CDSN Podcast Network

In the 19th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Stef discuss the Coronavirus as a security problem, Turkey invoking Article 4 (again), trepidation about the U.S. – Taliban deal and upcoming events. Our Capstone Preview features Emerging Scholar Rachel Babins [21:45], a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst at a major Canadian bank, who presented her paper at the last Defence and Security Foresight Group Conference. Our Feature Interview this week is with WIIS – France’s President, Johanna Möhring and WIIS – Canada’s Vice – Chair, Gaëlle Rivard Piché [27:30] This week’s Peeve is on hiatus as we provide more info on our upcoming Summer Institute. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 18th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and our guest co-host this week, Jean-Christophe Boucher, fellow co-director of the CDSN and lead of the Civil – Military Relations theme, discuss NATO in the Middle East, the Munich Security Conference and Macron’s vision for a European nuclear defense strategy. Our Capstone Preview features Emerging Scholar Victoria Tait [24:30], a PhD candidate in the Political Science Department at Carleton University, who presented her paper at the last inter-university Seminar on Armed Forces and Society-Canada. Our Feature Interview this week is with Year Ahead guest, Shawn Skelly [33:35] Co-founder of Out in National Security and Commissioner, National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, 2017-2020. This week’s Peeve is on hiatus as Steve is in Japan this week. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 17th episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef discuss highlights from the CGAI conference in Ottawa this past week, the makings of a good conference, Canadian ISIS fighters captured in Afghanistan, NATO in Iraq, the NATO Policy on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and the CAF falling short of its target of a 25% female force. Our Capstone Preview features Emerging Scholar Ali Wyne [33:30], a researcher at RAND, who presented at KCIS last summer, on Great Power Competition. Our Feature Interview this week is with Year Ahead guest, Ayesha Ray [44:45] where we discuss her research including escalating tensions in Kashmir and the inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. This week’s Peeve [1:03:00] is about the American electoral process. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 16th episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef discuss the aftermath of the Iran – US fallout and the implications for NATO, along with the mandate of Operation LENTUS. Our Feature Interview this week is with Year Ahead guest, Will Greaves [12:00] where we discuss Canada-US Relations and circumpolar politics. This week’s Peeve [43:20] is the false equivalence machine. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 15th episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef discuss the implications of the US airstrike for the Canadian led NATO mission in Iraq, along with new year resolutions and Pokemon infrastructure. Steve speaks with Rachel Schmidt [22:55] about her PhD research on female rebel disengagement and we have an interview with CDSN Military Personnel co-directors, Irina Goldenberg and our very own Stéfanie von Hlatky [29:00] discussing the exciting plans they have coming up in this research theme. Meanwhile, Steve [52:55] is peeved about international relations media coverage. https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this end of year episode, Steve and Stef reflect back on a few of their favorite moments during the inaugural year of Battle Rhythm. A big thanks to everyone who has given Battle Rhythm a listen, subscribed and shared! If you haven’t listened to an episode yet, this is a great intro to what its all about. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 13th episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef discuss the NATO leadership summit, along with the highlights and lowlights of the past year including this podcast! Spoiler alert: it’s a highlight. Stef speaks with Thomas Hughes [19:00] about his PhD research on NATO military exercises and we have an interview with Stephanie Hoffman [27:35] from this past summer in Lisbon, where they discuss regional security organizations. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 12th episode of the Battle Rhythm Podcast, Steve and Stef discuss WIIS-Paris, France and the Arctic and of course Trump. For our feature interview, we head back to the summer when Steve interviewed Chiara Ruffa [25:30] at the ERGOMAS conference in Lisbon. This week’s Emerging Scholar interview is with Rebecca Jensen [19:00] who discusses her research on operational adaption as a dissertation fellow at Marine Corps University. In Steve’s Peeves [48:10], Steve shares some of his thoughts on silencing student criticism of China on campus. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 11th episode of Battle Rhythm Podcast, Steve and Stef reflect on Remembrance Day and events supporting Canada’s veterans. The feature interview [21:45] is extra special this episode as we have 11 guests for our 11th episode! Our guests are the 2019 Peace with Women Fellows who discuss a wide variety of issues from leadership and learning to recruitment and retention. Steve shares some of his thoughts on actively remembering through war museums in Steve's Peeves [53:30]. Peace with Women Fellows, The 2019 Class of the Halifax Peace With Women Fellowship brings together 11 diverse and accomplished women from 10 different countries. All Fellows are senior ranking active-duty officers and represent varying branches of military with a broad spectrum of responsibilities. Halifax International Security Forum is proud to welcome its second class of distinguished Fellowship leaders to the Halifax network. Fellows in order of appearance: 23:20 BG Lisa Ferris, NZ Defence Legal Services Paz Magat, Director, Peace With Women Fellowship 29:10 Colonel Tracey Onufer, USAF, CoS SOF South Commodore Solveig Krey, Norweigan Navy, Dep ACOS Ops 34:00 Colonel Debra Lovette, USAF, Human capital, Joint Force Space Air Commodore Elanor Boekholt-o’Sullivan, Netherlands, Cyber Defence 38:20 LtColonel Joana Polekauskiene, Lithuania, instructor mil academy Colonel Lysane Martel, RCAF professional development 42:30 Colonel Dr. Lale Baroschek, Germany, Recruitment Colonel Solene le Floch, French Air Force, Human Resource manager 48:00 Captain Rachel Durbin, Australia, Navy, Future Force Captain Fiona Shepherd, RN, ACOS Logistics, Operations and Plans Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the 10th episode of Battle Rhythm Podcast, Steve and Stef reflect on the recent Canadian election and consider what Canada’s defense and security policy might look like under a Liberal minority government. They also discuss recent protests in Iraq, their recent trips to Denver, Hamburg and Belgium and all things Halloween. The feature interview guest is Lindy Heinecken [22:30], who discusses transitions of peacekeepers when they come home. Our Emerging Scholar segment has Stef speaking with Elikem Tsamenyi [15:00], about his research on security governance mechanisms within Africa. Steve shares some of his thoughts on the film adaptation of World War Z in Steve's Peeves. https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef talk about Turkey’s recent incursion against Kurdish forces in Northern Syria. They explore how the Trump administration’s foreign policy led to this moment and elaborate on the implications for NATO. In light of the impending Canadian election, Steve and Stef discuss the foreign policy positions of the main parties. In the Network Highlights segment, Steve speaks with Harleen Atwal [21:00] about the NATO Field School and Simulation Program. The feature interview is with Dr. Alice Pannier[25:45] who shares her expertise in European security politics. Finally, in Steve’s Peeves, some thoughts from Steve on the NBA pandering to China. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve tells of his adventures in Petawawa as part of a military exercise. Steve and Stef then comment on the Trudeau brownface/blackface scandal dominating Canadian headlines. They also discuss the United Nations General Assembly as well as the Ukraine scandal and impeachment proceedings rocking the Trump administration. In light of the recent Climate Marches across Canada, Steve and Stef highlight the defence and security implications of accelerating climate change. In the Emerging Scholar segment, Stef chats with Timothy Choi [17:30] who discusses his fascinating research on Maritime Strategy. The feature interview is with Philippe Lagassé [23:50] who talks about defence procurement in Canada and shares his peeves. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In the pilot episode of Battle Rhythm Podcast, Steve and Stef introduce themselves and explain the purpose and format of the podcast. They discuss the end of Canada’s peacekeeping mission in Mali and the appointment of Canada’s first ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. In our Emerging Scholar segment, Stef speaks with James Anderson [12:12], a US Air Force intelligence officer and Fulbright Scholar on US-Canada security relations . Steve shares some of his thoughts on millennials in the debut of 'Steve's Peeves.' The feature interview guest is Dr. Dan Drezner [29:00], Professor of International Politics at Tufts University and Washington Post Columnist who offers his perspective on the frayed state of the liberal international order. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef provide updates on their research projects and recent travel. Discussing the news, Steve offers perspective on the political challenges of current Canada-China tensions and Stef highlights the recent appointment of Brig.-Gen. Jennie Carignan to command the NATO training mission in Iraq. In the emerging scholar segment, Stef speaks with Andrea Lane [8:10] about her research examining the experience of female combat soldiers in Canada. This episode’s featured interview is with Brig.-Gen. Jennie Carignan [18:10] who talks about leadership and affecting change in the military. Finally, in Steve’s Peeve’s, a plea about force. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef reveal that the Canadian Defence and Security Network (CDSN) is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). They also provide updates on their current research projects and recent travel to Israel (Steve) and Holland (Stef). Discussing the news, Steve and Stef talk about Secretary General of NATO, General Stoltenberg’s recent visit to Canada and Canada’s contributions to NATO. They also discuss the recent accidental disclosure of location of U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe. In the emerging scholar segment, Stef speaks with Sarah Greco [21:15] about her fascinating PhD dissertation on the salience of soft power mechanisms in power transitions amongst great power rivals. This episode’s featured interview is with Sara Moller [31:30] who talks NATO in the Trump era. Finally, in Steve’s Peeve’s, Steve argues that presidential tweets matter! Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef reveals she has been named Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (HLCol) of the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment. Discussing the news, Steve and Stef ponder the significance of Canada not being invited to join the British fleet amidst tensions with Iran. They go on to discuss Canada's efforts to replace the F18 as well as Turkey’s procurement of Russian air defence systems and its implications for NATO. They also analyse and offer their thoughts on the Heyder Beattie Sexual Misconduct settlement. This episode features listener questions with responses from Steve and Stef. The Emerging Scholar segment is with Meagan Shoemaker [21:45] who discusses her research on how women’s deployment decisions and motivations are gendered. In the feature interview, Stef speaks with Dr. Sylvia Bashevkin [27:45] about her award-winning book Women as Foreign Policy Leaders. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, Steve discusses the problem of sexual misconduct in the US armed forces and the role of Congress on addressing it. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

This episode of Battle Rhythm is about adaptation and learning in international affairs. In the New and Noteworthy segment,Steve and Stef discuss the ongoing protests in Hong Kong and Canada’s response. They also examine the influence of celebrity diplomacy in light of the diplomatic crisis between Sweden and the US over A$AP Rocky and unpack Trump’s recent expression of interest in Greenland. As September approaches, Steve and Stef highlight what is exciting and challenging about a new academic term. Responding to a listener’s question, they recommend key readings for Canadians interested in defence and security. The Emerging Scholar segment is with Alexander Salt [19:30] whose research explores how lessons learned from military operations in WWII affected US military organizational change. In the feature interview, Steve and Stef speak with Dr. Chris Ankersen [25:45] who considers the possibility that the international system may not bounce back from the Trump era. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, Steve offers his views on the gun debate in America. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef start by discussing the highlights of their summer and the start of the semester. They move on to a discussion of the recent G7 meeting in Biarritz. In particular, they explore Trump’s approach to such meetings and Macron’s efforts at diplomacy with Iran. In a bonus segment, fitness expert Veronique Malo offers some tips on adopting good habits at the start of the semester. The Emerging Scholar interview is with Tanya Irwin [18:00] who talks about her fascinating research on rebel group taxation. In the feature interview, Steve speaks with Nada Bakos [27:00] about her new book, The Targeter, which chronicles her experiences at the CIA. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, some commentary from Steve on former Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis’s new book tour. Detailed show notes: https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/battlerhythm

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef start by discussing the security implications of the recent attack on the Saudi oil facility. They move on to analyze Trump’s decision to cancel Camp David talks with the Taliban and oust John Bolton as National Security Advisor. Returning closer to home, they discuss Trudeau’s interview with comedian, Hasan Minhaj and the impact of foreign policy on the impending federal elections. Steve and Stef also respond to a listener’s question on the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in shaping Canada’s foreign policy. The Emerging Scholar interview is with Aden Dur-e-Aden [21:45] who talks about her fascinating research on Islamist and white supremacist extremism. In the feature interview, Steve speaks with Tone Danielsen [29:15] about her work on embedding with the Norwegian Naval Special Operations Forces. Finally, in Steve's Peeves a word about cancel culture and de-platforming.