/episode/index/show/cna/id/32001742
info_outline
Pride @ CNA
06/20/2024
Pride @ CNA
In this special Pride Month episode of CNA Talks, three members of CNA’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, Pride @ CNA, join the show! They discuss their experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community at CNA and research that CNA is exploring on interactions between community members and law enforcement. Biographies (they/them) is a Research Scientist with CNA’s Center for . Cait research interests include mental health-related interventions in the criminal justice system, juvenile justice, evidence-based policing in small, rural, and tribal jurisdictions, and the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the criminal justice system. Cait serves as a principal investigator, project manager, and analyst on several federally funded research and training and technical assistance (TTA) projects related to policing and corrections. (she/her) is a Research Analyst with CNA’s Center for . Her research interests include police technology (including body-worn cameras), organizational reform, and the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the criminal justice system. Allie serves as an analyst and deputy program manager on several federally funded research and training and technical assistance (TTA) projects related to policing and corrections. Mel Royer (they/them) is a User Computing Administrator in the Cloud Solutions Division. They provide tier 3 technical support and are system administrators for three networks. Mel is also involved in modernizing CNA's cloud footprint, and they are certified in both Azure and Amazon Web Service environments. They have been with CNA for three years and have been the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group lead for two years. Content Warning Markers 10:15-20:00: State Violence, Suicide, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault. 20:00-23:45: State/Legal Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals
/episode/index/show/cna/id/31810142
info_outline
Vladimir Putin's New Defense Minister Andrey Belousov
06/05/2024
Vladimir Putin's New Defense Minister Andrey Belousov
The Russian Federation is an example of a large authoritarian state whose military is subordinate to its civil government. But since the onset of the War in Ukraine, tensions have been growing between civilian and military leaders. In this episode, Julian Waller joins John to discuss the current state of civil-military relations in Russia’s government and how the Wagner Group rebellion fits into this puzzle. Biography is a Research Analyst with CNA’s Program. He is an expert in the politics of authoritarian regimes in post-Soviet Eurasia and Europe, focusing on Russian and Ukrainian domestic political institutions and their relation to political-military issues. Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/31616292
info_outline
Law Enforcement Officer Deaths by Suicide with Karen Solomon from First H.E.L.P
05/22/2024
Law Enforcement Officer Deaths by Suicide with Karen Solomon from First H.E.L.P
Law Enforcement officers regularly confront traumatic circumstances that can adversely affect their mental and emotional health. In some cases, this can increase their risk of death by suicide. In late 2023, the CNA partnered with First H.E.L.P. to undertake the first comprehensive analysis of its extensive dataset on law enforcement officer deaths by suicide. In this episode, CNA's Jessica Dockstader and First H.E.L.P's Karen Solomon join the show to discuss this report. Guest Biographies is an Associate Research Analyst with CNA’s Center for . She is an expert in officer wellness with experience in the areas of suicide prevention, emotional wellness support, and substance use. She also supports a Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded research project focused on officer safety and wellness. Karen Solomon is co-founder of and author of Hearts Beneath the Badge and The Price They Pay. Her focus is the stories of the families who have lost an officer to suicide and the officers who suffer from the feeling that they have nowhere to turn. Karen was a member of the 2018 Officer Safety and Wellness Group Meeting, co-chairing the Data and Research Committee of the National Consortium on Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention, and is currently on the FBI task force to implement the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act. Further Reading : Law Enforcement Deaths by Suicide
/episode/index/show/cna/id/31420397
info_outline
China's Economic Activities in Africa
05/08/2024
China's Economic Activities in Africa
Over the past 20 years, the People’s Republic of China has invested billions of dollars in African nations. But what impact have these investments had on the continent, and how have things changed in the wake of the dual global shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Tim Ditter joins the show to answer these questions and discuss his research into China’s presence in Africa. Guest Biographies Timothy Ditter is a research scientist in CNA’s . His work covers PLA amphibious warfare, China’s military modernization and expansion, China’s growing nuclear weapons program, and China’s nascent global military presence. Further Reading CNA: CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/31073693
info_outline
The Impact of Extreme Weather on Vulnerable Populations
04/24/2024
The Impact of Extreme Weather on Vulnerable Populations
Climate change increases the frequency, severity, and cost of extreme weather events. However, these events are not felt by everyone equally. Existing inequalities in our society exasperate the risks for vulnerable populations. In this episode, Leola Abrahams and Mark Roberts discuss how extreme weather events impact older adults and Native Americans and how protecting our most vulnerable populations protects everyone. Biographies is the program manager of CNA’s . She focuses on climate change, emergency management, public health, and justice reform. Leola is a senior communications practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience advising federal, state, and local government leaders, nonprofit organizations, and universities to deliver national and global programs and campaigns. is a Research Scientist with CNA’s and an expert in domestic safety and security. He is a certified GIS Professional specializing in geospatial and supply chain analyses. His past work for CNA includes developing and facilitating a hybrid workshop for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on prioritizing infrastructure resilience along the Gulf of Mexico. Further Reading : The Impacts of Extreme Weather on Older Adults
/episode/index/show/cna/id/30965728
info_outline
Conventional Missiles in the Ukraine War
04/10/2024
Conventional Missiles in the Ukraine War
The Russia‑Ukraine war marks the first large‑scale deployment and use of conventional ballistic and cruise missile technology. Because of this, the theater has become a test bed for missile technology and strategy and has revealed the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary missile forces and doctrines. In this episode, Fabien Hoffman and Gabriela Rosa Hernandez join the show to discuss how both sides have used conventional weapons during the Ukraine War and the war's impact on strategic stability. Biographies Fabian Hoffmann is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Oslo Nuclear Project (ONP). His research focuses on missile technology, nuclear strategy, and defense policy. His Ph.D. project examines the implications of conventional long-range strike weapons on nuclear strategy. Gabriela Iveliz Rosa Hernandez is an Associate Research Analyst at the CNA . Her research centers on security orders, deterrence issues, and Russia’s security policy, supplemented by her significant in-country experience living in Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and other countries in the region. Her commentary has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and other media. Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/30769093
info_outline
Department of the Navy Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor Joshua Reiter on the Department's Cyber Strategy
03/27/2024
Department of the Navy Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor Joshua Reiter on the Department's Cyber Strategy
Military operations in the physical domains all depend on the cyber domain. To ensure the success of traditional naval capabilities, the Navy and Marine Corps must project power in and through cyberspace while defending their systems and assets from adversary cyber capabilities. The side that most effectively sequences and synchronizes cyber effects will have a decisive advantage. Department of the Navy (DON) Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor Joshua Reiter and CNA’s Ariel Michelman-Ribeiro join the show to discuss the DON Cyber Strategy. Guest Biographies Ariel Michelman-Ribeiro is a Principal Research Scientist in the and has been with CNA for 13 years. In addition to directing projects, she is also CNA's Coordinator. is the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) for the Department of the Navy, In this role, he is responsible for supporting the PCA in advising the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, and implementing the Department of Defense Cyber Strategy within the Department of the Navy. Further Reading
/episode/index/show/cna/id/30565028
info_outline
Zero Trust: Modernizing in a Classified Environment
03/13/2024
Zero Trust: Modernizing in a Classified Environment
In an age when the risks of cyberattacks are increasingly clear, the Zero Trust security model, built on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” is the new standard for cyber security. Like many organizations, CNA is working to implement the model throughout our organization. Rizwan Jan, CNA’s Chief Information Officer, and cybersecurity expert Adam Monsalve join the show to discuss CNA’s journey to implement Zero Trust, how we can use that experience, and how we have leveraged this experience to better serve our clients and sponsors. Biographies is CNA's Chief Information Officer. He leads our technology and security practices while strengthening information systems. As CIO, he ensures the delivery of all information and technology capabilities required to successfully achieve CNA's mission. is a Systems Engineer at CNA’s Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization. He is a cybersecurity expert who specializes in the intersection of uncrewed technologies and cybersecurity for multiple federal government clients. Further Reading : Zero Trust Architecture : Zero Trust Maturity Model
/episode/index/show/cna/id/30360538
info_outline
Civilian Harm Mitigation is a Moral Imperative and a Strategic Priority
02/28/2024
Civilian Harm Mitigation is a Moral Imperative and a Strategic Priority
The DOD Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) represents a significant step forward for global efforts to reduce civilian harm. The plan recognizes that reducing civilian harm is not just a moral imperative but a strategic priority. It lays out concrete steps that the Department of Defense can take to mitigate civilian harm caused by its operations. Larry Lewis, Marla Keenan, and Sabrina Verleysen join John Stimpson in this episode. They discuss the CHMR-AP and the decades of work on civilian harm mitigation that made it possible. Biographies is a Principal Research Scientist in CNA’s Operations Division. Dr. Lewis spearheaded the first data-based approach to protecting civilians in conflict by analyzing military operational data in conjunction with open-source data. He has worked extensively with militaries—including the U.S., NATO allies, and key U.S. partners—to help reduce civilian harm in their operations and strengthen their institutional capacity to mitigate such harm. is a Principal Advisor to CNA and an expert in human security, the protection of civilians, civilian harm mitigation and response, and civil-military relations in armed conflict. She has conducted high-level advocacy with international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, and NATO. She formerly led all international programs for the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), working directly with civilians caught in conflict and militaries to support improved protection outcomes. is a Senior Specialist in Strategic Development and brings expertise in government relations and Indonesian civilian-military relations. She supports the CHM portfolio as an analyst, builds partnerships, and convenes interagency stakeholders to improve information sharing and collaboration on CHMR. Further Reading DOD: CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/30154698
info_outline
How Can Emergency Managers Best Utilize Social Media?
02/14/2024
How Can Emergency Managers Best Utilize Social Media?
Climate Change is increasing both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Because of this, it is more important than ever that emergency management officials utilize every tool available to them to communicate effectively and clearly with the public. Jamie Biglow and Heather Marshall from CNA's Center for Emergency Management Operations join John Stimpson. They discuss how state and local officials can use social media before, during, and after a crisis to build trust with their communities, disseminate vital information, and counter misinformation. Biographies Jamie Biglow is a Project Manager with CNA’s Center for . Heather Marshall is a Senior Research Specialist with CNA’s Center for Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/29954768
info_outline
A New Tool to Protect First Responders
01/31/2024
A New Tool to Protect First Responders
As cities across the country become more networked and connected with smart sensors, more data is available to first responders than ever before. But how can this data be interpreted efficiently in emergencies where every second counts? In this episode, John Crissman and Shaelynn Hales from CNA and Godfrey Nolan, founder and CEO of RIIS LLC, join the show. We discuss their award-winning First Responder Awareness Monitoring during Emergencies (FRAME) System, which takes in data from these sensors, uses machine learning to interpret the information, and aggregates that into a common data view to increase emergency situational awareness. Guest Biographies is the Managing Director of CNA’s Center for Data Management Analytics. She is an expert in systems engineering, data management, data analytics, and integrated program management support. is a Research Analyst in CNA’s Center for Data Management Analytics. He is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing. Godfrey Nolan is the Founder and President of RIIS LLC. Further Reading Business Wire:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/29736323
info_outline
Tomorrow's Technology in the Ukraine War
01/17/2024
Tomorrow's Technology in the Ukraine War
The role of AI and autonomous systems in the war in Ukraine has attracted much attention in the media and from analysts tracking the use of new technologies in warfare. But what impact has it had on the battlefield? In this episode, Margarita Konaev and Samuel Bendett join the show to discuss how these technologies impact the situation on the ground, the private sector’s role in the conflict, and what this means for the future of warfare. 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. Dr. is Deputy Director of Analysis and a Research Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), interested in military applications of AI and Russian military innovation. Further Reading CNA: CNA Talks:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/29530008
info_outline
A New Approach to Preventing Suicide in the Army
01/03/2024
A New Approach to Preventing Suicide in the Army
In recent years, there has been a rise in suicide attempts among army personnel and while there have been a lot of attempts to tackle this problem, it is not clear if what has been done to date is working. In this episode, Heather Wolters and Lauren Malone join John to discuss a new holistic approach to address the problem at a systemic level. Guest Biographies Dr. Heather Wolters is a Principal Research Scientist with CNA’s . Dr. Lauren Malone is a Principal Research Scientist with CNA’s . Further Reading CNA: CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/29327108
info_outline
Russian Military Logistics in the Ukraine War
12/20/2023
Russian Military Logistics in the Ukraine War
In the early days of the Ukraine war, the Russian army experienced a massive breakdown of its logistics operations. Frontline troops were going without basic supplies like food and fuel. What caused this breakdown, and has Russia been able to stabilize supply lines as the war progressed? Paul Schwartz joins the show to discuss his report on Russian Military Logistics in the Ukraine War. Biographies Paul Schwartz is a Research Scientist with CNA’s Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/29169343
info_outline
The Navy and Strategic Competition with China
12/06/2023
The Navy and Strategic Competition with China
The Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy asked CNA for recommendations on how the Navy can better position itself for such competition, that is, below the threshold of armed conflict. In this episode, three experts from across CNA join the show to discuss their specific recommendations and what the future fleet needs to look like to implement them. Guest Biographies is vice president and director of CNA's . A retired U.S. Army officer, he held significant China-related positions at the Pentagon as an advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. is the vice president and director of CNA’s . He formerly served as director of the Strategic, Defensive, and Science/Technology Division at the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Ann Parcell is the Director of CNA’s . Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28956453
info_outline
The Benefits of Body-worn Cameras in a Local Jail Setting
11/08/2023
The Benefits of Body-worn Cameras in a Local Jail Setting
Over the past decade, police departments across the United States have adopted body-worn cameras, and evidence suggests that they can help reduce complaints and use of force incidents. This raises the question of whether they could serve a similar purpose in jails and prisons. In this episode, John Stimpson sits down with Brittany Cunningham and Bryce Peterson to discuss their research into the impact of body-worn cameras at the Loudoun County adult detention center. Guest biographies is the Assistant Director of CNA’s Center for . She specializes in using evidence-based approaches and quantitative and qualitative analysis to support law enforcement agency operations and organizational reform. is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA’s Center for . His research focuses on body-worn cameras and other technologies, correctional safety and contraband, and other policies and programs that improve the efficacy of criminal justice operations. Further Reading CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28555880
info_outline
How Special Operations Forces Can Help Address IUU Fishing
10/25/2023
How Special Operations Forces Can Help Address IUU Fishing
The People's Republic of China is the most significant contributor to the global problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Its distant water fishing fleet is the largest in the world and operates everywhere, from the Pacific Island Countries to the Atlantic Coast of Africa. In this episode, Heidi Holz and Cornell Overfield join John Stimpson to discuss how US Special Operations Forces can help counter the problem of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing by serving as a global connector for this issue. Guest Biographies is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA’s . She has researched PRC security issues, including PRC strategy and investments in the Arctic, illicit maritime activities by PRC actors, Chinese military doctrine and operations, and U.S.-China military-to-military relations. is a specialist in the relationship between maritime law and foreign policy. At CNA, he has worked on projects covering Arctic security and economic activity, improved engagement with allies and partners, and data analytics. Related Materials CNA: CNA: CNA Talks:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28421585
info_outline
Rebroadcast: Better Metrics for Better Analyses
10/11/2023
Rebroadcast: Better Metrics for Better Analyses
What do search engine optimization, airline schedules and standardized testing have in common? They are all vulnerable to Goodhart’s law, the idea that when a metric becomes a target, it ceases to be a good metric. In this episode, Michael Stumborg and Timothy Blasius join John to discuss their report, “Goodhart’s Law: Recognizing and Mitigating the Manipulation of Measures in Analysis.” Michael Stumborg is a Principal Research Scientist with CNA’s . Timothy Blasius is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA’s . : Goodhart’s Law: Recognizing and Mitigating the Manipulation of Measures in Analysis : Lying to Ourselves: Dishonesty in the Army Profession
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28292186
info_outline
Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong and the future of Russia-North Korea relations
09/27/2023
Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong and the future of Russia-North Korea relations
On September 13, North Korean Leader Kim Jong met with Russian President Vladmir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia’s most advanced space launch site. The meeting sparked concern in the West that Kim could supply Russia with weapons and munitions for its war in Ukraine and speculation about what North Korea would receive in return. In this episode, Ken Gause and Paul Schwartz discuss the significance of the meeting and its implications for US policy makers. is an expert on the North Korean leadership and political system. He has written several books on North Korea, focusing on its politics, military apparatus, and internal security system, including “North Korean House of Cards.” Paul Schwartz is a Research Scientist with CNA’s . Further Reading : Assessing the Impact of Equipment Shortages on Russian Military Operations in Ukraine
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28158062
info_outline
Large Scale Exercise 2023
09/13/2023
Large Scale Exercise 2023
Last month, the Navy and the Marine Corps held Large Scale Exercise 2023. The exercise integrates six Navy and Marine Corps component commands and seven numbered fleets across the globe. More than 10,000 Sailors and Marines across 22 time zones participated in the exercise. 48 CNA analysts supported this exercise, including 14 aboard ships in all 7 Numbered Fleets. In this episode, Josh Tallis and Mallory Ladd, who deployed during the exercise, join the podcast to discuss their experience and how this on-site analysis is central to CNA’s approach to research. Biographies is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA's , with expertise in maritime security and Arctic, Euro-Atlantic, and NATO naval strategy. is a Research Scientist with CNA’s . She specializes in joint all-domain training and readiness, Arctic science and maritime operations, and contested logistics. Links : Josh Tallis Deployment, USS Mount Whitney : Mallory Ladd Deployment, USS Carl Vinson : Josh Tallis Deployment, USS Mount Whitney : Mallory Ladd Deployment, USS Carl Vinson
/episode/index/show/cna/id/28022697
info_outline
DePoy Award Winner: Jerry Meyerle
08/30/2023
DePoy Award Winner: Jerry Meyerle
CNA’s Phil E. DePoy Award recognizes analytic excellence, harmonious relations with colleagues and clients, and dedication to this organization. The ideal candidate produces consistently superb analysis, communicates effectively to expert and lay audiences alike, leads teams well, and influences the thinking and decisions of sponsors through their work. In this episode, this year’s winner, Jerry Meyerle, joins the podcast to discuss his deployment to Afghanistan, his work's impact, and advise new CNA analysts. is a Principal Research Scientist with CNA’s and an expert in military operations, defense policy and posture, strategic planning, and combatant commands.
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27893418
info_outline
Moving at the Speed of Innovation — Regulating Package Delivery Drones
08/16/2023
Moving at the Speed of Innovation — Regulating Package Delivery Drones
Companies, including Amazon, UPS, and Domino's are all investing in package delivery drones. These systems represent a significant paradigm shift from the current air traffic control model. With the private sector moving at the speed of innovation, the government will need new tools to regulate this new airspace. In this episode, we discuss CNA’s new agent-based model, UAS Cooperative Airspace Traffic Simulation (UCATS), and how it can help the FAA and local stakeholders fairly regulate package delivery drone operations. Guest Biographies is Systems Engineer with CNA’s Center for Data Management Analytics and the lead engineer on this model. She is an artificial intelligence and machine learning expert for the Federal Aviation Administration's Office of NextGen and a data visualization and modeling specialist. is a Systems Engineer with CNA’s Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization. He is a cybersecurity expert specializing in the intersection of uncrewed technologies and cybersecurity for multiple federal government clients. is a Research Scientist with CNA’s Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization. He is an expert in FAA and traditional air traffic management, and supports the FAA Command Center in Warrenton, VA. Further Reading CNA: CNA:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27773055
info_outline
Alliance Wedge Strategies: Russia
08/02/2023
Alliance Wedge Strategies: Russia
In great power strategic competition, states deploy wedge strategies to divide, weaken, and prevent opposing alliances. In part two of a two-part series on the topic, host David Wallsh moderates a discussion on Russia's wedge strategies in the Global South and how the United States can address this challenge. is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA’s Russia Studies program. He is an expert on security issues in the former Soviet Union, the Russian military, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. He is also an associate at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University. is Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies and Professor of Government and Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is also a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the Brookings Institution and co-chairs its Hewett Forum on Post-Soviet Affairs. Further Reading CNA Report:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27636732
info_outline
Alliance Wedge Strategies: China
07/19/2023
Alliance Wedge Strategies: China
In great power strategic competition, states deploy wedge strategies to divide, weaken, and prevent opposing alliances. In part one of a two-part series on the topic, host David Wallsh moderates a discussion on Chinese wedge strategies in the Indo-Pacific and how the United States can address this challenge. Biographies David Wallsh is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA’s Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs Division. Dr. Wallsh is an expert in alliance politics, Middle East security, and US security cooperation programs. is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA’s China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division. Dr. Herlevi is an expert on the People’s Republic of China's (PRC) foreign and security policy, economic statecraft for technology acquisition, and the increasing role of PRC commercial, economic, and military actors globally. Twitter: @herlevi1 is a Research Fellow with the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs within the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) at NDU. Prior to arriving at INSS, Dr. Taffer was a Research Scientist in the China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs division at the Center for Naval Analyses. is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Dr. Yoshihara was previously the inaugural John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies and a Professor of Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College. Further Reading CNA Report: CNA InDepth:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27511608
info_outline
National Security Seminar: Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Operations
07/05/2023
National Security Seminar: Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Operations
On April 20, 2023, CNA’s National Security Seminar (NSS) series hosted a virtual panel discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and risks of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into nuclear operations. The event was centered on a recently released CNA report, Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Operations. Guest Biographies Mallory Stewart, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance, US Department of State Paul Scharre, Vice President and Director of Studies and military uses of AI Expert, CNAS Timothy P. McDonnell, Research Analyst and nuclear weapons policy expert, Strategy and Policy Analysis Program, Larry Lewis, Principal Research Scientist and AI expert, Special Activities and Analysis Program, CNA
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27376758
info_outline
Cheap Commercial Drones and the War in Ukraine
06/21/2023
Cheap Commercial Drones and the War in Ukraine
High-end, long-range combat drones like the MQ-1 Predator can fly for thousands of miles and strike adversaries from far away. They are also extremely expensive—one MQ1 costs $20 million—and manufacturing takes time. Such drones are in short supply in Russia, creating a gap in Russian military capabilities. But Russia has adapted. This episode examines Russian use of cheap commercial and foreign-made drones in Ukraine—how this impacts dynamics on the ground and what this may reveal about the broader Russian war effort. Related Resources Guest Biography 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. Further Reading CNA Report:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27216939
info_outline
Not Just Nuclear Weapons: How China Views Strategic Deterrence
06/07/2023
Not Just Nuclear Weapons: How China Views Strategic Deterrence
For decades, competition between the United States and Russia has defined strategic deterrence. But as China emerges as the greatest rival to the United States, it is worth examining how Beijing views the concept. In this episode we examine how China’s military and civilian analysts are writing about strategic deterrence, and how new technologies and domains impact their perception. Guest Biographies is a Research Scientist with CNA’s Indo-Pacific Security Affairs division. His research focuses on focuses on Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organization and Indo-Pacific maritime and space security issues. Timothy Ditter is a Research Scientist with CNA’s China Studies Program. His work covers PLA amphibious warfare, China’s military modernization and expansion, China’s growing nuclear weapons program, and China’s nascent global military presence. Further Reading CNA Report: CNA Report:
/episode/index/show/cna/id/27073596
info_outline
Why Hasn’t Russia Established Air Superiority?
05/24/2023
Why Hasn’t Russia Established Air Superiority?
One of the defining features of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has been the inability of the much larger and more advanced Russian Aerospace Forces to establish air superiority in the conflict. This surprised analysts and prompted a widespread reconsideration of the services’ capabilities as well as the potential threat it poses to NATO countries. In this episode CNA’s Julian Waller and RUSI’s Justin Bronk join John Stimpson, to examine Russian air operations during the Ukraine War and ask what lessons policy makers can learn from them. Guest Biographies is the Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology in the Military Sciences team at the (RUSI), and the Editor of the RUSI Defence Systems online journal. His areas of expertise include the modern combat air environment, Russian and Chinese ground-based air defences and fast jet capabilities, the air war during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and novel weapons technology. Twitter: @Justin_Br0nk is an associate Research analyst in CNA’s program. He is expert in the politics of authoritarian regimes in post-Soviet Eurasia and Europe, with a focus on Russian and Ukrainian domestic political institutions and their relation to political-military issues. At CNA, he has developed reports on Russian military strategy, political media analysis and domestic artificial intelligence developments. Twitter: @JulianWaller Further Reading - Russian Combat Air Strengths and Limitations: Lessons from Ukraine
/episode/index/show/cna/id/26938818