PacTalk with Randy Schriver and Derek Mitchell

Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
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Insightful. Inquisitive. Occasionally irreverent. Randy Schriver and Derek Mitchell provide candid, insider takes on U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific. PacTalk is a podcast of the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS).

Episodes

  1. Aug 7

    Episode 7: Professionals Talk Logistics (Feat. Michael Siegl)

    In this episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell touch on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s recent trip to China, Taiwan’s upcoming Han Kuang Exercises, the 10th Anniversary of the UNCLOS South China Sea Ruling, and the transfer of a US Coast Guard patrol to the Pacific. With guest Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Siegl, they reflected on what he learned about Taiwan’s logistics capabilities during his participation in the recent IIPS delegation trip.

  2. Jul 16

    Episode 6: Japan's Summit Spree, Soft Power, and AI (Live!)

    On July 8, 2026, the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS) hosted "PacTalk: Live Recording!"In this special episode of PacTalk, hosts Randy Schriver and Derek Mitchell discussed Japan’s "summit spree” with India and other Indo-Pacific allies and the importance of soft-power in securing influence abroad, reactions of the United States and Indo-Pacific powers to the rising threat of Chinese military exercises and disinformation operations, and the importance of integrating technologies such as AI into foreign assistance.

  3. Jul 16

    Episode 5: U.S.-Iran Deal, China-DPRK Summit, and Cheng Li-wun's U.S. Tour (feat. Michael Mazza)

    In this episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell touch on the latest news in Washington and the Indo-Pacific, including the U.S.-Iran deal’s impacts on Asia, the China-DPRK summit and Xi Jinping's first visit to North Korea in seven years, and KMT Leader Cheng Li-wun's U.S. tour and her reception in Washington. With IIPS’ Senior Director Michael Mazza, they spoke about his latest report on “Averting a Proliferation Cascade: The U.S.-Australia Alliance and Strategic Deterrence.”

  4. Jul 16

    PacTalk IN BRIEF: Shangri-La Dialogue 2026

    Introducing PacTalk IN BRIEF, a special feature series that dives into the latest developments of the Indo-Pacific and happenings at IIPS. For this inaugural episode of PacTalk IN BRIEF, Institute for Indo-Pacific Security Senior Directors Jennifer Hong and Mike Mazza discuss U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, exploring implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

  5. Jul 16

    Episode 4: The FY 2027 Defense Budget, Trump-Xi Summit, and Balikatan (feat. Vanessa Hope)

    In this episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell touch on the latest news in Washington and the Indo-Pacific, including the United States’ unprecedented $1.5 trillion FY 2027 defense budget request, prospects for the upcoming U.S.-China summit under the shadow of the Iran conflict, and ongoing Balikatan military exercises, now in their largest iteration to date. With award-winning producer and director Vanessa Hope, they spoke about her documentary “Invisible Nation,” which follows the presidency of Tsai Ing-Wen and Taiwan's struggles to preserve its fledgling democracy.

  6. Jul 16

    Episode 3: Iran War, Middle Power Diplomacy, and Upcoming Summits (feat. Andrea Yang)

    In this episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell offer their takes on next steps for the Trump administration in navigating the Iran war and global energy crisis, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent trips to Asia and the expansion of middle power diplomacy, and the agenda for President Trump in upcoming summits with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and General Secretary Xi Jinping in Bejiing. With guest Andrea Yang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), they speak on Taiwan’s strategic responses to global energy and security challenges, including the regional implications of tensions involving Iran, as well as ongoing debates over Taiwan’s defense budget and military modernization.

  7. Jul 16

    Episode 2: The Munich Security Conference, New START, and Japanese Elections (feat. Yuki Tatsumi)

    In this episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell touch on U.S. messaging at the Munich Security conference, and the new trade deal between the United States and Taiwan, followed by a discussion on the end of the New START Treaty and the possibility of a renewed nuclear arms race. With guest Yuki Tatsumi, the hosts discussed Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and the Liberal Democratic Party’s historic win. The episode concludes with a segment highlighting influential figures in the region.

  8. Jul 16

    Episode 1: National Defense Strategy, Chinese Purges, and Elections in Japan and Myanmar

    In this inaugural episode of PacTalk, IIPS Chairman Randall Schriver and IIPS Board Member Derek Mitchell offer their candid takes on the current developments in Washington D.C. and the Indo-Pacific region. Their conversation touches on the National Defense Strategy and significant political changes in China, followed by a discussion on elections in Japan and Myanmar. The episode concludes with a segment highlighting influential figures in the region.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Insightful. Inquisitive. Occasionally irreverent. Randy Schriver and Derek Mitchell provide candid, insider takes on U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific. PacTalk is a podcast of the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS).

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