Join us on The Focus as we delve into a gripping conversation with Dr. Andrew A. Michta, senior fellow and director of the Scowcroft Strategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moments in history that have shaped our world and discuss the urgent strategic decisions facing the U.S. and its allies today.

Andrew’s Politico Article:

The West’s biggest vulnerability is internal

Andrew’s Bio and Related Sites:

Dr. Andrew A. Michta Bio

Scowcroft Strategy Initiative

The Atlantic Council

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

X:

@andrewmichta 

@AtlanticCouncil

@ACScowcroft

Extra:

My Florentine ancestor who wrote De Militia was Leonardo Bruni also known as Leonardo Aretino. He was a major Renaissance Humanist and Historian and Chancellor of Florence 1410-11 & 1427-44.

SACEUR - acronym for Supreme Allied Commander Europe

SHAPE - acronym for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe

(U.S.) EUCOM - acronym for United States European Command

Top 5 U.S. Defence Contractors as at 2024 in order of revenue:
Lockheed Martin
RTX Corporation
Northrop Grumman
Boeing
General Dynamics

Join us on The Focus as we delve into a gripping conversation with Dr. Andrew A. Michta, senior fellow and director of the Scowcroft Strategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moments in history that have shaped our world and discuss the urgent strategic decisions facing the U.S. and its allies today.
Andrew’s Politico Article:
<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/international-relations-america-washington-politics-western-society-democracy-war/">The West’s biggest vulnerability is internal</a>
Andrew’s Bio and Related Sites:
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/andrew-michta/">Dr. Andrew A. Michta Bio</a>
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/scowcroft-strategy-initiative/">Scowcroft Strategy Initiative</a>
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/">The Atlantic Council</a>
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security</a>
X:
@andrewmichta 
@AtlanticCouncil
@ACScowcroft
Extra:
My Florentine ancestor who wrote De Militia was Leonardo Bruni also known as Leonardo Aretino. He was a major Renaissance Humanist and Historian and Chancellor of Florence 1410-11 &amp; 1427-44.
SACEUR - acronym for Supreme Allied Commander Europe
SHAPE - acronym for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
(U.S.) EUCOM - acronym for United States European Command
Top 5 U.S. Defence Contractors as at 2024 in order of revenue:
<ol>
<li>Lockheed Martin</li>
<li>RTX Corporation</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman</li>
<li>Boeing</li>
<li>General Dynamics</li>
</ol>

The news today is often biased at the personal, organisational and structural levels, polarising our societies. The Focus is a program designed to cut through this bias to get at the heart of a topic. Join Host Dr. John Bruni and Producers Malcolm Hughes and Neil Smart as they examine the pressing issues of our time whether in Australia or overseas. In an interdependent, troubled and fast-moving world, knowing what questions to ask can lead us to understand and adapt to new and disruptive circumstances.

The Focus

End of Illusions: Preparing for a World of Risk and Rivalry

Join us on The Focus as we delve into the world of deception and skullduggery surrounding the failed Franco-Australian Submarine Deal. Investigative journalist and author Andrew J. Fowler exposes the hidden truths and political manoeuvres that jeopardised Australia's sovereignty and led us to AUKUS. Don't miss this eye-opening episode!

Show Notes:

Connect with Andrew on X - @AndrewJFowler

Buy Andrew’s book Nuked on the following link:

https://www.mup.com.au/books/nuked-paperback-softback

Inside Story piece on Nuked:

https://insidestory.org.au/fear-and-loathing-in-the-american-alliance/

The Newtown Review of Books:

https://newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/andrew-fowler-nuked-the-submarine-fiasco-that-sank-australias-sovereignty-reviewed-by-braham-dabscheck/

Queensland Reviewer’s Collective:

https://www.queenslandreviewerscollective.com/2024/07/02/nuked-by-andrew-fowler/

Previous interviews with Andrew J. Fowler:

Julian Assange: Path to Freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPV8xuWpSAk&t=1s

Mike Pezzulo:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pezzullo

Join us on The Focus as we delve into the world of deception and skullduggery surrounding the failed Franco-Australian Submarine Deal. Investigative journalist and author Andrew J. Fowler exposes the hidden truths and political manoeuvres that jeopardised Australia's sovereignty and led us to AUKUS. Don't miss this eye-opening episode!
Show Notes:
Connect with Andrew on X - @AndrewJFowler
Buy Andrew’s book Nuked on the following link:
<a href="https://www.mup.com.au/books/nuked-paperback-softback">https://www.mup.com.au/books/nuked-paperback-softback</a>
Inside Story piece on Nuked:
<a href="https://insidestory.org.au/fear-and-loathing-in-the-american-alliance/">https://insidestory.org.au/fear-and-loathing-in-the-american-alliance/</a>
The Newtown Review of Books:
<a href="https://newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/andrew-fowler-nuked-the-submarine-fiasco-that-sank-australias-sovereignty-reviewed-by-braham-dabscheck/">https://newtownreviewofbooks.com.au/andrew-fowler-nuked-the-submarine-fiasco-that-sank-australias-sovereignty-reviewed-by-braham-dabscheck/</a>
Queensland Reviewer’s Collective:
<a href="https://www.queenslandreviewerscollective.com/2024/07/02/nuked-by-andrew-fowler/">https://www.queenslandreviewerscollective.com/2024/07/02/nuked-by-andrew-fowler/</a>
Previous interviews with Andrew J. Fowler:
Julian Assange: Path to Freedom
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPV8xuWpSAk&amp;t=1s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPV8xuWpSAk&amp;t=1s</a>
Mike Pezzulo:
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pezzullo">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pezzullo</a>

Deception & Sovereignty

Are We Ready for AI to Surpass Human Intelligence by 2045?

Join The Focus Podcast with technologist Evanna Hu as we delve into how AI developments, and AI regulation will impact on our future!

Show Notes:

Omelas Website –

https://www.omelas.io/#1

Evanna’s bio:

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/evanna-hu/

Scowcroft Centre for Strategy & Security

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/

Evanna’s article cited in this podcast:

https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/0624/34/

pages 35-37

Previous Episodes of The Focus dealing with AI:

Steven Feldstein – The Dark Side of AI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyBcwVmExI&t=85s

Prof. Toby Walsh – Artificial Intelligence: Drone World rather than West World?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27gAoq38-Rg&t=201s

Prof. Sam Moyne – Humane War: Making a Better World?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFx0gBV_tm0&t=232s\

Peter Warren – The Future of Chatbots: A Closer Look

https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/the-future-of-chatbots-a-closer-look-with-peter-warren/

Dr. Russell Brinkworth – Drones from the Biology of Insects

https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/drones-from-the-biology-of-insects/

Are We Ready for AI to Surpass Human Intelligence by 2045?  
Join The Focus Podcast with technologist Evanna Hu as we delve into how AI developments, and AI regulation will impact on our future!
Show Notes:
Omelas Website –
<a href="https://www.omelas.io/#1">https://www.omelas.io/#1</a>
Evanna’s bio:
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/evanna-hu/">https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/evanna-hu/</a>
Scowcroft Centre for Strategy &amp; Security
<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/">https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/scowcroft-center-for-strategy-and-security/</a>
Evanna’s article cited in this podcast:
<a href="https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/0624/34/">https://afsa.org/sites/default/files/flipping_book/0624/34/</a>
pages 35-37
Previous Episodes of The Focus dealing with AI:
Steven Feldstein – The Dark Side of AI
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyBcwVmExI&amp;t=85s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyBcwVmExI&amp;t=85s</a>
Prof. Toby Walsh – Artificial Intelligence: Drone World rather than West World?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27gAoq38-Rg&amp;t=201s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27gAoq38-Rg&amp;t=201s</a>
Prof. Sam Moyne – Humane War: Making a Better World?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFx0gBV_tm0&amp;t=232s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFx0gBV_tm0&amp;t=232s\</a>
Peter Warren – The Future of Chatbots: A Closer Look
<a href="https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/the-future-of-chatbots-a-closer-look-with-peter-warren/">https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/the-future-of-chatbots-a-closer-look-with-peter-warren/</a>
Dr. Russell Brinkworth – Drones from the Biology of Insects
<a href="https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/drones-from-the-biology-of-insects/">https://sageinternational.com.au/the-focus/drones-from-the-biology-of-insects/</a>

Revolution or Ruin: Evanna Hu on AI’s Unstoppable Impact on Society

Join us on The Focus as Dr. Alice Yang dives deep into the volatile dynamics of Taiwan's political landscape, its tense relationship with China, and what the future holds for this strategic island nation. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that uncovers the real stakes and hidden narratives behind one of Asia's most critical geopolitical issues!



Show Notes:

Dr. Alice Yang Bio:

https://indsr.org.tw/en/member?resid=8&uid=2&pid=90

Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR):

https://indsr.org.tw/en/index

Notable Publications:

Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments​ (INDSR)​.

Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis​ (TAEF)​.

Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance​(TAEF)​.

Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values​ (TAEF)​.

Join us on The Focus as Dr. Alice Yang dives deep into the volatile dynamics of Taiwan's political landscape, its tense relationship with China, and what the future holds for this strategic island nation. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that uncovers the real stakes and hidden narratives behind one of Asia's most critical geopolitical issues!
 
Show Notes:
Dr. Alice Yang Bio:
<a href="https://indsr.org.tw/en/member?resid=8&amp;uid=2&amp;pid=90">https://indsr.org.tw/en/member?resid=8&amp;uid=2&amp;pid=90</a>
Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR):
<a href="https://indsr.org.tw/en/index">https://indsr.org.tw/en/index</a>
Notable Publications:
Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments​ (<a href="https://indsr.org.tw/en/respubmembers?resid=1893&amp;uid=16">INDSR</a>)​.
Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis​ (<a href="https://www.taef.org/people/executive-director">TAEF</a>)​.
Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance​(<a href="https://www.taef.org/people/executive-director">TAEF</a>)​.
Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values​ (<a href="https://www.taef.org/people/executive-director">TAEF</a>)​.

End of Illusions: Preparing for a World of Risk and Rivalry

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