Britain enters 2025 facing economic strain, strategic uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. In this hard-hitting year-end special, Dr John Bruni sits down with former Royal Navy submariner and intelligence specialist CDRE Pat Tyrrell OBE (Ret.), and investigative journalist Pete Warren, for an unfiltered assessment of the UK’s political and strategic direction.

We break down the British Budget, stalled growth, defence underfunding, and the question of whether the UK can still project credible power. We explore Britain’s shifting foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, Russian hybrid provocations, cyber intrusions, and the fragility of European security.

The panel also examines Keir Starmer’s political survival, public fatigue, the rise of the Reform Party, and what Britain must do to avoid strategic drift in 2025.

If you care about the UK’s future — its defence, diplomacy, politics and global role — this is your must-watch end-of-year episode.

Show Notes:

Contact Chris

X: @chrismullinexmp

Website: https://www.chrismullinexmp.com/ 

Books by Chris Mullin - 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of Judgement 2009, A View from the Foothills 2010, Decline & Fall 2011, A Walk-On Part 2016, Hinterland 2019, The Friends of Harry Perkins 2023, Didn’t You Used to be Chris Mullin? 

Contact Pat

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6

Articles by Pat - AUKUS: A Tale of Politics, Strategy, and Submarines — published 04 Aug 2022, Crash-Diving into Australia’s Submarine Dilemma — published 13 Jul 2022, Adrift and Rudderless – The Sad Story of SS United Kingdom, Monty Python Politics: A Reflection on the Tumultuous Reign of PM Liz Truss, Nov. 2022, Rip van Winkle and the Age of Complacency, Aug. 2022, A Peace that Dares Not Speak its Name — a co-authored piece (with Dr. John Bruni) June 2022

Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “Why Australia, the UK and Japan need closer security cooperation.” SAGE International Australia Strategic Concept Paper, 12 August 2020.

Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “A New Strategic Trilateral of the UK, Australia and Japan?” The Naval Review, vol. 108, no. 4 (2020), pp. 362–368. 

Pat also contributed as part of a larger report for SAGE International Australia, writing sections on the UK and France in a 2020 Indo-Pacific strategic assessment. 

Contact Pete

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petewarren 

Website: https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/ 

Books by Pete Warren - AI on Trial – with Mark Deem 2025 (2nd edition), Cyber Crime & Warfare: All That Matters – with Michael Streeter 2013, & Cyber Alert: How the World Is Under Attack from a New Form of Crime – with Michael Streeter 2005.

Britain enters 2025 facing economic strain, strategic uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. In this hard-hitting year-end special, Dr John Bruni sits down with former Royal Navy submariner and intelligence specialist&nbsp;CDRE Pat Tyrrell OBE (Ret.), and investigative journalist&nbsp;Pete Warren, for an unfiltered assessment of the UK&rsquo;s political and strategic direction.
We break down the&nbsp;British Budget, stalled growth, defence underfunding, and the question of whether the UK can still project credible power. We explore Britain&rsquo;s shifting foreign policy, the war in&nbsp;Ukraine, Russian hybrid provocations, cyber intrusions, and the fragility of European security.
The panel also examines&nbsp;Keir Starmer&rsquo;s political survival, public fatigue, the rise of the&nbsp;Reform Party, and what Britain must do to avoid strategic drift in 2025.
If you care about the UK&rsquo;s future &mdash; its defence, diplomacy, politics and global role &mdash; this is your must-watch end-of-year episode.
Show Notes:
Contact Chris
X: @chrismullinexmp
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTdhWXY3bUNZWnNIek1sQjhnbnZjOTdxc1NiUXxBQ3Jtc0tsRjlXWU5Gano3TEgzWk9Hc2MyVHZ4YTBMdEUzUE45eW05T0tQUkFRYXJxWWlBU056OHNjcTlTRGl2TWJIYkxWalo2VU1fcWptRVdxbXBhQ3hCNHVSM19Ec0tnMlJUYkY5SnZkV0loRHBOXzFIYy16bw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chrismullinexmp.com%2F&amp;v=e9dU9m40-DU">https://www.chrismullinexmp.com/</a>&nbsp;
Books by Chris Mullin - 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of Judgement 2009, A View from the Foothills 2010, Decline &amp; Fall 2011, A Walk-On Part 2016, Hinterland 2019, The Friends of Harry Perkins 2023, Didn&rsquo;t You Used to be Chris Mullin?&nbsp;
Contact Pat
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6">linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6</a>
Articles by Pat -&nbsp;AUKUS: A Tale of Politics, Strategy, and Submarines&nbsp;&mdash; published 04 Aug 2022,&nbsp;Crash-Diving into Australia&rsquo;s Submarine Dilemma&nbsp;&mdash; published 13 Jul 2022,&nbsp;Adrift and Rudderless &ndash; The Sad Story of SS United Kingdom,&nbsp;Monty Python Politics: A Reflection on the Tumultuous Reign of PM Liz Truss, Nov. 2022,&nbsp;Rip van Winkle and the Age of Complacency, Aug. 2022,&nbsp;A Peace that Dares Not Speak its Name&nbsp;&mdash; a co-authored piece (with Dr. John Bruni) June 2022
Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J.&nbsp;&ldquo;Why Australia, the UK and Japan need closer security cooperation.&rdquo;&nbsp;SAGE International Australia Strategic Concept Paper, 12 August 2020.
Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. &ldquo;A New Strategic Trilateral of the UK, Australia and Japan?&rdquo;&nbsp;The Naval Review, vol. 108, no. 4 (2020), pp. 362&ndash;368.&nbsp;
Pat also&nbsp;contributed as part of a larger report for SAGE International Australia, writing sections on the UK and France in a 2020 Indo-Pacific strategic assessment.&nbsp;
Contact Pete
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/petewarren">linkedin.com/in/petewarren</a>&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/">https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/</a>&nbsp;
Books by Pete Warren -&nbsp;AI on Trial&nbsp;&ndash; with Mark Deem&nbsp;2025 (2nd edition),&nbsp;Cyber Crime &amp; Warfare: All That Matters&nbsp;&ndash; with Michael Streeter&nbsp;2013, &amp;&nbsp;Cyber Alert: How the World Is Under Attack from a New Form of Crime&nbsp;&ndash; with Michael Streeter&nbsp;2005.

Britain in Crisis

Is the climate debate more complex than we’re being told? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer — geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia’s climate conversation.

Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge.
In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.

This is not an episode about “right” or “wrong.”

It’s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream — while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.

Show Notes:

Contact Ian: LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D

OpEds:

“The Copenhagen charade” Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and “Legislative time bomb” (also 5 Feb 2020). 

“Professor Ian Plimer Launches Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth” Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) — this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.

Books:

Ian Plimer, Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time (Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.

Ian Plimer (ed.), Climate Change: The Facts 2025 (Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

Is the climate debate more complex than we&rsquo;re being told? In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer &mdash; geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia&rsquo;s climate conversation.
Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge. In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.
This is not an episode about &ldquo;right&rdquo; or &ldquo;wrong.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream &mdash; while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.
Show Notes:
Contact Ian: LinkedIn:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D</a>
OpEds:
&ldquo;The Copenhagen charade&rdquo; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and &ldquo;Legislative time bomb&rdquo; (also 5 Feb 2020).&nbsp;
&ldquo;Professor Ian Plimer Launches&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth&rdquo; Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) &mdash; this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.
Books:
Ian Plimer,&nbsp;Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time&nbsp;(Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.
Ian Plimer (ed.),&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025&nbsp;(Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

The Geopolitics of Climate Change

In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with leading strategist Professor Andrew A. Michta about whether the West is in decline or on the cusp of renewal, exploring the fractures inside the transatlantic alliance, America’s fading primacy, Europe’s struggle for strategic agency, China’s growing economic fragility, and the deeper civilisational crisis undermining Western confidence. Drawing on Michta’s recent RealClearDefense essays, we discuss Europe’s defence readiness, U.S. strategic miscalculations, the risks of misreading history, and what the West must believe again to survive the 21st century. A sharp, sweeping conversation on power, purpose, and the future of the liberal order. 

Show Notes:

Connect with Andrew

X: @andrewmichta 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/ 

OpEds:

RealClearDefense—“The West Needs to Come Together” 27 October 2025 https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/10/27/the_west_needs_to_come_together_1143377.html 

RealClearDefense—“The Next U.S. National Security Strategy Risks Misreading History Again” 22 September 2025 https://www.realcleardefense.com/2025/09/22/the_next_us_national_security_strategy_risks_misreading_history_again_1136224.html 

Books by Andrew: 

The Future of NATO: Regional Defense and Global Security
June 23, 2014 — University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Limits of Alliance: The United States, NATO, and the EU in North and Central Europe
2006 — Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland.

The Soldier-Citizen: The Politics of the Polish Army after Communism
1997 — St. Martin’s Press, New York.

In&nbsp;this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with leading strategist&nbsp;Professor Andrew A. Michta&nbsp;about whether the West is in decline or on the cusp of renewal, exploring the fractures inside the transatlantic alliance, America&rsquo;s fading primacy, Europe&rsquo;s struggle for strategic agency, China&rsquo;s growing economic fragility, and the deeper civilisational crisis undermining Western confidence. Drawing on Michta&rsquo;s recent&nbsp;RealClearDefense essays, we discuss Europe&rsquo;s defence readiness, U.S. strategic miscalculations, the risks of misreading history, and what the West must believe again to survive the 21st century. A sharp, sweeping conversation on power, purpose, and the future of the liberal order.&nbsp;
Show Notes:
Connect with Andrew
X: @andrewmichta&nbsp;
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/</a>&nbsp;
OpEds:
RealClearDefense&mdash;&ldquo;The West Needs to Come Together&rdquo; 27 October 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/10/27/the_west_needs_to_come_together_1143377.html">https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/10/27/the_west_needs_to_come_together_1143377.html</a>&nbsp;
RealClearDefense&mdash;&ldquo;The Next U.S. National Security Strategy Risks Misreading History Again&rdquo; 22 September 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realcleardefense.com/2025/09/22/the_next_us_national_security_strategy_risks_misreading_history_again_1136224.html">https://www.realcleardefense.com/2025/09/22/the_next_us_national_security_strategy_risks_misreading_history_again_1136224.html</a>&nbsp;
Books by Andrew:&nbsp;
The Future of NATO: Regional Defense and Global Security June 23, 2014 &mdash; University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Limits of Alliance: The United States, NATO, and the EU in North and Central Europe 2006 &mdash; Rowman &amp; Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland.
The Soldier-Citizen: The Politics of the Polish Army after Communism 1997 &mdash; St. Martin&rsquo;s Press, New York.

Can the West Still Lead?

🇪🇺 Is Europe finally rising as a defence power?
As the war in Ukraine grinds on and populist politics reshape Europe, the EU faces a historic test: defend the continent, support Kyiv, and hold the line against Moscow — while staying united.
In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with EU analyst Piotr Maciej Kaczyński on Europe's defence transformation, Poland’s upcoming EU Presidency, and the populist forces reshaping Europe's future. 🔍⚔️

👉 Subscribe for more global strategy & geopolitics
🔔 New episodes weekly

Clarifications

The Austrian Empire (1804-1867), ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, evolved from the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806), where the Habsburg family dominated politics, providing almost every emperor from 1438 to 1806. In 1867, the Austrian Empire evolved into the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a direct consequence of Hungarian nationalist agitation. The Austro-Hungarian Empire came to an end at the conclusion of World War I in 1918. Overall, the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire lasted 114 years.

 

The USSR came into being in 1922 and lasted until 1991, that’s 69 years in total.

 

Yugoslavia, as with the Austrian Empire, had two phases. There was the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1941) that emerged out of the collapse of the Austrian Empire. It lasted 22 years. After a period of time under NAZI occupation (1941-1945), the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (modern Yugoslavia) was founded after World War II. Ruled by dictator Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslav leader from 1945 to 1980), Yugoslavia lasted till 1991. This phase of Yugoslavia lasted 46 years. In total, Yugoslavia, since its emergence, lasted 68 years.

 

In comparison, the European Economic Community (EEC) was founded through the Treaty of Rome in 1957, coming into existence the following year in 1958. It evolved into the European Union (EU) in 1993, after the Maastricht Treaty. The UK left the EU in 2016. At present, the European project for economic, currency and political integration has lasted 67 years.

 

Note: Josef Stalin, Soviet dictator during World War II, did not fight a two-front war because the bulk of the Soviet population lay west of the Ural mountain range, with much of it either threatened or occupied by NAZI forces. The vast expanse of Siberia was largely inhospitable and poorly serviced by transport routes stretching from the developed and most populous parts of the USSR. Therefore, there was no way the Soviets could conduct a sustained two-front war during World War II. For the Soviets, until the NAZI threat was defeated, they could not risk transporting large parts of the Soviet Army to confront the Japanese. This calculus changed upon Germany’s surrender in mid-1945.

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Piotr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkaczyn/ 

OpEds

“What to expect from Poland’s EU Council presidency in 2025” — by Real Instituto Elcano, 27/01/2025

“Europe after the elections: the centre holds out, but for how long?” — by Real Instituto Elcano, 20/11/2024

“Poland’s shifting positions on the future of the European Union: deepening and widening?” — by Casimir Pulaski Foundation, 30/10/2024

Books

The Ever‑Changing Union: An Introduction to the History, Institutions and Decision‑Making Processes of the European Union (2nd fully revised edition, ~2011) — co-authored. 

Upgrading the EU’s Role as Global Actor: Institutions, Law and the Restructuring of European Diplomacy (~2011) — contribution among multiple authors.

Polish Council Presidency 2011: Ambitions and Limitations (~2011) — listed as one of his major works.

🇪🇺&nbsp;Is Europe finally rising as a defence power? As the war in Ukraine grinds on and populist politics reshape Europe, the EU faces a historic test: defend the continent, support Kyiv, and hold the line against Moscow &mdash; while staying united. In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with EU analyst&nbsp;Piotr Maciej Kaczyński&nbsp;on Europe's defence transformation, Poland&rsquo;s upcoming EU Presidency, and the populist forces reshaping Europe's future. 🔍⚔️
👉 Subscribe for more global strategy &amp; geopolitics 🔔 New episodes weekly
Clarifications
The Austrian Empire (1804-1867), ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, evolved from the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806), where the Habsburg family dominated politics, providing almost every emperor from 1438&nbsp;to&nbsp;1806. In 1867, the Austrian Empire evolved into the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a direct consequence of Hungarian nationalist agitation. The Austro-Hungarian Empire came to an end at the conclusion of World War I in 1918. Overall, the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire lasted&nbsp;114 years.
&nbsp;
The USSR came into being in 1922 and lasted until 1991, that&rsquo;s&nbsp;69 years&nbsp;in total.
&nbsp;
Yugoslavia, as with the Austrian Empire, had two phases. There was the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1941) that emerged out of the collapse of the Austrian Empire. It lasted 22 years. After a period of time under NAZI occupation (1941-1945), the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (modern Yugoslavia) was founded after World War II. Ruled by dictator&nbsp;Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslav leader from 1945&nbsp;to&nbsp;1980), Yugoslavia lasted till 1991. This phase of Yugoslavia lasted 46 years. In total, Yugoslavia, since its emergence, lasted&nbsp;68 years.
&nbsp;
In comparison, the European Economic Community (EEC) was founded through the Treaty of Rome in 1957, coming into existence the following year in 1958. It evolved into the European Union (EU) in 1993, after the Maastricht Treaty. The UK left the EU in 2016. At&nbsp;present, the European project for economic, currency and political integration has lasted&nbsp;67 years.
&nbsp;
Note: Josef Stalin, Soviet dictator during World War II, did not fight a two-front war because the bulk of the Soviet population lay west of the Ural mountain range, with much of it either threatened or occupied by NAZI forces. The vast expanse of Siberia was largely inhospitable and poorly serviced by transport routes stretching from the developed and most populous parts of the USSR. Therefore, there was no way the Soviets could conduct a sustained two-front war during World War II. For the Soviets, until the NAZI threat was defeated, they could not risk transporting large parts of the Soviet Army to confront the Japanese. This calculus changed upon Germany&rsquo;s surrender in mid-1945.
SHOW NOTES:
Connect with Piotr
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkaczyn/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkaczyn/</a>&nbsp;
OpEds
&ldquo;What to expect from Poland&rsquo;s EU Council presidency in 2025&rdquo;&nbsp;&mdash; by Real Instituto Elcano, 27/01/2025
&ldquo;Europe after the elections: the centre holds out, but for how long?&rdquo;&nbsp;&mdash; by Real Instituto Elcano, 20/11/2024
&ldquo;Poland&rsquo;s shifting positions on the future of the European Union: deepening and widening?&rdquo; &mdash; by Casimir Pulaski Foundation, 30/10/2024
Books
The Ever‑Changing Union: An Introduction to the History, Institutions and Decision‑Making Processes of the European Union&nbsp;(2nd fully revised edition, ~2011) &mdash; co-authored.&nbsp;
Upgrading the EU&rsquo;s Role as Global Actor: Institutions, Law and the Restructuring of European Diplomacy&nbsp;(~2011) &mdash; contribution among multiple authors.
Polish Council Presidency 2011: Ambitions and Limitations&nbsp;(~2011) &mdash; listed as one of his major works.

EU Rising? Defence, Ukraine & Populism

In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with CTO of NY-based company Artorias, Shane Curtis, about how truth is shaped, challenged, and weaponised in today’s information age and how Artorias' premium product, SITREP, is democratising Open Source Intelligence. From the algorithms driving attention to the blurred line between journalism and influence operations, this conversation explores how digital ecosystems are transforming modern strategy and public perception.

Glossary of terms:

OSINT - Open Source Intelligence

G-SOC - Global Security Operations Centre

Thirty-five Fox - Intelligence Analyst

SME - Subject Matter Expert

TSI - Trusted Source Index

HUMINT - Human Intelligence

CW5 - Chief Warrant Officer 5

Download the SITREP App here - https://sitrep.artorias.com/

In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with CTO of NY-based company Artorias, Shane Curtis, about how truth is shaped, challenged, and weaponised in today&rsquo;s information age and how Artorias' premium product, SITREP, is democratising Open Source Intelligence. From the algorithms driving attention to the blurred line between journalism and influence operations, this conversation explores how digital ecosystems are transforming modern strategy and public perception.
Glossary of terms:
OSINT - Open Source Intelligence
G-SOC - Global Security Operations Centre
Thirty-five Fox&nbsp;-&nbsp;Intelligence Analyst
SME - Subject Matter Expert
TSI - Trusted Source Index
HUMINT - Human Intelligence
CW5 - Chief Warrant Officer 5
Download the SITREP App here -&nbsp;<a href="https://sitrep.artorias.com/">https://sitrep.artorias.com/</a>

SITREP | Tracking a World in Flux

What happens when ceasefire becomes status quo? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni interviews Israeli scholar Dr Ori Goldberg on the fragile Gaza truce, Israel’s surveillance corridors, and the internal power-struggles that could spark a new war. Expect hard questions, blunt truth, and no easy answers.

Show Notes:

X: @ori_goldberg 

Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social 

Ori’s Top Publications: 

Articles

“The real reason Israel attacked Iran”, Al Jazeera, 15 June 2025 

“Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 

“Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024 

 

Books

Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts. 

Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon. 

Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.

What happens when ceasefire becomes status quo?&nbsp;In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, John Bruni interviews Israeli scholar Dr Ori Goldberg on the fragile Gaza truce, Israel&rsquo;s surveillance corridors, and the internal power-struggles that could spark a new war. Expect hard questions, blunt truth, and no easy answers.
Show Notes:
X: @ori_goldberg&nbsp;
Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social&nbsp;
Ori&rsquo;s Top Publications:&nbsp;
Articles
&ldquo;The real reason Israel attacked Iran&rdquo;,&nbsp;Al Jazeera,&nbsp;15 June 2025&nbsp;
&ldquo;Why Israelis Do and Don&rsquo;t Want War with Hezbollah&rdquo; &ndash; New Lines Magazine, September 2024&nbsp;
&ldquo;Israel&rsquo;s Attack on Hezbollah&rsquo;s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims&rdquo; &ndash; New Lines Magazine, September 2024&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Books
Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017) Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts.&nbsp;
Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal) This work explores how Shi&lsquo;ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon.&nbsp;
Shi&lsquo;i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011) Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi&lsquo;i political theology.

Ceasefire Politics | What’s Next?

Two years after the October 7 attacks, the world remains caught between memory and escalation.
In this gripping episode, Dr John Bruni sits down with political theorist Dr Roy Casagranda to unpack the transformation of American power under Trump 47 — from Quantico’s “warrior ethos” and the rebranding of the Pentagon as the Department of War, to the U.S. government shutdown and the deepening global fallout from Gaza to Moscow.

Show Notes:

🔗 Connect with Roy X: 

@RoyCasagranda Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html 

Books by Roy: 

The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018. 

Articles by Roy: 

Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-a….

 

Two&nbsp;years after the October 7 attacks, the world remains caught between memory and escalation. In this gripping episode, Dr John Bruni sits down with political theorist&nbsp;Dr Roy Casagranda&nbsp;to unpack the transformation of American power under&nbsp;Trump 47 &mdash; from Quantico&rsquo;s &ldquo;warrior ethos&rdquo; and the rebranding of the Pentagon as the Department of War, to the U.S. government shutdown and the deepening global fallout from Gaza to Moscow.
Show Notes:
🔗&nbsp;Connect with Roy&nbsp;X:&nbsp;
@RoyCasagranda Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbk8yWnI3SGcwSFh4SFVBaUM4Q0ZUU1lyeDFyQXxBQ3Jtc0tsaFJmMTlKcEphRmJPOWZORkQ3bm5lclFTMlpWR25IRm1YYXhpRFlBQUtTZHRWQlgtVWVnWlJJSzNRdmNiSDU1WGpvaVVPNHZ3cU5iWXZrNU9idWlSNWRfZHJGOTA3bTF1NjlBdkdzRVZUUS1aSXA1dw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fgov.casagranda.com%2Findex.html&amp;v=LS2HUk88Rh8">https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html</a>&nbsp;
Books by Roy:&nbsp;
The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.&nbsp;
Articles by Roy:&nbsp;
Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1BM1FMRENvaV9NTDFOTDNGRGZ1TzVoZ05iZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuM05MYzhldGJOWDQwRWxaNGllZ1BCakQ5WVdOb292b3JEUkxEbW81a3hvVkNNcWk0U04tVGdmLXhfem9oWGVIWWR5WEZlMFhjYmhWb04zeUkxUG1wRFdKN1czaEg0WEl0TEdBVDZldmswa2RIZGhsRQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fiai.tv%2Farticles%2Fnationalism-and-the-left-roy-casagranda-auid-2408&amp;v=LS2HUk88Rh8">https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-a&hellip;</a>.
&nbsp;

Trump 47 | Power without Restraint

India is no longer a silent player in world politics. As the U.S. courts New Delhi, Russia relies on Indian markets, China looms across the border, and Pakistan remains a constant rival, India stands at the centre of global geopolitics.

In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Professor Salvatore Babones (University of Sydney) about India’s bold gamble on its future. Will New Delhi define the Indo-Pacific century—or be defined by it?

Show Notes

🔗 Contact Salvatore:

Website: https://www.salvatorebabones.com/ 

X: @ProfBabones 

UoS: https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3231.html Salvatore’s 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SalvatoreBabones 

*Top 5 Books by Salvatore:* 

Dharma Democracy: How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy (2025) – His most recent work is an empirical assessment of India’s democratic evolution. 

The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2018) – Named among the Best on Politics 2018 by The Wall Street Journal 

BRICS or Bust? Escaping the Middle Income Trap (co-authored with Hartmut Elsenhans) (2017) – A comparative study of BRICS economic trajectories 

American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History (2017) – Challenges the narrative of a looming Chinese century 

Sixteen for ’16: A Progressive Agenda for a Better America (2015) – A policy manifesto outlining a forward looking progressive platform 

*Top 5 Articles by Salvatore:* 

“Global Kondratiev Waves and Political Transformations in Russia since 1800: A Relative Deprivation Approach” (with Philipp Babcicky & Oleg Gubin) – International Politics (2023) 

“Mobile Netware, Social Graphs, and the Reconfiguration of Space” (with Colin Agur) – New Media & Society(2023) 

“International Student Revenue and International Rankings Success: A Case Study of Australian University Research Strategies” – Youth and Globalization (2022) 

“China’s Development Model: Can it Be Replicated in Sub Saharan Africa?” – Politics & Policy (2020) 

“From Tianxia to Tianxia: The Generalization of a Concept” – Chinese Political Science Review (2020) 

#IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #TheFocusPodcast #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #Quad

India is no longer a silent player in world politics. As the U.S. courts New Delhi, Russia relies on Indian markets, China looms across the border, and Pakistan remains a constant rival, India stands at the centre of global geopolitics.
In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with&nbsp;Professor Salvatore Babones&nbsp;(University of Sydney) about India&rsquo;s bold gamble on its future. Will New Delhi define the Indo-Pacific century&mdash;or be defined by it?
Show Notes
🔗 Contact Salvatore:
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salvatorebabones.com/">https://www.salvatorebabones.com/</a>&nbsp;
X: @ProfBabones&nbsp;
UoS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3231.html">https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/3231.html</a>&nbsp;Salvatore&rsquo;s&nbsp;
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalvatoreBabones">https://www.youtube.com/@SalvatoreBabones</a>&nbsp;
*Top 5 Books by Salvatore:*&nbsp;
Dharma Democracy: How India Built the Third World&rsquo;s First Democracy (2025) &ndash; His most recent work&nbsp;is&nbsp;an empirical assessment of India&rsquo;s democratic evolution.&nbsp;
The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2018) &ndash; Named among the Best on Politics 2018 by The Wall Street Journal&nbsp;
BRICS or Bust? Escaping the Middle Income Trap (co-authored&nbsp;with Hartmut Elsenhans) (2017) &ndash; A comparative study of BRICS economic trajectories&nbsp;
American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History (2017) &ndash; Challenges the narrative of a looming Chinese century&nbsp;
Sixteen for &rsquo;16: A Progressive Agenda for a Better America (2015) &ndash; A policy manifesto outlining a forward looking progressive platform&nbsp;
*Top 5 Articles by Salvatore:*&nbsp;
&ldquo;Global Kondratiev Waves and Political Transformations in Russia since 1800: A Relative Deprivation Approach&rdquo; (with Philipp Babcicky &amp; Oleg Gubin) &ndash; International Politics (2023)&nbsp;
&ldquo;Mobile Netware, Social Graphs, and the Reconfiguration of Space&rdquo; (with Colin Agur) &ndash; New Media &amp; Society(2023)&nbsp;
&ldquo;International Student Revenue and International Rankings Success: A Case Study of Australian University Research Strategies&rdquo; &ndash; Youth and Globalization (2022)&nbsp;
&ldquo;China&rsquo;s Development Model: Can it Be Replicated in Sub Saharan Africa?&rdquo; &ndash; Politics &amp; Policy (2020)&nbsp;
&ldquo;From Tianxia to Tianxia: The Generalization of a Concept&rdquo; &ndash; Chinese Political Science Review (2020)&nbsp;
#IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #TheFocusPodcast #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #Quad

India’s Global Gamble

We sit down with Yuki Tatsumi to explore foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. From the US-Japan alliance to ties with Australia, India, and the Quad, we unpack how regional countries and the US navigate today’s shifting fault lines.

We also examine the legacy of Shinzo Abe—including his reputation as the “Trump whisperer”—and how it has shaped the West’s foreign policy under Trump 47.

Show Notes:

Contact Yuki

IIPS https://indopacificsecurity.org/team-member/yuki-tatsumi/

IIPS website https://indopacificsecurity.org/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuki-tatsumi-166a4b21/

Books by Yuki:
Lost in Translation? U.S. Defense Innovation and Northeast Asia(2017)
U.S.-Japan-Australia Security Cooperation: Prospects and Challenges(2015) 
Opportunity out of Necessity: The Impact of U.S. Defense Budget Cuts on the U.S.-Japan Alliance(2013)
Global Security Watch: Japan(co-author, 2010)
Japan’s National Security Policy Infrastructure: Can Tokyo Meet Washington’s Expectations?(2008)

Articles by Yuki:

August 28, 2025

Economic Coercion from the People’s Republic of China Stimson Center

June 4, 2025

Trump’s Green Light: Can Tokyo Replicate Nippon Steel Deal? Stimson Center

April 4, 2025

Back to the Future? The Implications of Growing Strategic Competition in the Arctic for the US-Japan Alliance Stimson Center

February 14, 2025

Trump and Ishiba Meet for the First Time—Success, Maybe? Stimson Center

November 6, 2024

Trump Wins—Can the Indo-Pacific Region Withstand? Stimson Center

We sit down with&nbsp;Yuki Tatsumi&nbsp;to explore foreign policy in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific. From the&nbsp;US-Japan alliance&nbsp;to ties with&nbsp;Australia, India, and the Quad, we unpack how regional countries and the US navigate today&rsquo;s shifting fault lines.
We also examine the legacy of&nbsp;Shinzo Abe&mdash;including his reputation as the &ldquo;Trump whisperer&rdquo;&mdash;and how it has shaped the West&rsquo;s foreign policy under Trump 47.
Show Notes:
Contact Yuki
IIPS&nbsp;<a href="https://indopacificsecurity.org/team-member/yuki-tatsumi/">https://indopacificsecurity.org/team-member/yuki-tatsumi/</a>
IIPS website&nbsp;<a href="https://indopacificsecurity.org/">https://indopacificsecurity.org/</a>
LinkedIn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuki-tatsumi-166a4b21/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuki-tatsumi-166a4b21/</a>
Books by Yuki:
<ul>
<li>Lost in Translation? U.S. Defense Innovation and Northeast Asia(2017)</li>
<li>U.S.-Japan-Australia Security Cooperation: Prospects and Challenges(2015)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Opportunity out of Necessity: The Impact of U.S. Defense Budget Cuts on the U.S.-Japan Alliance(2013)</li>
<li>Global Security Watch: Japan(co-author, 2010)</li>
<li>Japan&rsquo;s National Security Policy Infrastructure: Can Tokyo Meet Washington&rsquo;s Expectations?(2008)</li>
</ul>
Articles by Yuki:
August 28, 2025
Economic Coercion from the People&rsquo;s Republic of China&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stimson.org/2025/economic-coercion-from-the-peoples-republic-of-china/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Stimson Center</a>
June 4, 2025
Trump&rsquo;s Green Light: Can Tokyo Replicate Nippon Steel Deal?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stimson.org/2025/trumps-green-light-can-tokyo-replicate-nippon-steel-deal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Stimson Center</a>
April 4, 2025
Back to the Future? The Implications of Growing Strategic Competition in the Arctic for the US-Japan Alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stimson.org/2025/implications-strategic-competition-arctic-us-japan-alliance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Stimson Center</a>
February 14, 2025
Trump and Ishiba Meet for the First Time&mdash;Success, Maybe?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stimson.org/2025/trump-and-ishiba-meet-for-the-first-time-success-maybe/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Stimson Center</a>
November 6, 2024
Trump Wins&mdash;Can the Indo-Pacific Region Withstand?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stimson.org/2024/trump-wins-can-the-indo-pacific-region-withstand/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Stimson Center</a>

Indo-Pacific Fault Lines 

India is rising — but what does that mean on the frontlines? 🇮🇳 In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery and the bold voice behind The Gunner’s Shot. Unapologetic and unfiltered. This is India’s rise told from the inside.

Show Notes

Connect with Ravi

The Gunners Shot YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot 

Website: https://gunnersshot.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palepu-ravi-shankar-084980214/ 

India is rising &mdash; but what does that mean on the frontlines? 🇮🇳 In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with&nbsp;Lt. Gen. Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery and the bold voice behind&nbsp;The Gunner&rsquo;s Shot. Unapologetic and unfiltered. This is India&rsquo;s rise told from the inside.
Show Notes
Connect with Ravi
The Gunners Shot YouTube Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot">https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot</a>&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://gunnersshot.com/">https://gunnersshot.com/</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/palepu-ravi-shankar-084980214/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/palepu-ravi-shankar-084980214/</a>&nbsp;

India’s Strategic Tightrope

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 Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus

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