Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, Arman Mahmoudian, PhD, interviews Marvin G. Weinbaum, PhD, who is senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Drawing on his recent article, “Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy” ( which was recently published in the Journal of Strategic Security), Dr. Weinbaum offers a detailed assessment of the collapse of the Afghan state and the return of the Taliban in 2021.

This episode discusses:

• Why the U.S. failed at state-building and counterinsurgency in Afghanistan
• The shift from counterterrorism to democratic nation-building
• Weinbaum’s analysis of Afghan leadership under Karzai and Ghani, and how their governance choices helped shape the state’s collapse
• Fragmentation within the Taliban leadership
• How the presence of ISIS-K pressures Taliban unity and policy
• The collapse of U.S. military support and Afghan troop morale
• Dangers of a failed Taliban state and the regional risk of civil war
• Weinbaum’s direct message to Afghans affected by the regime change

Throughout the interview, Weinbaum emphasizes that U.S. disengagement has reduced its leverage on critical issues like human rights, warning that effective diplomacy with the Taliban requires long-term engagement, not conditional demands. He also argues that continued absence risks ceding influence to regional powers already moving toward recognition.

 Links from the episode:

• Register for CyberBay Here!

• GNSI Tampa Summit 5 Report (March 2025) The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons for Future Conflicts

• The Latest Journal of Strategic Security (JSS)

• GNSI’s Axis of Resistance Research Initiative Playlist

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, Tad Schnaufer, PhD, speaks with John Pennell, PhD, a Senior Diplomacy Fellow with Narrative-Strategies, Senior Strategic Advisor with Pax Strategies LLC, Senior Practitioner with the Irregular Warfare Center, and author of Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War

Pennell breaks down Russia’s military and political strategies in two key theaters, Ukraine and Syria, and the implications for NATO, the United States, and global security.

Their discussion covers:

• Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine prior to the 2022 full-scale invasion, including “Little Green Men,” the Wagner Group, and local proxy forces
• How Russia’s disinformation campaigns, strategic plausible deniability, and cyber warfare shaped operations in Crimea and Donbas
• The 2015 Syrian intervention was a testing ground for drones, electronic warfare, and emerging military technology
• The debate over terminology used to describe the conflict: hybrid warfare vs. new generation warfare vs. full-spectrum conflict, and why these distinctions matter in military strategy and geopolitics
• Lessons for NATO, the U.S., and allies from Russian military operations between 2014–2022
• The Kremlin’s shift from destabilizing Ukraine to pursuing regime change, and the information warfare narratives used to justify it
• Implications for future conflicts and how the U.S. and partners can counter hybrid threats effectively

Links from the Episode:

• Cyber Bay Registration Link 

• Read The Latest GNSI Newsletter

• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog

• Assessing Russia's Actions in Ukraine and Syria, 2014–2022: Implications for the Changing Character of War by Dr. John A. Pennell

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Joining us again is Charles Lister, a senior fellow and director of the Syria Initiative at the Middle East Institute (MEI), where his research focuses on Syria, terrorism, and insurgency across the Levant. In this episode of At the Boundary, Lister breaks down both the history and the sequence of events that reshaped Syria. He details Bashar al-Assad’s sudden flight to Russia to the rise of Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a figure who was once designated terrorist with a $10m bounty but is now engaging with diplomats from over 70 countries.

This discussion takes a look at the following:

· The “Rush to Damascus” and Assad’s unexpected downfall.

· Ahmed al-Sharaa’s foreign policy success and his mixed domestic policy performance.

· The effect of lifting sanctions and Syria’s economic recovery.

· Southern Syria’s clashes, the Druze, and Israel’s intervention.

· The future of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and U.S. counter-ISIS operations.

· The U.S. policy on Syria moving forward.

· How the region now views Syria as the key to unlocking a more stable and prosperous Middle East.

Charles Lister unpacks Syria’s past to help us understand its present and why there may finally be reason to hope for a better future.

Links from the Episode:

• Cyber Bay Registration Link 

• "Building Trust in Digital Response: The Role of Chatbots in Cybercrime Prevention" Decision Brief  

• "Our Knowledge of the Taliban as Guide for US Policy" JSS Article by Dr. Marvin G. Weinbaum

• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

 In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Rob Burrell, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, about GNSI’s new research initiative on the Future of Warfare. Dr. Burrell also introduces his upcoming book, Resilience and Resistance, and outlines a fresh analytical framework for understanding irregular warfare in the 21st century.

The conversation explores how resistance movements evolve—from nonviolent protest to full-scale civil war—and how emerging technologies like AI and cyber tools are reshaping the battlespace. Burrell also previews future episodes in this new podcast series, featuring leading experts such as General Charles Cleveland and Dr. Chris Mason.

Whether you’re a defense strategist, policymaker, or curious listener, this episode offers critical insights on how the U.S. must prepare for an era of complex, unconventional conflict.

Links from the episode:

• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Blog

• 2025 Cyber Bay Event Link

• Link to “Resilience and Resistance: Interdisciplinary Lessons in Competition, Deterrence, and Irregular Warfare” by Robert S. Burrell

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, William Parker, a Business Librarian at the University of South Florida (USF) sat down with GNSI’s Strategy and Research Manager Dr. Tad Schnaufer to the newest GNSI Decision Brief, "Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings."

They discussed how BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) have been increasing their gold reserves in an effort to challenge Western financial systems and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. The conversation also explores the role of gold in a nation’s financial and economic credibility.

Some of the key topics discussed include:

• What BRICS and BRICS+ represent, and why their expansion matters geopolitically
• Why gold still matters, even when some nations have dropped the gold standard
• The potential shortcomings of fiat currencies
• The potential for BRICS nations to offer an alternative to the US dollar in the global financial structure
• How physical gold can act as a tool to circumvent sanctions
• What other metals, if any, could compete with gold as a monetary standard
• “Currency decoupling” and its effects on monetary systems

Links From the Episode:

• Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings Decision Brief

• 2025 Notes From Cambridge

• Lessons from the Russia-Ukraine War GNSI Summit

• Axis of Resistance GNSI Research Initiative

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

What’s the U.S. endgame in Afghanistan now—and what role does the Taliban really play?

In this episode of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jonathan Schroden, a non-resident fellow at the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), to explore how U.S. foreign policy toward Afghanistan has evolved under the the most recent presidential administrations.

Schroden examines the administration’s transactional relationship with the Taliban, which prioritizes counterterrorism cooperation and human rights advocacy, while contrasting it with the Trump administration’s more rhetorical approach. The conversation also breaks down the threat landscape in Afghanistan, identifying ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan) as the primary concern, alongside Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

Key topics include:

·       U.S. policy shifts from Trump to Biden

·       The rise of ISIS-K and regional terrorism threats

·       Challenges of working with the Taliban and neighboring powers

·       The moral and strategic dilemmas of engagement

This episode offers a timely, candid look at one of America’s most complex foreign policy challenges.

Links to the Show:

• 2025 Notes from Cambridge Student Blog

• Jonathan Schroden’s Article in the Journal of Strategic Security

• “Policy Options for Securing U.S. Interests in Afghanistan” Decision Briefs

• CNA Website

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Polarization Feels Unstoppable. Will it Destroy Democracy?
In this episode of At the Boundary, we explore how America’s deepening divides are shaking the very foundations of democracy. Dr. Josh Scacco—USF’s first-ever Carnegie Fellow and founding director of the Center for Sustainable Democracy—joins us to dissect the troubling link between political polarization, public trust, and national security. From social media echo chambers and disinformation to local political violence and eroding public health consensus, Scacco explains why polarization feels so relentless—and what it could ultimately cost us.

 He also reveals his new research on vaccine attitudes in Latino and Hispanic communities, showing how polarized messaging threatens long-term democratic resilience. Most importantly, we discuss practical ways to rebuild trust and civic engagement, starting close to home. If you’re concerned about America’s democratic future—or just curious about how communication shapes the security landscape—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Episode Links:

• Receive Updates on the first Florida Security Forum (Nov 4: Port and Maritime Security: Risks & Resilience)
• GNSI Decision Brief: Assessing BRICS Gold Holdings
• The Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous Times

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Senior Director Jim Cardoso speaks with Dr. Jeff Rogg, Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute, about his new book The Spy in the State: The History of American Intelligence. Drawing on both history and current events, they explore the enduring coordination struggles in the U.S. intelligence community, tensions between executive and legislative oversight, and how the balance between liberty and security continues to evolve.

Dr. Rogg explains why U.S. intelligence has often been accused of failure, from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, and how a lack of coordination among its many agencies, not a single department, plays a central role. The discussion also tackles the complex relationship between the intelligence community (IC) and the American public, and the growing challenges posed by domestic surveillance, new technologies, and public expectations.

 Key topics:

• Coordination struggles and failures in U.S. intelligence

• Executive vs. legislative tensions in intelligence oversight

• The rise and limits of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)

• Domestic surveillance, technology, and threats to civil liberties

• Public perception of intelligence and its impact on policy

Links From the episode:

• Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity | GNSI Policy Dialogues

• Axis of Resistance Episode 4: Iraq Panel | GNSI Research Initiative

• "At the Boundary:" SPECIAL EPISODE Iran's Breaking Point: Missiles, Miscalculation and Reckoning

• “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeffrey P. Rogg

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this urgent special episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Arman Mahmoudian offers in-depth, real-time analysis of the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which has now drawn in the United States. Following a U.S. and Israeli joint strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has shifted dramatically. Mahmoudian breaks down the consequences of the precision bombing campaign, which reportedly dealt serious blows to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, air defenses, and military leadership. He also explores Tehran’s limited response, the strategic calculus behind it, and what this means for the future of U.S. policy in the region.

The conversation covers the potential collapse—or evolution—of Iran’s long-standing Axis of Resistance, the possibility of asymmetric retaliation, and the regime’s internal struggle to maintain control amid leadership losses. This episode delivers timely insights into one of the most consequential flashpoints in international affairs.

Be sure to also check out the GNSI Research Initiative, Axis of Resistance, led by Dr. Mahmoudian. It's a comprehensive analysis of the small group of countries and non-state actors brought together by Iran in a loose coalition to destabilize the region.  

# # # #

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

It’s been over 50 years since the U.S. transitioned to an all-volunteer military force. But with rising threats from China, the demands of modern warfare, and persistent recruiting shortfalls, is it time to ask the unthinkable: Could the draft return?

 In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with Katherine Kuzminski, Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), to explore whether the U.S. military is prepared to scale up in a great-power conflict.

 Together, they discuss:
 • Legal, cultural, and logistical roadblocks to reinstating the draft
 • The gender equity questions that could halt a draft in court
 • What history (and “Nifty Nugget”) teaches us about readiness
 • Why deterrence might depend on preparing for the very thing we hope to avoid
 Kuzminski draws on her experience to unpack what mobilization really requires, including processing capacity, civilian coordination, and a whole-of-government draft authority.

 With America's defense industrial base under pressure, this conversation tackles one of the hardest questions in U.S. national security today: If the moment comes, can we rise to meet it?

Links from the episode:

• The Golden Dome for America 

• From Attrition to Asymmetry: A Strategic Assessment of Recent Developments in the Russia-Ukraine War

"What's Really Happening?" Podcast Episodes:

• Is the “Golden Dome” the Future of U.S. Nuclear Missile Defense?
• Is Operation Spiderweb a Glimpse Into the Future of Conflict? 

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Found over 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface, polymetallic nodules may hold the key to powering the future. In this episode, Dr. Mark Luther, Director of the Ocean Monitoring and Prediction Lab at USF and President Elect of the International Marine Mineral Society, joins us to explore how deep seabed mining could help meet global demand for critical minerals like cobalt, manganese, and iron.

• What is deep seabed mining, and how does it compare to land-based mining?
• What kinds of minerals are harvested—and why is cobalt so vital for battery safety and energy transition?
• How are these resources collected from the seafloor, and what are the environmental risks, including sediment plumes and disruption of deep-sea ecosystems?

Dr. Luther shares insights on how close we are to commercial operations, including updates from the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), and why the Cook Islands could potentially meet all global battery mineral needs for the next 30 years. He also explains the ongoing development of the international mining code, the role of the International Seabed Authority, and how the U.S might  be signaling new deep sea mining ambitions through recent executive orders.

What investments and policies should the U.S. prioritize now to stay competitive in deep sea mineral access? And can we mine the ocean responsibly without repeating the mistakes of land-based extraction?

Register for the Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity here!
Presented by the GNSI at USF,  in partnership with the University of Paris-Saclay, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity and the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing

Learn more about Dr. Luther and his work:
🌐USF College of Marine Science
🌐USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies
🌐International Marine Mineral Society

JSS – Special Issue on Afghanistan
Read the issue here.

GNSI Signs Academic Agreement with Poland’s War Studies University
Read press release here. 

Boundless Bulls:

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, Dr. Nicolas Sabouret of the University of Paris-Saclay joins GNSI’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer to preview the upcoming Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity. Together, they explore how France and the U.S. approach cybersecurity—from technical expertise in cryptography and networks to the policy implications of securing national infrastructure. It’s a candid, international look at cybersecurity education, research, and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or tech enthusiast, you’ll find insights on the future of global cyber strategy. 

Episode Links:

Webpage and Registration for The Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity

GNSI Newsletter Issue #27

GNSI Video Series: Dr. Golfo Alexopoulos with Peter Pomerantsev

GNSI Video Series: Dr. Matthew Ford with Students from FSP

####

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, Dr. Andrew Whiskeyman sits down with Milo McBride of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to explore one of the most consequential issues in global security today: the race for critical minerals and the future of energy transition.

From solar and battery innovation to deep sea mining and friendshoring strategies, this conversation breaks down how access to rare earth elements, lithium, and other essential materials is reshaping geopolitics, military readiness, and climate ambitions. McBride shares why China’s dominance in energy supply chains is a structural challenge for the U.S., how new geothermal and battery storage technologies could offer a way forward, and what policies might close the gap between environmental ideals and practical realities.

If you care about energy security, emerging tech, or the intersection of national strategy and sustainability, this is a must-listen.

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this Memorial Day edition of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso sits down with Colonel Allan Peterson, the Danish senior national representative to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the new chairman of its 35-nation military coalition. Based in Tampa, Florida, this enduring coalition was born out of the post-9/11 fight against terrorism—but its mission has since evolved dramatically.

Colonel Peterson offers a rare insider’s look at how partner nations are collaborating on today’s most pressing security challenges, from freedom of navigation in the Red Sea to the uncertain futures of Iraq and Syria. As global attention shifts to the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine, why does the Middle East still demand a dedicated multinational presence? And what makes this coalition, quietly operating inside MacDill Air Force Base, such a strategic asset?

If you're interested in defense policy, military coalitions, or U.S. foreign relations in the Middle East, this episode delivers timely insight into a vital—but often overlooked—pillar of American national security strategy. 

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Description:
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Jim Cardoso sits down with Dr. Tracey Pérez Koehlmoos—Director of the Center for Health Services Research and Doctoral Programs in Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University—to explore how lessons from the Ukraine war are reshaping U.S. battlefield medicine.

From the death of the "Golden Hour" to the rise of drone evacuations and mobile surgical units, this conversation examines how the U.S. military is preparing for medical realities in future conflicts—especially across vast, maritime regions like INDOPACOM.

Topics include:
 • Why traditional evacuation timelines are no longer reliable
 • Medical innovation in low-air-superiority environments
 • Field surgeries, hospital trains, and rapid-deployment surgical ships
 • Challenges of sustaining operating rooms at sea
 • Digitizing battlefield medical records
 • Impacts of aging fighting forces and declining youth health

Follow the GNSI Podcast At the Boundary for weekly conversations on global security, strategy, and defense innovation.

Links from the episode:

• GNSI YouTube page

• Transatlantic Forum on Cybersecurity with GNSI, Paris-Saclay, and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity

• “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence” by Jeff Rogg

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode, GNSI's Glenn Beckmann hosts a conversation with Dr. Chris Mason—retired U.S. Army War College professor—about a major new research project on internal conflict, now based at the University of South Florida. Dr. Mason shares insights from over 150 case studies and outlines five key factors that help predict when governments fail.

He’s joined by Dr. Rob Burell, GNSI’s expert in resistance and resiliency, along with two students from the USF Future Strategist Program for a thoughtful discussion on what these findings mean for national security and global stability.

Topics include:
 • National identity and state legitimacy
 • Security vacuums and external sanctuaries
 • Lessons for policymakers and military leaders
 • How this predictive tool can inform real-world strategy

Plus: GNSI updates and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Follow the GNSI Podcast for more conversations on global security, conflict, and the future of strategy.

Links from the episode:

• Decision Briefs – Submission instructions 

• “The Strategic Lessons Unlearned from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan: Why the ANSF Will Not Hold, and the Implications for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan” book  by Dr. Chris Mason

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, guest host GNSI publications coordinator Heather Ward speaks with Dr. Vlado Vivoda of the University of Queensland to explore the strategic role of critical minerals in modern technology, clean energy, and national security.

Dr. Vivoda explains why minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are vital to everything from EV batteries and smartphones to advanced defense technology. The discussion highlights the risks of supply chain vulnerability, including China’s dominance in mineral refining and global production, and the regulatory challenges facing U.S. mineral policy.

 Key topics include:
🔹 The role of critical minerals in defense and energy
 🔹 Why the U.S. mineral supply chain is at risk
 🔹 How mineral recycling and alternative tech could reduce dependency
 🔹 The need for faster mine permitting and strategic resource planning

🎙️ Learn why securing critical materials is essential to global stability, economic resilience, and national defense.

Links from the episode:

• GNSI Decision Brief: “De Oppresso Liber – Applying Green Beret Identity and Ethos to Build U.S. Military Resiliency” By Drs. Joseph Long and Rob Burell and retired Lt General Charles Cleveland

• GNSI Video Series Interview with Ambassador John J. Sullivan

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso sits down with Dr. Armand Mahmoudian to introduce a major new research initiative from the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) at the University of South Florida: Axis of Resistance.

The conversation explores Iran’s growing influence across the Middle East through its network of proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and beyond. Mahmoudian provides historical context for Iran’s regional strategy, its support for Shia groups, and the current challenges surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Listeners will also learn about GNSI’s upcoming monthly expert panels, featuring former officials, regional specialists, and voices from affected communities—all aimed at delivering comprehensive insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

🎧 Tune in to learn how Iran’s power projection is reshaping security dynamics across the region—and why understanding it matters now more than ever.

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

What’s next in the Russia-Ukraine war, and how should the U.S. respond? In this episode of At the Boundary, we listen in on a critical conversation between Dr. Arman Mahmudian, GNSI Research Fellow, and David Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute.

Together, they examine the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, explore the political landscape, and assess the potential for a ceasefire. Kramer outlines Russia’s continued aggression, the vital role of U.S. military and economic support, and the importance of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

The discussion also covers Ukraine’s battlefield innovations, the risks of premature negotiations, and strategic policy recommendations—including enhanced sanctions, seizing Russian assets, and maintaining pressure to deter future Russian actions.

🎧 Tune in for expert analysis on the war’s trajectory, U.S. foreign policy, and what’s at stake for global security.

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of At the Boundary, guest Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemen expert of the Middle East Institute, joins GNSI’s own Dr. Armand Mahmoudian to unpack the rise of the Houthis and their growing impact on regional and global security.

The conversation explores the Houthis' ideological roots, inspired by the Iranian Revolution, and their strategic objectives—from dominating Yemen to targeting holy sites and calling for the destruction of Israel. With military backing and training from Iran, the Houthis have become a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The episode also delves into recent U.S. military strikes aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on global shipping, their ties with extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, and the involvement of major powers like Russia and China.

What’s next for Yemen—and what does it mean for the world? Tune in for expert insights and critical analysis of one of today’s most volatile security flashpoints.

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

How effective are economic sanctions in shaping global behavior—and what happens when they backfire?

In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, host Jim Cardoso is joined by Dr. Zachary Selden, a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and economic sanctions from the University of Florida. Together, they explore the evolving role of sanctions in diplomacy and global security, using both historical and current examples to examine when sanctions work—and when they don’t.

Key topics include:

• The U.S. embargo on Japan before WWII and its strategic consequences
• Sanctions on Russia and Iran: impacts, workarounds, and domestic responses
• How sanctions can unintentionally drive local production (like rare earth metals)
• Why sanctions are more effective when tied to specific goals—not regime change
• The challenges of sanctioning authoritarian regimes with access to alternative suppliers like China

Whether you're a policy professional, student of international relations, or just curious about how sanctions shape global events, this episode offers clear, timely insights into one of the most debated tools of modern statecraft. 

Links from the episode:
• Future Strategist Program Cyber Frontier Summit

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

What role should NATO play in today’s security landscape—and how do regions like Africa factor into long-term strategy?

In this episode of the "At the Boundary" podcast, host Jim Cardoso is joined by retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Kirk Smith to explore evolving priorities in national security and defense cooperation. The conversation covers NATO’s post-counterterrorism role, the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic relationship, and why Africa has become a strategic focal point for issues like migration, terrorism, and global power competition.

Also discussed:

• The value of European NATO partners’ diverse perspectives
• Why security cooperation is key to long-term stability
• The continued relevance of Special Operations Forces (SOF)
• How allies maintain interoperability across missions and regions

This episode offers timely insights for anyone interested in alliance strategy, emerging global threats, and the future of military partnerships.

Subscribe and stay informed by experts in the field of Global and National security! 

Links From the Episode:

• Register for the FSP Cyber Frontier Summit Here 

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, but human error remains the biggest vulnerability. In this episode of At the Boundary, Joe Blankenship, Chief Data Officer at Certus Core, unpacks the latest AI-driven threats, from phishing and malware to supply chain security risks.

🔎 What you’ll learn:

• How AI is weaponizing cyber threats like phishing and malware
• Why human error is still the biggest cybersecurity risk
• The role of blockchain in securing supply chains & transactions
• How organizations can regulate AI risks without slowing innovation

With AI and blockchain reshaping cybersecurity, understanding the risks is critical.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Links from the episode:

• Register for the FSP Cyber Frontier Summit Here 

• Dr. Mohsen Milani's Iran's Rise and Rivalry with the US in the Middle East Book Interview

 • GNSI Tampa Summit 5: The Russia-Ukraine War: Lessons For Future Conflicts Conference Video Playlist

• Certus Core Website

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Award-winning documentary producer and investigative journalist Richard Kerbaj joins Dr. David Oakley at the University of South Florida to discuss the intricate history of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Kerbaj, renowned for his BAFTA-winning documentary My Son, the Jihadi and his recent television work on Litvinenko, provides a deep dive into his latest book, The Secret History of the Five Eyes: The Untold Story of the International Spy Network. Over six years of research and more than 100 interviews—including conversations with two British and two Australian Prime Ministers—shaped his gripping narrative on the intelligence-sharing pact between the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

From the clandestine origins of the alliance in World War II to the Cold War’s shifting espionage landscape and the challenges of modern counterterrorism, Kerbaj brings to life the untold stories of intelligence officers, political tensions, and the delicate balance of secrecy and trust among allied nations. The discussion highlights the real-world stakes of intelligence cooperation, from tracking down terrorist threats like Jihadi John to exposing historical tensions between Five Eyes members. Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of international espionage, the challenges of intelligence ethics, and the evolution of one of the world’s most powerful yet enigmatic security partnerships.

🔎 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to uncover the secret world of global intelligence.

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.

Text the ATB Team! We'd love to hear from you!

Can the U.S. afford to shift its focus to China while Russia remains a threat?

Following the GNSI Summit on the Russian-Ukraine War, experts break down why abandoning Europe could be a serious mistake—and how Russian and Chinese aggression are more connected than you think. Maintaining a strong military presence in Europe isn’t just about defending allies—it’s about global stability.

The conversation explores why the U.S. must strike a balance between investing in legacy military systems and rapidly adopting new technologies like drones to stay ahead of emerging threats. The key to success? Proactive deterrence. Preventing conflicts before they start is more effective—and less costly—than responding after the damage is done.

Don’t miss this insightful deep dive into the future of U.S. defense strategy and why global power dynamics are more intertwined than ever. Subscribe to the “At the Boundary” Podcast to stay up to date on global policy!

Links From the Episode:

• FSP Cyber Frontier Summit on April 15th

• Critical Resources for National Security Decision Brief

At the Boundary from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, features global and national security issues we’ve found to be insightful, intriguing, fascinating, maybe controversial, but overall just worth talking about.

A "boundary" is a place, either literal or figurative, where two forces exist in close proximity to each other. Sometimes that boundary is in a state of harmony. More often than not, that boundary has a bit of chaos baked in. The Global and National Security Institute will live on the boundary of security policy and technology and that's where this podcast will focus.

The mission of GNSI is to provide actionable solutions to 21st-century security challenges for decision-makers at the local, state, national and global levels. We hope you enjoy At the Boundary.

Look for our other publications and products on our website publications page.