Horns of a Dilemma

Texas National Security Review
  • 4.6 (133)
  • POLITICS

Brought to you by the Texas National Security Review, this podcast features lectures, interviews, and panel discussions at The University of Texas at Austin.

  1. The Principle of Distinction in the Autonomous Age

    5D AGO

    The Principle of Distinction in the Autonomous Age

    Nathan Wood, author of "Bombs, Bots, and the Principle of Distinction: The Law of Armed Conflict and Contemporary Warfare," speaks on the principle of distinction in an age of autonomous warfare. He argues that while some concerns about these technologies are valid, we must move beyond general debates to address the specific legal and operational realities of concrete systems. Our conversation explores how the US military can utilize these advancements while maintaining a fundamental, felt sense of human responsibility. Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest Producer: Jordan Morning

    55 min
  2. Ensuring US Military Readiness in the Indo-Pacific

    FEB 3

    Ensuring US Military Readiness in the Indo-Pacific

    Eyck Freymann and Harry Halem, co-authors of "The Arsenal of Democracy: Keeping China Deterred in an Age of Hard Choices," join us to cover a range of topics, including US–China military balance, defense procurement, and the critical need for aligned industrial capacity, technological R&D, and military doctrine. Through historical models, potential reforms, and the importance of logistics and innovation, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how the US can strategically deter China into the 2030s. Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest Producer: Jordan Morning

    42 min
  3. US Military Primacy and Alliance Resilience

    JAN 20

    US Military Primacy and Alliance Resilience

    We speak with Bence Nemeth from King's College London about his article, "How a US 'Suez Moment' Could Hollow the US Alliance System." The discussion covers the historical context, theoretical framework, and potential scenarios that could unfold if US military primacy were to decline. Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest Producer: Jordan Morning

    30 min
  4. Conventional Options Theory in the New Nuclear Era

    JAN 7

    Conventional Options Theory in the New Nuclear Era

    Tyler Bowen from the US Naval War College joins us to discuss his recent TNSR article "Threading the Needle: The Logic of Conventional Coercion in Nuclear Crises." We discuss the renewed interest in nuclear deterrence given recent global security developments such as Russia's war in Ukraine and China's nuclear expansion. The conversation also explores the challenges and frameworks, particularly Bowen's "conventional options theory," key historical case studies involving nuclear crises, and their lessons for modern policymakers.

    43 min
  5. The Art and Science of Grand Strategy

    12/16/2025

    The Art and Science of Grand Strategy

    Dr. Marina Henke, a professor at the Hertie School in Berlin and visiting professor at SAIS Johns Hopkins, discusses the motivations for writing her article "Best Practices in Grand Strategy Design," inspired by Germany's strategic reorientation post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She delves into the definition of grand strategy, its critical components, real-world applications, and the importance of continuous strategic updates. The discussion also critiques common flaws in recent grand strategy documents and emphasizes the essential role of public engagement in strategic discourse. Hosts: Sheena Chestnut Greitens and Ryan Vest Producer: Jordan Morning

    39 min
  6. Trade, Technology, & the US–Korea Alliance: A Conversation with Ambassador Kang

    12/09/2025

    Trade, Technology, & the US–Korea Alliance: A Conversation with Ambassador Kang

    Sheena Chestnut Greitens sat down with Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, the Republic of Korea's ambassador to the United States. Recorded before a live audience at The University of Texas at Austin on December 3, the conversation explores the deepening alignment between Seoul and Washington. Ambassador Kang and Dr. Greitens discuss the implementation of the recent $350 billion Korean government-led investment in the United States, focusing on seven key sectors including shipbuilding, semiconductors, and nuclear energy. The discussion addresses the challenges of workforce training and visa policy following recent immigration enforcement actions in Georgia. The conversation also covers the shifting geopolitical landscape, specifically the implications of deepened military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Finally, the ambassador outlines priorities for modernizing the alliance, including the transfer of wartime operational control and cooperation on nuclear fuel cycles and nuclear-powered submarines. This event was supported by the Asia Policy Program at The University of Texas at Austin, the Clements Center for National Security, the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and the Korea Economic Institute of America.

    35 min
  7. The Democratization of Violence in the Greater Middle East

    12/02/2025

    The Democratization of Violence in the Greater Middle East

    Dr. Carter Malkasian joins us to explore how the "democratization of violence"—driven by the availability of assault rifles and explosives—empowered non-state actors and challenged state authority throughout the Cold War. The conversation also addresses the role of Islam in legitimizing non-state violence and how foreign intervention accelerated these trends. Malkasian's latest article, "Wars of the Greater Middle East, 1945–92," is featured in TNSR Volume 9, Issue 1.

    39 min
  8. AI Policy & Hostage Recovery with the Former Deputy Assistant to the President

    11/18/2025

    AI Policy & Hostage Recovery with the Former Deputy Assistant to the President

    Dr. Joshua Geltzer, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Legal Advisor to the National Security Council, shares his extensive experience on two crucial topics: artificial intelligence in national security and the evolving policies surrounding hostage recovery. He offers an in-depth look into both the potential and challenges of AI and the heart-wrenching yet vital efforts in recovering American hostages and detainees.

    43 min
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4.6
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133 Ratings

About

Brought to you by the Texas National Security Review, this podcast features lectures, interviews, and panel discussions at The University of Texas at Austin.

Information

  • Creator
    Texas National Security Review
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The University of Texas at Austin | 136812
  • Show Website
    Horns of a Dilemma

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