Explore every episode of the podcast At The Boundary
Dive into the complete episode list for At The Boundary. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Could Cyberattacks Bring Modern Economies to a Halt?
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI’s Strategy and Research Manager, Dr. Tad Schnaufer II, is joined by Dr. Louise Tumchewics, a professor at the Center for War Studies at the University of Southern Denmark. They discuss Tumchewics’ upcoming project with the Center that focuses on the nexus of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and supply chain resilience for average businesses in Denmark.
Tumchewics mentions the human aspect of cybersecurity, and how Denmark is working to educate its civil population on digital security. She mentions that a cyberattack to critical infrastructure, such as the 2017 Maersk shipping crisis, would be damaging to the Danish supply chain and the Danish people, who rely heavily on online services. She ends with a hopeful look to the future, where countries like Denmark could have effective plans in case of cyber or hybrid threats.
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.
In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Academic Director, Dr. David Oakley, is joined by the U.S. Army War College’s Chair of Executive and Strategic Leadership, Dr. Celestino Perez, to discuss GNSI’s upcoming undergraduate strategy competition during April’s International Security Experience.
Perez, who developed the Army War College strategy competition, worked with Oakley to plan the ISE’s strategy competition for undergraduate students from USF and other universities around the country and globe, most of whom do not have military backgrounds. Perez and Oakley discuss the merits of this experiential learning exercise in solving strategic problems, as well as Perez’s mantra for strategy competitions: “Strategy is performance.”
They emphasize the importance of teamwork in crafting successful strategies and discuss how classroom environments can foster better strategic thinking among students. During the competition, teams made up of six students each will develop a strategic response based on a prompt, and then each team’s strategy will be judged, and one team will ultimately win the competition.
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.
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Research Fellow Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with Terry Guild, a former senior U.S. Army intelligence officer with a 30–year military career and five years of experience in the defense industry at CAE and Intrinsic Ventures. Together, they unpack one of the most controversial policy debates shaping the future of U.S. military readiness: the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025.
For decades, military policy has restricted what soldiers can repair in the field—even when they have the skill to do so. Broken equipment often must be shipped out or serviced by contractors, creating delays, increasing costs, and reducing operational flexibility. The proposed Right to Repair Act seeks to change that by empowering warfighters to fix more of their own gear. What does this mean for proprietary source code or intellectual property?
Dr. Rossi and Guild explore:
· Why the military has historically limited soldier-level repairs
· How contractor dependence affects readiness on modern battlefields
· The cultural, logistical, and security concerns driving debate
From wartime efficiency to industrial politics, this episode breaks down what’s really at stake for America’s fighting forces — and whether the Pentagon is ready for a fundamental shift in how the U.S. maintains its equipment.
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.
Dr. Craig Martell, former technology executive at Lyft and Dropbox, and the first Chief Development and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the Department of Defense, is one of the world's leading experts on artificial intelligence, machine learning and large language models. His keynote address at GNSI Tampa Summit 3 was such a roaring success, we wanted to connect with him again. He agreed and, on his last day as the head of CDAO, spent some time with us and USF Professor John Licago, the founder of the university's Advancing Machine and Human Reasoning (AMHR) Lab.
We're breaking the conversation into two episodes. Today is Part 1.
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.
Artificial Intelligence is a hot-button issue - perhaps the hot-button issue - around the world today. AI was the focus of our recently completed GNSI Tampa Summit 3: Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Strategic Competition.
A highly anticipated segment of the conference was the Fireside Chat on Day 1, featuring the Honorable Kirstjen Nielsen and retired U.S. Marine Corps General, Frank McKenzie. Nielsen is the former Secretary of Homeland Security and was recently named to the Board of Directors for D-Wave Quantum, Inc. McKenzie is the Executive Director of GNSI and the former commander of U.S. Central Command.
The conversation was dynamic and deep; so much so, in fact, we've broken the conversation into two parts. Part 2 is in this episode of At the Boundary (episode 20). The first half of the chat dropped yesterday in the regular, weekly episode of ATB (episode 19).
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.
Artificial Intelligence is a hot-button issue - perhaps the hot-button issue - around the world today. AI was the focus of our recently completed GNSI Tampa Summit 3: Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Strategic Competition.
A highly anticipated segment of the conference was the Fireside Chat on Day 1, featuring the Honorable Kirstjen Nielsen and retired U.S. Marine Corps General, Frank McKenzie. Nielsen is the former Secretary of Homeland Security and was recently named to the Board of Directors for D-Wave Quantum, Inc. McKenzie is the Executive Director of GNSI and the former commander of U.S. Central Command.
The conversation was dynamic and deep; so much so, in fact, we've broken the conversation into two parts. Part 1 is in this episode of At the Boundary (episode 19). The second half of the chat will be featured in a special, bonus episode of ATB (episode 20), dropping tomorrow.
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.
Waves of Consequence: The Capabilities of A.I. from a Military Perspective with General Bryan Fenton, the Commander of United States Special Operations Command
In this episode of At the Boundary, GNSI Tampa Summit 3 keynote speaker, General Bryan Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Forces Operations Command (USSOCOM), shares topics of military interest in artificial intelligence. AI has transformed the way his team at Special Operations Command processes and solves the difficult challenges this technology brings with its advancements.
He borrows a phrase from Indo-Pacific surfers – "Waves of Consequence" – to describe the current and future AI environment. Fenton’s address shared the unique and ever-changing challenges the SOCOM teams face not only in America, but around the globe.
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.
Are We Ready for the Next Steps with A.I.? With USF’s Dr. Norma Alcantar and Dr. John Licato and the University of Paris-Saclay’s Dr. Nicholas Sabouret.
In this episode of At the Boundary, we listen to a diverse conversation between three leading experts in the study of artificial intelligence. USF assistant professor and the founder of the Advancing Machine and Human Reasoning Lab, Dr. John Licato, USF Associate Dean of Research in the Department of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering Department, Dr. Norma Alcantar, and the Director of the Graduate School of Computer Science at the University of Paris-Saclay in France, Dr. Nicholas Sabouret.
Their conversation delved into the global views on A.I., unique applications of the technology, and how prepared we may, or may not be, for the artificially generated images and speech that can be nearly indistinguishable from other humans.
Click here for information and to register for the upcoming GNSI Policy Dialogues: The Iran Enigma: Navigating Security and Strategy
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.
Food Insecurities in Tampa Bay with CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, Thomas Mantz and Director of the USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities, Dr. David Himmelgreen
In this episode of At the Boundary, we’ve gathered the CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, Thomas Mantz and Dr. David Himmelgreen, a USF anthropology professor and Director of the USF Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities to speak about food insecurity and hunger issues in the Tampa Bay region.
They speak on the unique relationship between USF and one of America's major food banks, as well as to how they started with the intent to solve problems focused on food but now seek to improve the lives of those who find themselves in these difficult situations.
We hope you enjoy the episode.
For information and registration for the upcoming GNSI Tampa Summit 3: Register here.
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.
Understanding Drone Warfare and Emerging Technologies with Lt. Colonel Paul Lushenko and Taylor Johnston, COO of the Institute of Applied Engineering at USF
In this episode of At the Boundary, we sit in on a conversation with one of the U.S. Army's foremost experts on drone warfare, AI trust and emerging technologies, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Paul Lushenko, the Director of Operations at the US Army War College. The highly accredited author and recently named assistant professor at the Army War College sat down with Taylor Johnston, the Chief Operations Officer at the Institute for Applied Engineering at the University of South Florida. Johnston is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer, whose last post was as Chief Innovation Officer at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
We thought putting these two guys together in a room would make for a block-buster conversation and they did not disappoint!
We hope you enjoy the episode.
For information and registration for the upcoming GNSI Tampa Summit 3: Register here.
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.
In Episode 14 of “At the Boundary,” we recognize the two-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022. Actually, as we learn in this episode, a strong case can be made that this is the 10th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
We also discuss a recent Guest Essay written by GNSI Executive Director, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie, for the New York Times. In that essay, titled “It’s Not Time for Our Troops to Leave the Middle East,” McKenzie lays out his position: We waited too long to respond to the many attacks by #Iranian backed proxy militias and we must now respond more aggressively to re-establish deterrence against Iran and those proxy groups like #Hezbollah and
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.
At the first GNSI Tampa Summit, Tom Waters, the Assistant Director of Startups and Business Development at the USF Technology Transfer Office, presented a compelling case as to why one of the world's most popular social media apps, TikTok, has leaped to #1 on the U.S. Most Wanted List and has drawn the ire of the U.S. government. TikTok, and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, are under investigation by the U.S. Senate for predatory business practices.
Since that presentation in March of 2023, Waters has given that presentation at venues around the country. And he's updated it along the way, as new developments continue to happen to TikTok, in particular, and social media in general. He joins At the Boundary to address what's happened with TikTok in the last 15 months.
Tom Waters is the Assistant Director of Start Ups and Business Development at the USF Technology Transfer Office, part of USF Research and Innovation.
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.
At the first GNSI Tampa Summit, Tom Waters, the Assistant Director of Startups and Business Development at the USF Technology Transfer Office, presented a compelling case as to why one of the world's most popular social media apps, TikTok, has leaped to #1 on the U.S. Most Wanted List and has drawn the ire of the U.S. government. TikTok, and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, are under investigation by the U.S. Senate for predatory business practices.
TikTok has over 170 million users in the U.S. alone and is one of the greatest startups in the modern era. The app and parent company, however, are facing increased scrutiny and investigations around the globe. The app is banned in several countries for its questionable data handling practices, potential national security risks, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Tom Waters is the Assistant Director of Start Ups and Business Development at the USF Technology Transfer Office, part of USF Research and Innovation.
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.
In this episode of At the Boundary, retired four-star General Frank McKenzie joins USF’s Dr. Tad Schnaufer to break down one of the most pressing national security questions today: Can the United States build a true “Golden Dome” to defend the homeland from nuclear missile attack?
Together, they explore how America’s past missile defense systems—from Nike and Sentinel to THAAD—shaped today’s strategic landscape, and why emerging technologies may finally make boost-phase interception realistic. The conversation dives into the potential of space-based missile defense, the growing threat of hypersonic weapons, and what future U.S. policy and NATO cooperation would require keeping pace with rapidly advancing adversaries.
General McKenzie provides a candid assessment of the U.S.–China nuclear competition, the limits of current deterrence, and what it would take to shield the American homeland in a future strategic conflict.
A must-listen episode for anyone tracking U.S. defense strategy, missile defense innovation, and global security trends.
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.
What began in 2013 as a "Wouldn't it be great if –" idea between Professor Thomas Smith, PhD of the University of South Florida and former US Ambassador Douglas McElhaney has now blossomed into one of the Tampa Bay region's must-see events.
This week's episode features a conversation with Smith, who is now the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and Campus Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at USF St. Petersburg. Smith goes behind-the-scenes of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs and even tells us about the time the event unwittingly featured an honest-to-goodness Russian spy.
This year's event is themed "Re-Thinking." It will explore new ideas and possibilities with that theme in a wide spectrum of interests and industries: national security, artificial intelligence, the Middle East, the Sahel Region in Africa, arts and music, European monarchies and many more.
SPCWA is scheduled for February 5-7 at the USF St. Petersburg campus and will feature a keynote address from retired U.S. ambassador Barbara Stevenson.
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.
GNSI recently acquired the Journal of Strategic Security, a Top 20 Military Studies Journal, utilized and cited by researchers around the world. To talk about the history of the journal and the role played by USF Libraries, GNSI had a discussion with Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Strategic Security, Jay Tamsett and the Dean of USF Libraries, Todd Chavez.
The Journal of Strategic Security was founded in 2008, and has published 61 issues of outstanding analysis and book reviews. The Journal has been downloaded over 1.6 million times and is ranked among the highest rated Military Studies academic journals by Google Scholar. The Journal has published papers on topics as wide-ranging as information technology, cyber warfare and the defense of Taiwan.
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.
Following her appearance at GNSI Tampa Summit 3: The Future and Ethics of Uncrewed and Autonomous Warfare, Dr. Jennifer McArdle, Senior Director of the Futures Program, CAE USA, spoke with us about how artificial intelligence and virtual training environments are expanding the capabilities of our military and defense forces.
CAE USA is a high-technology company devoted to the idea of bringing the digital and physical worlds closer together. She spoke at length with Dr. Tad Schnauffer, II, GNSI Strategy and Research Manager, about her journey through the national security industry: from playing strategy games with toys as a child, as well as the journey that took her from those games to a PhD from Kings College in London, becoming a CMSP – a Certified Modeling and Simulation Profession – to working on a congressional staff. She’s also an official “Mad Scientist,” as named by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
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.
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.
Weaponization of Hunger, Dangerously Hungry, the Role of World Hunger in Global and National Security. Special Guest, Dr. Chase Sova, World Food Program USA
One of the central tenets of GNSI is the elevation of "non-traditional" issues of global and national security. Issues like energy and water security, human trafficking, climate change, disinformation, violent extremism and, in this episode, the weaponization of hunger.
Dr. Chase Sova, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the United Nation's World Food Program USA, was a key speaker at our first Policy Dialogues event: Hunger as a Weapon. Sova spoke extensively about the WFP's watershed report, "Dangerously Hungry: The Link Between Food Insecurity and Conflict." Sova was the lead author of that report, which links 70% of the world's hunger to violence and conflict.
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.
Dunlap had a 34-year career in the Air Force, culminating as the Air Force's Deputy Judge Advocate General. Dunlap. He joined the faculty of Duke Law and has been focused on national security, law of armed conflict, the use of force under international law, cyberwar and military justice.
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.
In this episode of At the Boundary, we sit in on a discussion between Dr. Golfo Alexopoulos and James Coker II, the former Ukraine Desk Officer for the United States Department of State. As the very first video of the GNSI Speaker Series (play list here), Alexopoulos (professor in the USF School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies and Director of the Institute for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies) spoke extensively with Coker about the many ways the United States, as well as the rest of Ukraine's allies, can help that country recover - and rebuild - after this war is over. We recorded this interview nearly one year ago, but many of the circumstances and questions are still pertinent today.
Of note: Coker's role with the State Department has changed. He's now the J3 Foreign Affairs Advisor (POLAD) for the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)
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.
In this episode of At the Boundary, former Ambassador and Special Presidential Envoy, Marshall Billingslea, argues passionately that the United States' support of Ukraine should continue. Billingslea spoke at the 6th Great Power Competition Conference nearly one year ago, but his comments seem prescient even today. He argues that supporting Ukraine in its fight for independence from an unwarranted invasion is the "quintessential American thing to do."
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.
In this episode of At the Boundary, we listen to the opening remarks from a panel discussion that took place at the first GNSI Tampa Summit. This panel discussion was part of the Great Power Competition Conference, the nation's leading, ongoing conference dedicated to studying the Great Power Competition between the USA, Russia, China and other players around the globe.
This episode features the opening remarks from the panel: China’s Shaping of International Norms and Regional Security Environment. • Matthew McInnis, Senior Fellow, Institute for the Study of War • Peter Mattis, Director of Intelligence, Special Competitive Studies Project • Emily de la Bruyere, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defending Democractices • Dean Cheng, Senior Advisor, China Program, United States Institute of Peace • Daniel Tobin, Associate (Non-Resident) Freeman Chair, CSIS
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.
As the Director of DARPA, Tompkins is responsible for the $4 billion agency's mission of finding nascent discoveries and ideas and turning them into breakthrough technologies for national security through funding and research. Tompkins talks about the history of DARPA, why it was started (short answer: the Sputnik Satellite from the USSR) and how the agency's work has ultimately resulted in not only game-changing military capabilities such as precision weapons and stealth technology but also icons of modern civilian society such as the Internet, automated voice recognition and language translation, and GPS. She also discusses a relatively new initiative - DARPAConnect - the agency is using to broaden DARPA’S reach and stimulate growth and collaboration with small businesses and education institutions new to the national security space.
With a focus on underrepresented, diverse, and nontraditional performers, DARPAConnect aims to break down barriers of entry to find the next groundbreaking solutions.
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.
In this episode of the At The Boundary podcast, senior director of the GNSI, Jim Cardoso, sat down for a roundtable discussion with Mark Luther, an Associate Professor at USF and the Director for the Center of Maritime and Port Studies, Mark DuPont, the Executive Director of the National Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and Brian Langley, the Senior Executive Advisor for Cyber Florida. The four recapped the 2025 Florida Security Forum, focusing on Port and Maritime Security, and they discussed the impact of the event, the major takeaways, and planning for the future of both state and national port security.
The main takeaways from the Forum were the necessity of following up on conversations with plans of action, working across the state to reinforce port-to-port relationships, and not losing sight of traditional threats, such as natural disasters, in the face of emerging cybersecurity and drone threats. Action is needed to remind both state and federal lawmakers of the importance of port and maritime security.
Another main theme explored how to train the next generation of maritime employees, and how to educate the general public on port affairs. The current lack of a Maritime Academy in Florida is concerning; it outsources maritime education to other states, could undermine the Florida workforce, and could thus have a negative economic impact in the future. Additionally, policymakers can become out-of-touch when it comes to creating policies around threats to infrastructure. Educational efforts will reinforce state and federal port security, as well as create stronger public-private partnerships between policymakers and the maritime workforce which will enable a more unified threat response.
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.
Today, in the kickoff episode of At the Boundary, we’re featuring keynote remarks from General McKenzie at the first GNSI Policy Dialogues, with the theme Hunger as a Weapon.
As the Executive Director of GNSI, retired Marine Corps General Frank McKenzie has made it a priority for our team to expand the national security conversation beyond the issues that have commonly been associated with it, and include those non-traditional challenges that are too frequently being overlooked.
We'll also introduce you to the Global and National Security Institute, the relatively new institute at the University of South Florida, designed to place USF and the state of Florida at the front of the global and national security conversation.
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.
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Guido Rossi speaks with Dr. Peter Mansoor, a professor and the General Raymond E. Mason Jr. Chair in Military History at The Ohio State University. Their conversation delves into counterinsurgency warfare and preparing the American military for future threats.
Mansoor opens with the state of U.S. counterinsurgency doctrine, referencing Field Manual 23-4 and the foundations of counterinsurgency warfare, such as population persuasion. He notes that the wars between Ukraine and Russia and between Israel and Palestine do not qualify as counterinsurgencies and warns of the potential for larger scale hybrid conflicts in the United States’ future. He argues that the American military needs to stay educated and trained in counterinsurgency warfare, as well as continue to evolve its strategy to include drone warfare. In the future, NATO and Pacific allyship will be crucial for countering China and Russia should they decide to pursue a large-scale conflict against Taiwan or Europe, respectively.
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.
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer moderates a panel discussion on key insights from the 2025 Cyber Bay Conference. Joining him are Dr. Linda Nhon, Resident Fellow at GNSI; Dr. George Burress, Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida; and Chris Hunter, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at IWP Family Office.
The panel took a broad look at cyber security, especially as it relates to national security, and emphasized the need to create a stronger knowledge of cyber preparedness in case of malicious attacks on critical infrastructure. Examples of past cyber-attack incidents, such as with the Salt Typhoon and Vault Typhoon groups from China, and Sandworm from Russia, gave insight into how both cyber and physical vulnerabilities can be exploited by hostile actors. Currently, most critical infrastructure in the U.S. is not prepared for a large-scale attack or grid shutdown.
As the world becomes more integrated, the panel underscored how modern tech can be exploited to take advantage of the individual user, a company, or even the government. The individual needs to be educated on how cybercrimes can affect their personal lives, and the broader community needs a plan of action for when a cyber-attack may cause a grid shutdown.
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.
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, interviewed Fabio van Loon about his latest publication on the topic of the pitfalls and challenges of U.S. foreign policy, specifically with interagency coordination.
Fabio explained his paper’s focus on three different presidents and their national security advisors, from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger to Jimmy Carter and Zbigniew Brzezinski, and George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice. He homed in on the major security and foreign policy decisions of their terms and shared that clear interagency coordination is foundational for a country and its agencies to be successful in their missions. Some challenges to coordination may be conflicting personalities and disunity in command.
The author also explained the challenges that come with managing wars, such as in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and how both the CORDS and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) programs aided or hindered strategic efforts. Towards the end of the episode, he highlighted three solutions for interagency disjunction and reiterated the importance of operational unity within government agencies.
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.
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer was joined by Lt Col. John "JAY" Patrich to talk about the need for innovation when it comes to strategic drone attacks, with a focus on the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, and in light of Lt Col Patrich’s recent decision brief on drone warfare.
Lt Col Patrich dove into the need for creativity and innovation of drones to achieve air superiority or air denial, particularly within the air littoral space. The vast array of drones (in size and capability) lends itself to making progress with innovative research that could change the approach of irregular warfare. The rapid evolution in how Russia and Ukraine have been using drones in combat was a key topic, as were possible future near-peer conflicts and their potential to push drone innovation in a new direction.
To round out the conversation, they explored the necessity of policies to guide drone uses, and the necessity of drone education for those within the government and military who are tasked with acquiring and maintaining the drones.
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.
In this episode of GNSI’s “At the Boundary” podcast, USF’s Dr. Robert Burrell is joined by authors Dr. Zacharias Pieri and Dr. Kevin Fridy to discuss their new book, Governance, Grievance, and Violent Extremism in West Africa:From the Caliphates to Great Power Competition. The conversation explores how local governance, resource competition, and regional instability shape violent extremism in West Africa, with a focus on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.
Together, they unpack:
· How governance failures fuel extremist movements across the Sahel
· The lingering effects of colonial and pre-colonial systems on modern governance
· The role of natural resources and external powers in local conflict
· How the United States and international actors can more effectively engage at the local level
🎙️ Recorded at the University of South Florida, this episode offers vital insights into one of the world’s most complex and consequential security challenges.
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.
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Senior Director, Jim Cardoso, led a panel discussion on the JSS article, “Detecting Drone Threats at Stadiums and Public Venues: Overview, Operational Considerations, and Technical Implementation.” Joining him were the article’s authors: Nathan Jones, associate professor of security studies in the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University; John Sullivan, a retired career police officer and an instructor in the Safe Communities Institute at the University of Southern California; and George Javis Jr., a specialist in geospatial information systems and geospatial intelligence.
The discussion focused on the use of drones as a national security threat, both present and future, to public stadiums and other large venues. The authors detailed the range of drone technologies and its expanding development, and how the United States legal system and law enforcement are not currently prepared to regulate drone usage in the way that is necessary for public safety.
Current and future concerns about the potential for drones to be used maliciously were also explored. The authors cited the 2021 Astroworld tragedy as a case study to examine how similar situations occur under a drone-based terrorist attack.
Main points discussed:
Emerging drone threats to public events and large venues.
Legal gaps in drone regulation and how law enforcement agencies and security professionals should respond.
Current and emerging concerns tied to the evolving capabilities and variety of drone swarm technology and the expanding array of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
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.
In this “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI Academic Director David Oakley, PhD, spoke with two students from the University of South Florida selected to attend the 2025 ISI Programme: May Birch and Kyle Rudd.
Throughout the episode, Birch and Rudd, who are both members of USF’s Future Strategist Program, share their experiences over the summer. They discuss exclusive networking opportunities and insight into intelligence and security careers unknown to them beforehand. The students also noted the wealth of first hand experiences shared by distinguished experts from around the globe. Not to mention the scenic Cambridge University campus and surrounding landscape.
The five week trip is part of a partnership between GNSI and The International Security and Intelligence Programme presented by the Cambridge Security Initiative & The Department of War Studies. GNSI is determined to support this and other student initiatives to better prepare the next generation of security practitioners.
For more information about The International Security and Intelligence Programme at Cambridge University, please check their website in the links below.
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.
In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, host Jim Cardoso speaks with strategy expert Tad Schnaufer, PhD about the launch of his GNSI Research Initiative titled: “Path to Durable Peace in the Ukraine War.” The series will feature scholars and experts analyzing the question: What would a durable peace in the Ukraine war actually look like?
Drawing on firsthand experience in Eastern Europe and military service with the Florida Army National Guard, Schnaufer explains why ending the war between Ukraine and Russia will be far more complex than signing a ceasefire agreement. The discussion explores the realities on the battlefield, the failures of past negotiations like the Minsk agreements, and why true peace could require decades of costly deterrence, peacekeeping forces, and political commitment from Western allies.
Whether you follow international relations, military strategy, or current events, this episode provides essential context for understanding how the war could end — and what comes after.
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.
In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundarypodcast, Research Fellow Dr. Guido Rossi and war studies specialist Dr. Matthew Ford to unpack one of the U.S. Army’s most consequential decisions: replacing the standard-issue M4 with the new M7 rifle. At the heart of the debate is the shift from 5.56mm to 6.8mm ammunition—and the controversy over reduced magazine capacity.
Together, they explore the trade-offs between combat effectiveness, soldier burden, and cost, while assessing how this change could reshape NATO standardization and global small arms policy. What does this decision mean for U.S. influence, allied forces, and the future battlefield? And is the Army truly ready for the operational and logistical challenges that come with the switch?
From military history to weapons innovation, this episode offers insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and strategy in modern warfare. Perfect for listeners interested in defense policy, small arms development, and the future of U.S. military power.
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.
🎙️ At the Boundary reaches its 100th episode with a critical conversation on one of the fastest-growing threats in modern warfare: drones. Host Jim Cardoso is joined by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn and Molly Campbell to explore why the U.S. must urgently rethink its counter-drone strategies—before it’s too late.
From the looming risk of a Taiwan conflict to the rise of low-cost Chinese drones, this episode examines:
Why expensive missile defenses are unsustainable against cheap drone swarms
The need for layered defenses and operational resilience
The role of sensors, directed energy weapons, and low-cost interceptors
If you care about national security, emerging military technology, or the U.S.’s ability to compete in great power conflict, this episode is a must-listen.
📍 Recorded at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) in Tampa, Florida.
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.
Are America's Transformers the Weak Link in National Security?
In this episode of the At the Boundary podcast, GNSI’s Lt Col John "JAY" Patrich, an MQ-9 pilot and National Security Research Fellow at the GNSI, sits down with Jesse Humpal, Ph.D., an Air Force officer currently serving in the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Strategic Studies Group. Their discussion centers on Humpal’s recent article “Transformer Trouble and the National Security Imperative.”
This episode looks at America’s transformer infrastructure vulnerabilities—whether due to age, or the fact that they’re not set up to handle emerging technologies such as data centers, electric vehicles and AI powered machinery. These structures are vulnerable to both cyber and kinetic attacks, from both foreign adversaries and domestic extremists.
Transformer failures can impact tens of thousands of people, and with most military bases relying on local power, sustained blackouts could have disastrous consequences.
Listen to hear what Humpal thinks needs to be done to make this outdated and aging infrastructure more resilient and how we might prepare for the next attack.
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.
The U.S. once built 90% of the world’s ships—today, it produces less than 1%. What went wrong, and can America reclaim maritime dominance?
In this episode of the “At the Boundary” podcast, GNSI’s Dr. Guido Rossi sits down with maritime expert Dr. Randall Gentry, the principal research scientist at CNA Corporation, to unpack the crisis in U.S. shipbuilding. Together, they trace the decline of the industry, from globalization and shifting trade patterns to decades of policy choices that weakened America’s industrial base.
They also explore the current administration’s executive order on maritime dominance and the Ships Act for America, analyzing whether these measures can revive shipbuilding. Issues include: the urgent need for a skilled and stable workforce, how multi-ship contracts and long-term investment could change the game, and the role of allies like South Korea and Japan in strengthening U.S. capabilities.
If you care about American industry, national security, and the future of naval power, this episode dives deep into one of the most urgent questions facing U.S. strategy today.
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.
In this episode of the GNSI At the Boundary podcast, USF’s Dr. Rob Burrell is joined by Colonel Dave Maxwell (Ret.), of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and the Global Peace Foundation, and Lieutenant General Charles T. Cleveland (Ret.) to examine the future of the American way of irregular warfare. From the overlooked role of the human domain to the need for a national-level capability dedicated to irregular warfare, the conversation challenges conventional thinking about U.S. defense and security.
General Cleveland highlights why the United States must move beyond a purely conventional mindset, while Colonel Maxwell revisits the Nunn-Cohen amendment to Goldwater-Nichols, advocating for a dedicated organization to address the nation’s irregular warfare challenges. Together, they argue that political warfare and irregular strategies must be fully integrated into U.S. national security policy—just as airpower became indispensable in the 20th century.
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.
In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundarypodcast, Dr. Tad Schnaufer sits down with Dr. Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, to unpack one of the most ambitious U.S. defense projects in decades: the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Announced by the Trump administration in January 2025, the Golden Dome aims to protect the United States by intercepting missiles—including hypersonic threats—in both their boost and terminal phases. The system relies on a proliferated constellation of space-based sensors and interceptors, with the first demonstration expected by 2028.
The discussion explores the history of missile defense, the technological leaps that make Golden Dome possible, and the strategic implications for U.S. security, NATO allies, and global power competition. From the Cold War’s “Star Wars” program to today’s hypersonic challenge, this episode provides crucial insight into how space and missile defense are reshaping national and international security.
If you’re interested in U.S. defense strategy, missile defense, space security, or geopolitics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can the U.S. government balance public safety and privacy in a world with AI?
In this episode of GNSI’s At the Boundary, host Jim Cardoso is joined by GNSI Senior Research Fellow Jeff Rogg to discuss the latest GNSI Decision Brief “Intelligence, Technology, and the Future of the American Republic.” Having written extensively on the history of U.S. intelligence in his book “The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence,” Rogg sets his sights in the Decision Brief on the future of intelligence, privacy, and democratic trust in an era of constant data collection.
During the conversation, Rogg emphasizes the historical relationship between technology and intelligence, highlighting the Cold War's impact on the US intelligence community's structure. He warns of the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and ubiquitous technical surveillance (UTS), which threaten privacy and national security.
Listen in on the conversation to get a perspective on balancing surveillance and security, as well as the ways the public can stay informed on this technology.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.