In this episode of "Students Talk Security," host Andre Rainville '27 discusses politics, freedom, and totalitarianism with the distinguished Dr. Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat. Born in Havana in 1965, Gutierrez-Boronat is a renowned author, spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate, and a zealous advocate for democratic change in Cuba. With his expertise deeply rooted in the study of Cuba, Latin American politics, and international relations, he brings invaluable insights into the global struggle for human rights and democratic principles.

From the inception of his career, Gutierrez-Boronat’s advocacy has carried significant impact, notably with the launch of Radio Republica in 2005, which served as a beacon of uncensored news and information for the Cuban populace. His literary contributions include over 50 articles and six books that dissect the fabric of totalitarian regimes and the inherent fight for freedom and dignity that resonates within oppressed societies.

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William C. Wohlforth is the Daniel Webster Professor of Government at Dartmouth. He is the author or editor of ten books and some 70 articles and book chapters on topics ranging from the Cold War and its end to unipolarity, Russian foreign policy, and contemporary U.S. grand strategy. His most recent book, coauthored with Jill Kastner, is A Measure Short of War: A Brief History of Great Power Subversion (Oxford 2025).

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The views and opinions expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present nor the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts & Letters, and the Notre Dame International Security Center.

In this episode of the Students Talk Security Podcast, host Colleen Brennan interviews Major Justin Hanson, Notre Dame's 2024-2025 War College Fellow. Major Hanson shares his extensive background in the Marines, which began with his commissioning in 2011 and included roles such as a platoon commander and training assessment advisor in Afghanistan.

Currently assigned as the Operations Officer and Assistant Inspector Instructor with the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Major Hanson discusses his journey into the military, influenced heavily by his uncle, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant. Throughout the episode, Major Hanson reflects on the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of being a mentor and teacher to those under his command.

Join us to gain valuable insights into the principles of military leadership and the personal experiences that shape a distinguished career in service.

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Steve Pincus is Thomas Donnelly Professor of History at the University of Chicago. He has written widely on the History of Britain, the British Empire, comparative revolutions, and the relationship between institutions and economic growth. His books include "1688: The First Modern Revolution," "The Heart of the Declaration"; "Protestantism and Patriotism." He is just now completing "The British Empire: A Global History."

He has held fellowships from the Harvard Society of Fellows, the American Philosophical Society, the Guggenheim Foundation, the Institute for Advanced Studies, the ACLS, and All Souls College, Oxford. He has supervised over 25 doctoral dissertations.

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The views and opinions expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present nor the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts & Letters, and the Notre Dame International Security Center.

Join us in a seminar at the Notre Dame International Security Center as we welcome James Patton Rogers, a distinguished expert on drone warfare and the executive director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University. In today's episode, James delves deep into the proliferation of drones in modern warfare, exploring their historical evolution and strategic implications.

Whether you're a student of international relations, a policy expert, or a concerned citizen, this episode offers crucial perspectives on the shaping of modern military strategies and international security.

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James Patton Rogers is a leading voice in the dialogue on international security, particularly in the realm of drone technology, James has recently authored the book "Precision: A History of American Warfare," which critically examines America's pursuit of military precision.

In this episode of Students Talk Security, host Peyton Marrone sits down with Colonel Meghan Cumpston, who has dedicated over 21 years of her life to serving in the United States Army. Colonel Cumpston’s journey into military service began by accident, but it evolved into a passion and career that she couldn't have imagined for herself.

Originally aspiring to be a doctor, Colonel Cumpston's life took an unexpected turn during her freshman year at Villanova University. A mistaken entrance led her to an ROTC briefing instead of a basketball team tryout. Captivated by the presentation, which included scenes of rappelling out of helicopters and engaging with Army equipment, she decided to give ROTC "a try for a week" in September 1999. Little did she know, that "week" would extend into a career spanning more than two decades.

Throughout her service, Colonel Cumpston has embraced numerous opportunities the Army presented, from leading large organizations to serving overseas multiple times. The Army not only allowed her to further her education but also introduced her to people and experiences vastly different from those in her hometown or initial career aspirations. Reflecting on her journey, Colonel Cumpston expresses no regrets and a deep appreciation for the paths she has explored and the impact she has been able to make.

Recently promoted to colonel, Colonel Cumpston discusses what this new rank means for her role and responsibilities. She emphasizes their duty to lead through subordinates, provide clear intent, and ensure the success of their teams. Colonel Cumpston discusses the expectant nature of her rank—not just in executing duties but in mentoring and identifying emerging talents within the military, thereby shaping the future leadership of the Army.

Join Peyton and Colonel Meghan Cumpston as they discuss military life, unforeseen career paths, and the influence of service and leadership. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to service, leadership, and mentorship in the United States Army.

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In this episode of "Students Talk Security," NDISC Fellow Jack Lennon '25 welcomes Eric Connolly, a foreign language-enabled research analyst and project lead at Riverside Research, a notable nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific research in areas including machine learning, biomedical engineering, and more, for the benefit of the US government and public interest. With a background as an educator and recipient of multiple accolades such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table.

As both Jack and Eric share their journeys into the Russian language, history, and culture, this episode discusses their personal motivations and discoveries and explores the significance of foreign languages and cultures in an interconnected world.

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In this episode of "Outside the Box, "hosts Michael Desch and Jim Webb are joined by guest Doug Bandow to discuss the parallels between today’s conflict in Ukraine and the tumultuous year of 1968. The discussion unpacks President Biden's strategies in Ukraine, highlighting a lack of clear victory definition and the echoes of past U.S. foreign policy dilemmas.

The panel explores how historical lessons apply to current geopolitical challenges, the initial moralizing of the conflict, and the broader implications of prolonged military engagements without clear objectives.

Tune in to this episode as the trio navigates through the intricate mix of history and policy, prompting a deep reflection on America’s role on the global stage and the possible paths forward in the Ukraine conflict.

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Join Anne Griffin '26 and Notre Dame political science professor Dr. Rose Kelanic as they explore the nuances of U.S. foreign policy decisions, from balancing power in Asia to the implications of green energy investments on national security. Gain perspective on the clash between academia and policy worlds, navigating incentives and challenges in shaping public discourse. From industry competition to strategic trade theory, join us for in-depth analysis on key topics influencing global dynamics and policy decisions.

In this episode of the Outside the Box podcast, host Dr. Michael Desch is joined by guests Dr. John Mearsheimer and Dr. Stephen Walt to discuss the taboo surrounding the Israel lobby. They highlight the historical backdrop of anti-Semitism in the West, conspiracy theories, and the tragic events of the Holocaust that make it challenging to discuss the lobby without triggering accusations of anti-Semitism. The guests also acknowledge that the lobby itself has used accusations of anti-Semitism to marginalize and silence critics. Overall, this episode delves into the intricate dynamics of interest group politics and criticizes not only the lobby but also Israel and the U.S.-Israeli relationship.

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