Dialogue

AI-enabled warfare is no longer a future concept as drones, software-defined systems, and rapid battlefield adaptation are reshaping how wars are fought in real time. In Episode 56, Kate Bondar examines Russia’s emerging “sovereign drone ecosystem,” the growing role of autonomy and AI in combat, and why the defining competition in modern warfare may be adaptation cycle versus adaptation cycle.

Disaster response has become a defining test of security in the Indo-Pacific. In Episode 53 of Dialogue, Joe Martin examines how preparedness, partnerships, and leadership under pressure determine whether institutions hold—or fail—when the storm hits.

China’s nuclear arsenal is expanding at an unprecedented pace—how should the U.S. respond? In this episode, Dr. Bill Wieninger breaks down the risks, key lessons from history, and strategic options for deterrence, diplomacy, and maintaining stability in an increasingly volatile nuclear landscape.

North Korea has turned Russia’s war in Ukraine into a historic opportunity, supplying troops and weapons in exchange for billions in hard currency and strategic clout. In Episode 51 of Dialogue, Dr. Victor Cha unpacks Pyongyang’s wartime windfall, China’s diminished leverage, and the policy dilemmas now confronting Washington and its allies.

North Korea’s deepening partnerships with Russia and China frame the focus of Episode 48 of Dialogue, as expert Rachel Minyoung Lee analyzes Pyongyang’s strategic play for regime survival, leverage, and long-term advantage. The episode explores how Kim Jong Un is navigating great power rivalry, eroding sanctions, and dual-track diplomacy to fortify autonomy while extracting critical economic and military gains.

Taiwan’s internal gridlock and mounting external threats shape the focus of Episode 46 of Dialogue, as political analyst Howard Shen unpacks the island’s divided government, defense dilemmas, and asymmetric challenges. The episode explores how Taiwan is navigating deterrence, espionage, and gray zone coercion amid deepening partisan polarization.

South Asia’s defense realignment and rising regional tensions take center stage in Episode 43 of Dialogue, as Professor Shyam Tekwani examines India’s shifting deterrence posture, Pakistan’s strategic pivot, and the growing agency of smaller South Asian states. The episode explores how the United States can deepen partnerships without reigniting old rivalries or undermining regional autonomy.

As global economic conflict intensifies, Canada stands at the forefront of a high-stakes battle for resources, technology, and influence. Raquel Garbers, Visiting Executive at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, joins Dialogue Episode 38 to explore Canada’s vulnerabilities, strategic opportunities, and the urgent policy shifts needed to navigate this complex landscape.

Dialogue is a premier forum that brings together leading voices from policy, academia, and the military for in-depth, 60-minute discussions on the evolving security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. This ongoing series provides a crucial platform for analyzing the region’s most pressing challenges, exploring far-reaching perspectives, and identifying actionable solutions for a more stable and secure future. Hosted by Dr. James M. Minnich, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and recognized expert in Indo-Pacific security, each session delves into a distinct facet of the region’s strategic landscape, offering sharp analysis and informed discourse on the complexities shaping its future.