Episode 6: The Interdisciplinarity of Insurgency / Return of the Students

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef start by discussing the highlights of their summer and the start of the semester. They move on to a discussion of the recent G7 meeting in Biarritz. In particular, they explore Trump’s approach to such meetings and Macron’s efforts at diplomacy with Iran. In a bonus segment, fitness expert FitCafé - Véronique Malo Fitness offers some tips on adopting good habits at the start of the semester. The Emerging Scholar interview is with Tanya Irwin [18:00] who talks about her fascinating research on rebel group taxation. In the feature interview, Steve speaks with Nada Bakos [27:00] about her new book, “The Targeter”, which chronicles her experiences at the CIA. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, some commentary from Steve on former Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis’s new book tour.

Episode 5: Learning and Adapting, or Not

This episode of Battle Rhythm is about adaptation and learning in international affairs. In the New and Noteworthy segment, Steve and Stef discuss the ongoing protests in Hong Kong and Canada’s response. They also examine the influence of celebrity diplomacy in light of the diplomatic crisis between Sweden and the US over A$AP Rocky and unpack Trump’s recent expression of interest in Greenland. As September approaches, Steve and Stef highlight what is exciting and challenging about a new academic term. Responding to a listener’s question, they recommend key readings for Canadians interested in defence and security. The Emerging Scholar segment is with Alexander Salt [19:30] whose research explores how lessons learned from military operations in WWII affected US military organizational change. In the feature interview, Steve and Stef speak with Christopher Ankersen [25:45] who considers the possibility that the international system may not bounce back from the Trump era. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, Steve offers his views on the gun debate in America.

Episode 4: Women Influencing Foreign Policy

In this episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef reveals she has been named Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (HLCol) of the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment. Discussing the news, Steve and Stef ponder the significance of Canada not being invited to join the British fleet amidst tensions with Iran. They go on to discuss Canada's efforts to replace the F18 as well as Turkey’s procurement of Russian air defence systems and its implications for NATO. They also analyse and offer their thoughts on the Heyder Beattie Sexual Misconduct Settlement. This episode features listener questions with responses from Steve and Stef. The Emerging Scholar segment is with Meagan Shoemaker [21:45] who discusses her research on how women’s deployment decisions and motivations are gendered. In the feature interview, Stef speaks with Sylvia Bashevkin [27:45] about her award-winning book Women as Foreign Policy Leaders. Finally, in Steve's Peeves, Steve discusses the problem of sexual misconduct in the US armed forces and the role of Congress on addressing it.