The Focus
The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical think tank. Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst. Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.
Episodes
We sit down with Yuki Tatsumi to explore foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. From the US-Japan alliance to ties with Australia, India, and the Quad, we unpack how regional countries and the US navigate today’s shifting fault lines.
We also examine the legacy of Shinzo Abe—including his reputation as the “Trump whisperer”—and how it has shaped the West’s foreign ...
India is rising — but what does that mean on the frontlines? 🇮🇳 In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery and the bold voice behind The Gunner’s Shot. Unapologetic and unfiltered. This is India’s rise told from the inside.
Show Notes
Connect with Ravi
The Gunners Shot YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@g...
Australia and Indonesia are tied together by geography — but how well do we really understand each other? Despite being close neighbours, relations between Canberra and Jakarta are often uneasy, marked by cooperation, competition, and occasional mistrust.
In this episode of The Focus, Dr. Gatra Priyandita (Australian Strategic Policy Institute) joins Dr. John Bruni to unpack one of the most important ...
What if the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS wasn’t natural — but alien technology?
In this special episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Harvard astrophysicist Prof. Avi Loeb about the James Webb Space Telescope’s new images and asks the ultimate question:
Who speaks for Earth if the universe makes contact? What are the geopolitical implications?
Show Notes:
...Europe stands on shaky ground. With Trump floating “peace plans” for Ukraine, Putin pressing his advantage, and NATO allies second-guessing their future, uncertainty is the only constant. In this episode of The Focus Podcast, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Commander Anders Puck Nielsen of the Royal Danish Navy — one of Europe’s sharpest military analysts.
Show Notes:
Connect with Anders
Mexico’s cartels aren’t just crime syndicates—they’re power brokers shaping politics, security, and the U.S.–Mexico border. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Stefano Ritondale to unpack the rise of the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and Gulf Cartel—and what their influence means for North America.
#mexicancartels #geopolitics #thefocuspodcast
Show Notes
Connect with Stefano:
X:...
Yale professor Samuel Moyn joins us to explore how drones, AI, and precision strikes have transformed modern conflict. Based on his book Humane, this conversation asks whether efforts to make war more “humane” have sidelined the goal of peace itself.
Show Notes:
Connect with Sam
Yale: ...
Can ancient Stoicism help us face today’s crazy world? In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with philosopher Prof. Massimo Pigliucci on how Stoic principles offer clarity, resilience, and meaning in an age of rage, war, and misinformation.
We also explore real Stoicism vs. “Broicism,” and how to apply timeless wisdom to modern crises.
🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni.
SHOW NO...
Dr. John Bruni speaks with Prof. Salvatore Babones about U.S.–India relations, Modi’s strategic balancing act, the Quad, and how Russian oil, and a possible F-35 purchase, affects Trump’s thinking on India and how this could reshape stability on the Subcontinent & Indo-Pacific security more broadly.
#IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #TheFocusPodcast #IndoPacific #Trump...
In this episode of The Focus, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges joins us to unpack Europe’s growing defence dilemma. As U.S. support for NATO faces political headwinds and war rages in Ukraine, can Europe stand on its own? Or is it still relying too heavily on the American security umbrella?
We explore NATO’s credibility, European rearmament, and what’s needed to keep the continent safe in an age of rising threats.
Show No...
Dr. Roy Casagranda returns to The Focus to explore the global and domestic impact of a second Trump term—covering democracy, immigration, alliances, Ukraine, Iran, and more.
🎧 Watch now & subscribe for more insight on geopolitics and global affairs.
#geopolitics #trump47 #roycasagranda #uspolitics #thefocuspodcast #globalsecurity #foreignpolicy
Show Notes:
🔗 *Connect with Roy Casagranda*
X: @RoyCasagrand...
In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with economist Nicolas Michelon on how protectionism and power politics are reshaping global trade.
🎧 Watch now on YouTube | Also on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes:
Connect with Nicolas
X: @MichelonNicolas
Asia Power Watch: https://asiapowerwatch.com/
Alagan Partners: https://alaganpartners.com/our-team/nicolas-michelon/
Nicolas’ Recent Publications...
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 ...
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
- “Is...
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
X: @GAIGriffith
Peter’s Top Five publications:
Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through C...
🎙️As China increases military pressure and Trump 47 reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Taiwan’s future is more uncertain than ever.
Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Alice Yang from Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research about Taiwan’s fight for democracy, U.S. ambiguity, and what regional conflict could mean for the world.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, iTunes & the Auscast Network.
Show N...
Why does Finland still rely on conscription? And what can Australia learn from it?
Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo breaks down Finland’s “Total Defence” strategy, NATO’s Nordic front, and how citizen readiness can shape national security.
🎧 Watch now on The Focus...
In this gripping episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with political analyst Dr. Roy Casagranda to unpack the seismic shifts in U.S. politics after 100 days of Trump 47. From executive overreac...
Is Europe prepared for war? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni speaks with former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff on Ukraine, NATO’s weaknesses, and the growing threat from Russia. A hard-hitting, unfiltered look at what may lie ahead.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.
🔗 Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff
X: @RichardShirreff
LinkedIn: Richard Shirreff
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