The Focus
The Focus
The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical think tank. Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Aus…Social links:
Prof. Avil Loeb | The Crisis of Perception: UFOs, AI & Reality
Are UFOs real — or are humans simply terrible witnesses? In this thought-provoking episode of The Focus Podcast, Avi Loeb joins John Bruni to explore the dangerous intersection of UFOs/UAPs, artificial intelligence, military surveillance systems, and the limits of human perception. As AI increa…
1:00:46
The End of the Post-Cold War Order? | Andrew Michta
For decades, the West operated under a simple assumption: American power would underpin global stability indefinitely. But today, that assumption is under growing pressure. In this episode of The Focus Podcast, John Bruni speaks with Andrew A. Michta about the future of NATO, Europe’s rapid rea…
58:55
The Carney Moment: A Post-American World?
What happens when middle powers stop trusting the old global order? In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni speaks with Kishore Mahbubani — one of the world’s leading geopolitical thinkers — about the growing fragmentation of the international system, the future of American leadership, the r…
1:03:28
Scott Lucas | The World Trump Made
Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system — or has it become part of the instability? In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO’s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era Amer…
1:00:42
Australia’s Political Reset
George Mamalis joins us for a deep dive into South Australia, political power, and the future of the Australian system. Australia’s political landscape is shifting — and not just in South Australia. In this episode of The Focus, we explore the deeper forces reshaping politics across the country. …
1:22:08
World War E
Two wars are raging in the world right now: Ukraine and Iran. Both are, at their core, energy wars. Modern economies depend on cheap and reliable supplies of oil and gas. But what happens when war disrupts access to energy in not just one, but two of the world’s most critical regions at the same ti…
1:11:08
NATO After 5 Years of the Russia-Ukraine War.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, the geopolitical map is shifting in real time. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the war’s trajectory, the future of NATO, and the global ri…
32:52
ADF: Boutique Capability or Credible Deterrence?
🎙️ Is Australia’s Defence Capability Strong — or Structurally Vulnerable? Australia talks constantly about defence capability. But if we can’t build, sustain, and properly crew our own force structure — are we truly sovereign? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos fro…
1:07:44
India in the Era of Pax Trumpicana
Is India still a strategic partner of the United States — or is it becoming an independent pole in a rapidly shifting global order? In this high-level panel discussion, Dr. John Bruni is joined by Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army, and Profess…
1:50:53
The Minnesota Moment
In our second episode for 2026, John is joined by returning guest Professor Scott Lucas to talk about the recent tragic events in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Show Notes: Episode Description From Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., Minnesota has become the epicentre of seismic political conflict — …
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