The Focus

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The Focus

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank. Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst. Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

  1. 5D AGO

    Australia | Meeting America’s Demands

    Is Australia charting its own defence course—or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. Show Notes: Contact Peter Layton on: Griffith Asia Institute: p.layton@griffith.edu.au  LinkedIn X: @GAIGriffith  Peter’s Top Five publications: Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through Complex Interdependence (May 2025) In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks.  Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules (2024) Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment.  Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia (2024) In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming. Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications (2021) Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches. Grand Strategy (2018) In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min

  2. JUN 6

    Can Taiwan Survive?

    🎙️As China increases military pressure and Trump 47 reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Taiwan’s future is more uncertain than ever.Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Alice Yang from Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research about Taiwan’s fight for democracy, U.S. ambiguity, and what regional conflict could mean for the world.🎧 Available now on Spotify, iTunes & the Auscast Network. Show Notes: Connect with Alice: At INDSR - indsr2018@indsr.org.tw  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INDSRTW X - @INDSRTW YouTube - https://youtube.com/@indsr8906?si=diU9m_YM3w2438vp  Taiwanese political parties: 🇹🇼 1. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Position on China: Pro-status quo with an emphasis on sovereignty While it doesn’t formally push for de jure independence, it views Taiwan as already independent under the name “Republic of China (Taiwan)” Strongly resists unification with China ✅ Supports a Taiwanese identity distinct from China🚫 Opposes “One China” or any future unification with the PRC 🇹🇼 2. Kuomintang (KMT) Position on China: Supports eventual peaceful unification under the right conditions but rejects the use of force Favors closer economic and cultural ties with China Supports the "1992 Consensus" (One China, but each side has its own interpretation) ⚖️ Seeks peace and dialogue with Beijing🧩 Ambiguous on independence vs. unification, but tilts toward eventual integration if democratic and safe 🇹🇼 3. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Position on China: Promotes status quo Calls for pragmatic engagement with both the U.S. and China Avoids strong ideological stances on unification vs. independence 🧭 Middle-of-the-road approach: avoid provoking China while protecting Taiwan’s democracy 🇹🇼 4. New Power Party (NPP) Position on China: Advocates for formal independence Strongly opposes unification or the “1992 Consensus” 🔥 More hardline than the DPP on Taiwanese independence 🇹🇼 5. People First Party (PFP) (Now marginal) Position on China: Pro-unification under peaceful, negotiated terms Supports “One China” framework 📉 Formerly significant, now politically marginal   Top Publications: Publications: Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments (INDSR).  Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis (TAEF).  Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance(TAEF).  Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values (TAEF). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  3. Finland | A Defence Masterclass

    MAY 30

    Finland | A Defence Masterclass

    Why does Finland still rely on conscription? And what can Australia learn from it? Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo breaks down Finland’s “Total Defence” strategy, NATO’s Nordic front, and how citizen readiness can shape national security. 🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni.   Show Notes: Connect with Jyri -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyri-raitasalo-4b96bb96/ X: @JyriRaitasalo Finnish National Defence University: https://maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu.fi/en/frontpage Top 5 publications by Jyri: Finnish Defense 'Left of Bang' Published in PRISM, Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023), this article explores Finland's evolution from a Cold War-era total defence model to a comprehensive security approach. Raitasalo discusses how Finland integrates military and civilian sectors to address modern hybrid threats. NDU Press+1NDU Press+1 "Cyber Deterrence: An Oxymoron for Years to Come Co-authored with Joshua Stowell and published in Global Security Review (2020), this article examines the challenges of establishing effective cyber deterrence. The authors contend that the lack of clear empirical evidence in cyber warfare complicates traditional deterrence models. Muck Rack+1Muck Rack+1 2. "Scandinavia Won’t Be Russia’s Next Target" In this Foreign Policy piece (2019), Raitasalo counters claims that Russia is poised to target Scandinavian countries. He argues that Finland and Sweden's strategic positions and defence policies make them unlikely immediate targets for Russian aggression. Muck Rack+1Foreign Policy+1 5. "Hybridisota ja hybridiuhat – paljon vanhaa…onko mitään uutta?" Published in Tiede & Ase (2018), this Finnish-language article critiques the Western narrative on hybrid warfare post-2014. Raitasalo argues that the concept of hybrid threats is not novel and reflects traditional great-power behaviours.Wikipedia+2Journal.fi+2 4. "Reconstructing Finnish Defence in the Post-Cold War Era" This academic paper (2010) analyzes Finland's defence restructuring following the Cold War. Raitasalo discusses the shift in threat perceptions and the adaptation of defence policies to address new security challenges. Academia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  4. MAY 22

    India-Pakistan | Nukes & Nationalism

    In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni is joined by Professor Harsh V. Pant — one of India’s foremost strategic thinkers — to dissect the geopolitical shifts shaping South Asia and beyond. From China’s expanding influence to Pakistan’s persistent provocations and the Modi government’s evolving doctrine, we explore whether India’s foreign policy is keeping pace with the region’s growing instability. What does a rising India mean for the world — and how will it respond when the next crisis comes knocking?Harsh V. Pant Links:X; @orfonline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-v-pant-9218437/Show Notes:Most recent Articles -  Operation Sindoor and Beyond: India’s Response and Pakistani Calculus Co-authored with Yogesh Joshi This analysis examines India's strategic response to Operation Sindoor and its implications for Pakistan's military calculus.  Current Trends in India’s National Security 2025 Co-authored with Sameer Patil This special report assesses the evolving security landscape of India, highlighting challenges such as the China-Pakistan nexus, internal insurgencies, and advancements in cyber and space domains.  A Record Boom Co-authored with Suchet Vir Singh This article discusses the significant growth in India's defense sector, analyzing factors contributing to the boom and its implications for national security.  Biden-Xi Meeting and the US-China Calculus This piece explores the dynamics of the Biden-Xi summit and its impact on US-China relations, with a focus on strategic implications for India.  India-China Power Play Gets New Life in Maldives Co-authored with Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy This article analyzes the renewed strategic competition between India and China in the Maldives, examining the geopolitical stakes involved.  Books -  India and Japan: A Natural Partnership in the Indo-Pacific (2024) Co-authored with Madhuchanda Ghosh This book explores the evolving strategic partnership between India and Japan within the Indo-Pacific framework. Politics and Geopolitics: Decoding India’s Neighbourhood Challenge (2024) An analysis of India's regional challenges and its geopolitical strategies to navigate complex neighborhood dynamics. The Making of a Global Bharat (2024) Co-authored with Sameer Patil This work examines India's transformation into a global player and the domestic and international factors influencing this shift. India and Global Governance: A Rising Power and Its Discontents (2023) A critical look at India's role in global governance structures and the challenges it faces as an emerging power. India Shows the Way: A Decade of Modi’s Foreign Policy (2023) An edited volume assessing the impact and direction of India's foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over ten years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    57 min

  5. MAY 16

    100 Days that Changed America

    In this gripping episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with political analyst Dr. Roy Casagranda to unpack the seismic shifts in U.S. politics after 100 days of Trump 47. From executive overreach to the global ripple effects, this conversation explores how America’s democratic institutions are being reshaped — and why the world should pay attention. 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation that’s redefining geopolitics. Show Notes: X: @RoyCasagranda  Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html  Books by Roy: The Blood Throne of Caria (Empire of the Nightingale Book 3), Sekhmet Liminal Press, LLC, 2018.  Articles by Roy: Nationalism and the Left: Liberation not Supremacy, IAI News, March 3, 2023, https://iai.tv/articles/nationalism-and-the-left-roy-casagranda-auid-2408. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 16m

  6. MAY 5

    Stand. Fight. Win.

    Is Europe prepared for war? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni speaks with former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff on Ukraine, NATO’s weaknesses, and the growing threat from Russia. A hard-hitting, unfiltered look at what may lie ahead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 🔗 Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff X: @RichardShirreff  LinkedIn: Richard Shirreff Strategia Worldwide  Top Five Publications: What Would Cause the Next Nuclear Strike? (The Naked Scientists, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Interview: The Daunting Challenges of Ukraine's Counteroffensive (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 2023) Arming for Deterrence (Atlantic Council, 2016) 2017: War with Russia – An Urgent Warning from Senior Military Command (2016) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min

  7. APR 20

    Ukraine & Beyond

    In this special panel edition of The Focus, we bring together three of the world’s most seasoned strategic thinkers—Andrew Michta, Ben Hodges, and Anders Puck Nielsen—to unpack the war in Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences. From the battlefield to NATO's frontlines and the shifting dynamics of global power, this is a timely conversation that goes well beyond Eastern Europe. Show Notes: 🔗 Connect with Andrew, Ben & Anders: Andrew Michta X @andrewmichta  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-michta-39116934/Web https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/andrew-michta/  Ben Hodges X @general_ben Anders Puck Nielsen Bluesky @anderspucknielsen.dk Most recent media spots: Andrew Michta https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/03/donald-trumps-russia-strategy-could-end-nato-as-we-know-it/?_gl=1*glo16n*_ga*NDI0ODc0NTIyLjE3NDUwNDQ1OTg.*_up*MQ Ben Hodges https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fppBGSVOoBQ Anders Puck Nielsen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZL1KzV54Cw   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 39m

  8. APR 12

    The Chainsaw Presidency? Trump, Tariffs & the Trouble Ahead

    Donald Trump is back in the White House—and the shockwaves are global. In this episode, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the trade wars, the constitutional controversy, and the chaos that’s redefining America’s role in the world. Is Trump a misunderstood reformer—or a genuine threat to democratic institutions? What do the tariffs mean for allies like Australia and the UK? And how much power does Elon Musk really have in shaping this administration? Tune in for a sharp, no-nonsense analysis of Liberation Day, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and whether the world is ready—or willing—to follow America’s lead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Show Notes: 🔗 Connect with Scott Lucas X (formerly Twitter): @ScottLucas_EA Bluesky: scottlucas.bsky.social LinkedIn: Scott Lucas EA WorldView: https://eaworldview.com/  TOP FIVE PUBLICATIONS -  "The Iraq War and Democratic Politics" (2006) – An examination of the democratic implications of the Iraq War. "The New American Century: Ideology and Power in the Bush Era" (2005) – An exploration of the ideological underpinnings of U.S. foreign policy in the early 21st century. "The Betrayal of Dissent: Beyond Orwell, Hitchens and the New American Century" (2004) – A critique of contemporary political discourse and dissent. "Freedom's War: The American Crusade Against the Soviet Union" (1999) – A study of America's ideological campaign during the early Cold War. "Divided We Stand: Britain, the US and the Suez Crisis" (1991) – An analysis of the Suez Crisis and its impact on Anglo-American relations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 13m
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About

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank. Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst. Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

Information

  • Creator
    Auscast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Auscast Network
  • Show Website
    The Focus

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