The Security Distillery Podcast

As space becomes increasingly important to our daily lives, it's critical that we understand and address the security risks. In this first of our Spin-Off Series, we are joined by astronomer Po Yen Liu to discuss space security and the DART project. 

The DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) project is a joint mission between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) to test the effectiveness of deflecting an asteroid using a spacecraft.

During our discussion, we introduce how the project effects our understanding of asteroid deflection techniques and the potential implications for planetary defence. And we will delve into the issues of space security and their impact on the international relationship in addressing the challenges of space exploration in the next episode.

Tune in to hear from Po Yen Liu and our hosts as they explore the exciting world of space.

In our fourth episode of the series, this week’s episode will discuss:  

- Britain joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, marking what the UK Government is calling “its biggest trade deal since Brexit”.

- The escalating situation in the DRC after the M23 Rebel group ignored the withdrawal deadline. 

- The history-making criminal indictment of Donald Trump.  

This week’s “Intelligence Espresso’ is presented and produced by our Dublin Team in DCU. On it, our team looks at:  

- When Xi comes to town: Russia’s charm offensive was on full display last week with the arrival of Xi Jinping in Moscow ostensibly to discuss the ending of the conflict in Ukraine. Our team looks at what both Russia and China seek to gain from this meeting and the deepening relations between the two that this meeting exemplifies.  

- Erstwhile a meeting between Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and President Zelensky ahead of Hiroshima’s G7 summit dramatically mirrored this meeting. Our team discusses the ramifications of the visit. 

- The protests in France touched previously upon last week spilt over into this week we discuss the ongoing and escalating wave of violence in the streets.  

 - We round out this episode with a zeitgeisty discussion on whether or not tech companies should be held accountable for their platforms and algorithms which may help to spread terrorist content.  

In the Intelligence Espresso, we strive to distil world affairs pertaining to intelligence and security into a bite-sized intelligence briefing to kick off your week. Think of it as the short sharp slap in the face a highly caffeinated espresso produces but for current affairs.

This week on the “Intelligence Espresso” our team looks at:

- An escalating banking crisis following the implosion of the U.S.-based Silicon Valley Bank earlier this month. Is another “Lehman Moment” imminent? 

- The massive arms deal among AUKUS allies. What does the strengthening of ties and placement of nuclear submarines in the Pacific mean for relations with China?

- Chaos in France over President Macron’s new retirement age legislation. With a vote of no-confidence close at hand, will his government backtrack? 

- Boldness from the ICC - issuing an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin is an unprecedented step. While Russia is sure to ignore it, how will this complicate diplomatic relations with European powers?

Hosted By: Sabina Jiaxin Han

In the Intelligence Espresso, we strive to distil world affairs pertaining to intelligence and security into a bite-sized intelligence briefing to kick off your week. Think of it as the short sharp slap in the face a highly caffeinated espresso produces but for current affairs.

This week in the maiden ‘Intelligence Espresso’ briefing our team look into the ongoing situation in Georgia, the carnage facing Russian forces in Ukraine and the finger-pointing around the ‘revelations’ of the Nord Stream 2 attacks as well as a shocking reversal of diplomatic relations in the Middle East and growing unrest in Tunisia.

Hosted By: John Boyle and Jordi Bernal.

This month, Adam Teufel takes us with him to meet Mahesh Kushwaha (2021-2023 IMSISS cohort) while on a boat cruise on the Danube. Their IMSISS journey has taken them both to Regensburg, where they attend one of the four Summer Universities organised by the programme.

“Nepal although small and remote (…) is also a flashpoint of geopolitical competition.”

When asked about preconceptions he might have encountered in regard to Nepal, Mahesh smiles and tells us that many people assume he casually climbs Mount Everest on a regular basis. That is, if they even know what Nepal is… But as Mahesh goes on to tells us, Nepal’s particular geographical location makes it a key player in regional geopolitics.

From statelessness to India’s influence in Nepal, Mahesh Kushwaha talks us through the various security challenges in his home country and how he would like to contribute in Nepal’s political and security dialogues.

Tune in and join Adam in finding out more about Mahesh, his journey into IMSISS and his professional aspirations for the future.

Hosted by: Adam Teufel.

https://thesecuritydistillery.org