National Defense Lab original series
Long-form conversations and research on the forces shaping national security—from cognitive warfare and artificial intelligence to resilience, intelligence, emerging technology, and civil preparedness.
23 episodes in the archive
Latest episodeInformation warfare has evolved into a battle for the human mind. Episode 96 breaks down how algorithms, behavioral data, and psychological vulnerabilities are used to shape perception at scale. We explore narrative manipulation, cognitive defenses, and emerging tools designed to help individuals regain control over how they think, interpret, and respond in a weaponized information environment.
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Browse the full Deep Dive collection, preserved from the original National Defense Lab website.
Cognitive warfare is redefining conflict. Episode 95 examines how perception, belief, and information flow have become decisive terrain in modern competition. We break down U.S. military doctrine, adversary strategies, and emerging tools designed to understand and defend the cognitive domain, raising critical questions about security, ethics, and freedom of thought in the digital age.
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Rare earth elements have become the fault line in a new era of strategic competition. In Episode 94, Sally and Guy break down how China built its dominance, why the U.S. is moving to reclaim control, and what this fight means for defense readiness, clean energy, and industrial stability. The episode explores the complex intersection of economics, technology, and national security — and the risks of weaponizing the materials that power modern life.
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The FY2027 R&D Priorities memo may look like routine policy, but it is in fact a defense blueprint. This episode explains why AI, quantum, advanced nuclear, hypersonics, and space resilience are not just science projects but are essential to U.S. strategic advantage. Sally and Guy highlight how commercial firms are now integral to ISR and defense architectures, and why resilience and post-quantum cryptography must be treated as urgent national missions.
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Explore how the U.S. executed a precision strike on Iran’s nuclear sites using stealth bombers, AI, and advanced intelligence fusion. Episode 92 breaks down the tech, tactics, and strategic implications of modern hybrid warfare.
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In this episode, we explore the increasing importance of technological advancements in addressing the growing national security threats highlighted in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA). As the U.S. faces rising cyberattacks, geopolitical instability, and evolving threats from state and non-state actors, innovation in defense has become critical to securing America’s future.
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In this episode, we explore the increasing importance of technological advancements in addressing the growing national security threats highlighted in the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA). As the U.S. faces rising cyberattacks, geopolitical instability, and evolving threats from state and non-state actors, innovation in defense has become critical to securing America’s future.
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