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Description

The flagship podcast of the Orbis Journal of World Affairs, produced by the Foreign Policy Research Institute and the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The podcast features bimonthly discussions with journal contributors on foreign policy, national security, and geopolitics, with a particular focus on how emerging technologies are reshaping these fields.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Shifting Ground podcast

Episode 3 | Technology and the Governance Gap

2026/04/22

On this episode of Shifting Ground, Daniel Byman joins Nick and Larry to discuss the core challenge governments face in trying to regulate or shape emerging technologies today. The three discuss the national security risks associated with emerging technologies right now, and how policymakers think about the tradeoffs between innovation, economic competitiveness, and security. Read Daniel Byman's essay Governing Emerging Technologies here.

Episode 2 | Geopolitical Cycles and the Fragility of the Global Operating System

2026/03/21

On this episode of Shifting Ground, Admiral James "Sandy" Winnefeld introduces his concept of the "global operating system" (GOS)—which includes the rules-based international order and the global economy—explaining that its foundation of international stability is at risk of catastrophic failure due to geopolitical cycles, political polarization, and the overextension of the prevailing power. Read Admiral Winnefeld's essay The Principle Challenge: Arresting the Decline of the Global Operating System Explore more on orbisjournal.org

Episode 1 : Technology, Trust, and the Accelerants of Global Crisis

2026/03/19

Stacey Dixon joins Nick Gvosdev and Larry Rubin to discuss the U.S. government's challenge of balancing national security interests by restricting sensitive technology exports with the need for American companies to compete globally and influence international technology standards. The conversation highlighted "accelerants" like the democratization of conflict technology and the erosion of public trust due to misinformation, recommending that the government secure critical infrastructure, improve cyber hygiene, and cultivate citizens' digital literacy to counter the negative, unintended uses of emerging technologies. Read Stacey's piece The World's Hidden Accelerants: Technology, Trust, and System Fragility Explore more on orbisjournal.org