Peace Through Strength Podcasts by American Security Council Foundation

PTS host Joy Votrobek discusses with ASCF Sr. Fellow Alan Dowd the importance of a strong defense for lasting peace. Investing in military defense plays a crucial role in establishing deterrence. Allocating resources to strengthen armed forces isn't always popular; there will be tradeoffs, but the U.S. must be ready to respond to potential threats. Even with the Trump Administration's trillion-dollar proposal, the amount of GDP spent on defense today doesn't match the post-Cold War spending. They also address defense spending on cybersecurity concerns and the possibility of a military cyber unit. A robust defense posture fosters stability within regions, reassures allies, and deters adversaries. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

August 2025 Peace Through Strength Webinar with special guest, Dan Green, a Research Fellow for Defense Analysis with the Heritage Foundation. Dr. Green talks about the challenges with China and U.S. National Security. From concerns that the U.S. is not ready to face a China / Taiwan military conflict, to CCP propaganda infiltration and finally, how the U.S. can prepare for future confrontations. Dr. Daniel R. Green is a Research Fellow at the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation. In addition to writing about national security topics, he is also the Editor of the Index of U.S. Military Strength. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of future webinars, polls, and podcasts at www.ascf.us.

PTS host, Tracy Steele, interviews ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford on BRICS Brazil. BRICS is a growing alliance led by China that's challenging U.S. influence and the dollar's dominance. The latest BRICS summit in Brazil marked a significant moment for the bloc, without President Xi Jinping of China present, leaving room for speculation and theories about his absence. Putin did appear in a virtual call and is looking for BRICS nations to help avoid Western sanctions amid his war with Ukraine. Mr. Sanford also discusses how China is waging unrestricted warfare against the U.S. and is using BRICS to strengthen its collective influence on the world stage. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford hosts Steve Robinson and an independent, investigative journalist with the Maine Wire to discuss the CCP's criminal networks in America. Starting from the Department of Homeland Security's under-estimated amount of CCP-affiliated grow houses in Maine, Steve exposes the numerous hidden grow farms in Maine and across America. The sophisticated grow operations serve as a money laundering operation within the U.S. The stockpiled cash supports other illegal CCP activities, including human trafficking, narcotics, and buying off officials. ....And if you think Hemp is safe - think again! Sadly, the biggest victims of the CCP's criminal grow house networks are the Chinese people. The Chinese people are often indentured servants and trafficked to work the unsafe grow houses. Steven Robinson is an investigative reporter and the Editor-in-Chief of the Maine Wire. Tucker Carlson recently interviewed him regarding the CCP's grow houses and money laundering in the United States. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford interviews Shukriya Bradost, an Iranian Kurdish analyst and activist for women, Kurds, and minorities in Iran. She helped establish the Women, Life, Freedom Committee in Iran in 2003. In 2004, she escaped Iran to avoid arrest. In 2016, she had to flee to the U.S. after the Islamic regime threatened her life while living in Iraqi Kurdistan. Don't miss the end of this podcast as Ms. Bradost discusses efforts she believes can bring about regime change from within Iran through the Kurdish opposition, with the support of the U.S. and other countries. The Kurdish people who inhabit a region spanning Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria have long faced cultural and political marginalization within Iran and the other countries forming Kurdistan. Women already face oppression and discrimination. Ms. Bradost speaks as a Kurdish, Iranian woman, who is also a Sunni muslim (Iranian's are majority Shi'ite muslims). Systematic oppression has contributed to a sense of disenfranchisement among Kurds in Iran, fueling calls for greater autonomy and recognition of their rights. The struggle for Kurds, women, and other ethnic minorities continues to be a significant issue in Iranian politics, reflecting broader tensions between the state and its minorities. Shukriya Bradost is an Iranian Kurdish analyst and PhD researcher in International Security at Virginia Tech, specializing in Middle East security, non-state actors, and the securitization of ethnic groups in Iran. Shukriya frequently shares her insights on international and Middle East security issues through prominent media outlets, including BBC Persian, I24, VOA, and Iran International TV (source: Interview with Steve Emerson, IPT News). Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS host Joy Votrobek discusses ASCF Senior Fellow Alan Dowd's latest article called "A Half Century War." While Congress has not declared war on Iran, the U.S. has been in numerous conflicts with Iran since 1979. We explore these conflicts and the power struggle between Congress and the Executive Branch. The United States Congress has not formally declared war since World War II. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 sought to limit the president's ability to engage U.S. forces (to a 90-day limit) without congressional approval. Yet, military actions have continued under various justifications, reflecting a complex interface between executive power and legislative authority, often resulting in prolonged conflicts. The absence of a formal declaration of war has shaped U.S. policy, raising important questions about the role of Congress in matters of war and peace. ASCF Senior Fellow Alan Dowd is an opinion journalist. Dowd holds degrees from Butler University and Indiana University. He has also served as an adjunct professor, university lecturer, congressional aide, administrator, researcher, and writer at leading think tanks. Dowd, an award-winning writer, has been interviewed by Fox News Channel, Cox News Service, The Washington Times, The National Post, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and numerous radio programs across North America. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

What is the overall objective in this war between Iran and Israel? PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek is joined by ASCF senior analyst and returning guest, Col. (Ret.) Pete McIlwain. Col. Pete leads us through information on Operation Rising Lion and the challenges to an Regime Change in Iran. Col. Pete shares information that is not typically reported in the mainstream media. He touches on sources that suggest the nuclear attack may not have been as successful as Israel and the U.S. would like to claim. He also brings up the MEK (Iranian Mujahideen-e Khalq), who have been fighting against the Shia Theocracy in Iran since 1979. He states sources who suggest the MEK were on the ground in Iran as the operational and intelligence arm of Mossad and possibly funded by the CIA. They end by questioning what Iran will do now that they have lost their proxy arms in the Middle East. Pete's notes will be available as an article on our website shortly. Please check back soon at www.ascf.us. Sign up for our newsletter for notifications. Col. Pete has over 40 years of combined service between the Army and the CIA, during which he was stationed in Tel Aviv for an extended period.

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses ASCF Senior Analyst Laurence Sanford's latest paper titled "Chaos Funding." They address the riots in L.A. and other parts of the U.S., as well as the potential involvement of dark money in these riots. They also discuss the No Kings peaceful protests with a mix of anti-ICE, pro-Palestinian flags, and Code Pink. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS podcast with host Joy Votrobek, ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford, and returning guest Lee Boyland. Mr. Boyland said that the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear site was well planned out with Israel and did what it was meant to do - set back Iran's nuclear program for quite some time. Even if Iran did move the uranium, the site that they needed for nuclear conversion was destroyed. There is a minor concern about Iranian proxy cells in the U.S., but hopefully that will only make a good movie one day. Lee Boyland is a Former Army officer, engineer, businessman, and author. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering. He is a retired US Army officer, EOD, Defense Atomic Support Agency, at the Sandia Base, Albuquerque. He has worked on the nuclear device testing at the Nevada Test Site. He has worked with the destruction of chemical weapons, Ton containers and cluster bombs/GB bomblets. He worked in the design and manufacture of explosive warheads and anti-armor warheads. He is an Atomic test veteran. You can view Lee Boyland's books at: leeboylandbooks.com Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

June 12, 2025 - U.S. Global Leadership webinar: Middle East Part III explores regional influences on the Israel-Iran tensions. This webinar was recorded the day before the Israel-Iran war commenced. Special Guest, Gregg Roman from the Middle East Forum gives an update on what led up to the Israel-Iran conflict. He then continues to address regional influences and alliances. As we can see from the last three days, Gregg is spot on with his wealth of knowledge of the Middle East. Bio: Gregg Roman is the executive director of the Middle East Forum, previously directing the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. In 2014, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency named him one of the “ten most inspiring global Jewish leaders,” and he previously served as the political advisor to the deputy foreign minister of Israel and worked for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. A frequent speaker on Middle East affairs, Mr. Roman appears on international news channels such as Fox News, i24NEWS, Al-Jazeera, BBC World News, and Israel’s Channels 12 and 13. He studied national security and political communications at American University and the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, and has contributed to The Hill, Newsweek, the Los Angeles Times, the Miami Herald, and the Jerusalem Post. Please subscribe to the American Security Council Foundation newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS host Joy Votrobek speaks with ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford on new legislation introduced to deny student visas to Chinese nationals. Regardless of the outcome, attention needs to be brought to the fact that the CCP has Chinese students laundering money in the U.S. The discussion also examines the possibility that some CCP funds may be used to entice students to riot against ICE deportations. **NOTE: This podcast was recorded yesterday, June 11th, before we learned the new trade deal that President Trump worked out with President Xi would allow Chinese nationals to continue to attend universities on student visas. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years.

Peace Through Strength podcast with ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford and guest Captain Peter Petrelius (U.S. Navy Retired). Captain Petrelius said there is a lack of mariners and merchant vessels. He also states that U.S. shipyards need to be updated. China is outpacing the U.S. in shipping, shipyards, and building. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS Podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses D.E.I. in the military with returning guest Colonel (Ret.) Bill Prince and ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford. Col. Prince points out that diversity may benefit some fields, but not in the military. Instead, a military unit needs teamwork and unity. Col. Prince questions why West Point offers a variety of D.E.I. minors and what the need is for them when cadets are supposed to be training for battle. T HIS PODCAST IS PART 1 OF A SERIES OF TWO. PART II WILL BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK. Stay tuned.... Col. (Ret.) Bill Prince has been a guest on this podcast several times. He is a West Point graduate who served in Vietnam with Ranger and Special Forces units. He subsequently had a career working overseas in many hostile areas with the Central Intelligence Agency. Particularly germane to this podcast, he currently serves as the president of the MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

Did you know Pakistan and Bangladesh were originally part of India? ASCF brings you a historical understanding of modern impact. PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses current events and the history of India and Pakistan with ASCF senior analyst Laurence Sanford. Historical animosities, fueled by wars and militant activities, have led to a volatile security situation. The execution of Hindu tourists in the Kashmir region pushed India to retaliate, and the conflict has escalated from there. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years. THE THURSDAY, MAY 8TH WEBINAR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED AND WILL BE SENT OUT TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND SUBSTACK MEMBERS. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek discusses strained relationships with U.S. allies and NATO with ASCF senior fellow Alan Dowd. NATO has been there for the U.S. on numerous occasions, including 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan, the war on ISIS, and recently in the Red Sea. They discuss how the current Trump Administration's comments and actions lead to uncertainty and mistrust among our partners. This shift risks regional stability and diminishes the United States' role as a global leader. There is hope that a balance can be achieved by "Making America Great Again" and not ostracizing our relationship with NATO and our allies. ASCF Senior Fellow Alan Dowd is an opinion journalist. Dowd holds degrees from Butler University and Indiana University. He has also served as an adjunct professor, university lecturer, congressional aide, administrator, researcher, and writer at leading think tanks. Dowd, an award-winning writer, has been interviewed by Fox News Channel, Cox News Service, The Washington Times, The National Post, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and numerous radio programs across North America. Follow him at twitter.com/alanwdowd. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS host Joy Votrobek joins Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford with a brief update on the Houthi War. They debunk the claim by the Houthis that they damaged the USS Truman. They address the claim by the Trump Administration that a Chinese satellite may be aiding the Houthis. Finally, they examine the PTS strategy of U.S. Global Leadership and Freedom of the Seas, as well as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Ms. Votrobek has a degree in International Relations and has worked in security services for over seven years. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford interviews Colonel (Ret.) Pete McIllwain. Pete’s 22-year career with the CIA also included time in Tel Aviv. He gives an excellent, balanced history of Gaza and how Hamas came to power. Pete discusses the W River Summit in Washington, D.C., where he personally spoke with Yasser Arafat about why Arafat declined a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. He also discusses how Israel ignored a warning from Egypt that Hamas was planning something big on October 7th, 2023. Pete mentions a key theme throughout the podcast regarding the importance of the Temple Mount to all the major Middle East players. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

PTS podcast host Joy Votrobek interviews ASCF senior fellow Alan Dowd about his last two articles regarding Free World Defense and Taiwan. Alan coined the phrase "Free World Defense," premised on strength and winning to maintain an International Rules-Based Order. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum and the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act are vague security assurances and should be updated to solidify U.S. intentions to defend these sovereign nations. Other bilateral agreements and allies for Ukraine and Taiwan are possible deterrents. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

We are taking a break from all the news today to bring you a special guest, Brian Freeman, straight from our PTS Podcast studio. Brian Freeman, a New York Times best-selling thriller author, has chosen to carry on with The Bourne series. Brian has written 31 thrillers, 6 of which are part of The Bourne series. His latest book, "The Bourne Escape," will be released in July 2025. What does this have to do with national security? Brian brings up an interesting point about how pop culture can influence people's views of the intelligence community and government. We are currently seeing a lot of mistrust in the government and conspiracy theories. Maybe they're not all conspiracy theories. Brian eerily describes writing a book about fires in California before they happened this past year! You can find all of Brian's books and more about the author at www.brianfreemanbooks.com The ASCF is an educational, nonpartisan, non-profit 501(c)(3). Please help continue our mission by donating at www.ascf.us/donate/. Sign up for our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. Follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts.

SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, AND SHARE! Peace Through Strength podcast host Tracy Steele interviews ASCF Sr. Analyst Laurence Sanford about the continued Houthi Crisis and the Red Sea shipping lanes. Mr. Sanford provides a historical background of the Houthis and the civil war in Yemen between the Shi'iah and Sunni Muslim groups. The Shi'iah Houthis are a proxy of Iran. Mr. Sanford questions why the U.S. is the only country doing something about the Houthis and the shipping lane problem in the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy is stretched thin, so we must rely on our alliances to ensure Freedom of the Seas. He also believes continued bombing is not the solution; he suggests destroying the Houthi-controlled ports. Mr. Sanford is a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years with the CIA. Please subscribe to our newsletter at www.ascf.us for updates on our monthly Webinars, survey polls, articles, and podcasts. You can also follow us on our Facebook, Substack, and Twitter accounts