Is General Joseph Aoun the man to rescue Lebanon’s institutions? Can the Lebanese Armed Forces disarm Hezbollah? Can the Lebanese state recover from years of corruption and poor governance? And what role do external powers—Iran, Israel, Syria, and the Gulf states—play in Lebanon’s fate? Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Imad Harb to unpack the country’s fate under new leadership.

Show Notes:

Connect with Imad:

Arab Center Washington D.C. https://arabcenterdc.org/team/imad-k-harb/

X: @harb3imad

Imad’s Top Publications:

Articles:

The Prickly Issue of Disarming Palestinian Factions in Lebanon

President Trump’s Gulf Trip: Post-Visit Observations

Books:

• The Arab World Beyond Conflict
  Co-editor: Imad Harb and Zeina Azzam
  Published by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2019 newarab.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11
• Trump and the Arab World: A First Year Assessment
  Editor: Imad Harb
  Published by the Arab Center Washington DC, 2017 arabcenterdc.org+5me-policy.org+5arabcenterdc.org+5
• Domestic and Regional Challenges to US–Iran Relations
  Co-authors: Imad Harb and John Bruni
  Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, April 2015 books.google.com+11arabcenterdc.org+11chs-doha.org+11
• Higher Education and the Future of Iraq
  Author: Imad K. Harb
  United States Institute of Peace Special Report No. 195, 2008 globalresilienceconsortium.org+10

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Israel vs. Iran: What Drives Tehran’s Strategy? Dr. Ori Goldberg joins The Focus to decode ideology, deterrence, and the risks of a wider Middle East war.

Show Notes:

X: @ori_goldberg

Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social

Ori’s Top Publications:

Selected Articles (2024)

• “Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024
• “Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024

Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017)

Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts.

Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal)

This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon.

Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011)

Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.

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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.

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