This collection of articles by Lieutenant General (Retired) Pasquale Preziosa presents a comprehensive analysis of the rapidly transforming global geopolitical landscape, examining how traditional international orders are eroding while new power dynamics emerge.

The New Nuclear Age: The report identifies a dangerous “second nuclear race” driven by China’s nuclear expansion plans, fundamentally destabilizing the existing strategic framework. This new competition differs from the Cold War era, featuring shortened reaction times due to hypersonic weapons, increased reliance on artificial intelligence in command systems, and the emergence of a three-way nuclear competition between the US, Russia, and China. Traditional deterrence models are breaking down as hypersonic technologies render existing missile defense systems obsolete.

European Strategic Challenges: Europe faces an existential choice between three scenarios: maintaining current structures while risking irrelevance, pursuing systemic organizational reform, or undertaking radical transformation into a federal defense union. The analysis emphasizes Europe’s urgent need to develop autonomous defense capabilities, particularly in hypersonic defense, space operations, and cyber warfare, while avoiding fragmentation that could undermine unity.

Global Power Realignments: The report examines shifting dynamics in South Asia, where traditional U.S. influence is waning as regional powers like India pursue strategic autonomy while China leverages infrastructure projects (such as the massive Yarlung Tsangpo dam) as geopolitical tools. Turkey’s neo-Ottoman aspirations and Russia’s re-emergence as an arms partner further complicate regional alignments.

Technology and Geopolitical Power: A critical theme throughout is how technological supremacy, particularly in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, is reshaping international competition. China’s systematic approach through five-year plans to achieve AI hegemony by 2030 contrasts with more fragmented Western responses. The rise of transnational tech elites creates new power centers that transcend traditional state boundaries.

Institutional Decline: The analysis documents the erosion of multilateral diplomacy, replaced by media-driven foreign policy and spectacle over substance. Traditional diplomatic institutions like the OSCE and UN Security Council are increasingly marginalized as unilateral actions and public communications dominate international relations.

Key Implications: The report concludes that the current transition represents not merely a shift between great powers, but a fundamental transformation of the international system itself. Success will depend on the ability to adapt to technological change, maintain strategic autonomy, and develop new forms of cooperation that can address transnational challenges while managing intensifying competition between major powers.

This analysis provides essential insights for understanding how technological advancement, nuclear proliferation, and the rise of new actors are fundamentally reshaping the global order in ways that demand realistic and significant strategic responses from traditional powers.

This podcast discusses the article “Rethinking Military Training for the High-End Fight: From Kill Chains to Kill Webs” by Robbin Laird.

It highlights the transition from traditional, platform-centric warfare and linear “kill chains” to networked, interoperable “kill webs” essential for engaging peer competitors. The article emphasizes that military personnel, particularly fighter pilots, must now operate as nodes within a vast interconnected system, requiring significant changes to training methodologies across all services, including the Navy and Marine Corps.

It also discusses the critical role of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training and the imperative of allied integration for future success in high-intensity conflicts.

Ultimately, the article argues that reimagining military training is crucial to prepare skilled warriors for the complexities of 21st-century warfare.

This podcast was produced by Notebook LM and there was a statement that Laird had already gone to the Italian training facility in Sardinia. The correct statement is that in Rome last year he was briefed on the new center and is planning to visit this Fall.

Arecent report on Australia’s challenges in establishing a nuclear submarine base in Western Australia, specifically addressing the AUKUS agreement and the Westport project, was published by our Australian partner

It highlights concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed commercial port to a key naval base, leading to potential security vulnerabilities from increased foreign shipping traffic in shared, narrow channels.

The report underscores that modern security threats, including asymmetric warfare and the use of commercial vessels for attacks, are not adequately addressed by traditional port security measures, potentially compromising the safety of nuclear submarines and Australia’s defense strategy.

It also critiques the apparent lack of communication and integrated planning between federal defense and state infrastructure development, emphasizing the need for thorough risk assessments to ensure the success and security of the AUKUS program.

This podcast discussing the report was generated by Notebook LM and has some pronunciation anomalies but the logic is impeccable.