Curious about the world of government, military, and global decisions, where power weighs a ton yet slips away? In this Facing Coming Storms episode, we’re joined by Ari Ratner, ex-Obama State Department insider turned D.C. sceptic; Liisa Past, Estonia’s former cybersecurity chief and NATO pro; and Brigadier Robbie Boyd, retired British officer with NATO and UN battle scars.

We uncover the gritty truth of crisis leadership—creaking systems, gut-wrenching calls, and the razor’s edge of slashing red tape without sparking chaos. From D.C. to Tallinn to Brussels, it’s a no-filter take on uncertainty, rigid institutions, and humility as our last stand.
 
Key moments

• 10:51 - Military Perspectives on Governance
• 15:20 - The Balance of Military and Civilian Roles
• 22:27 - Navigating Bureaucracy in Government
• 40:40 - Power Dynamics and Insecurity in Washington
• 45:03 - Understanding Context in Global Governance
• 53:41 - Hope and Challenges in Military Reform

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.