The Strait of Hormuz: A Maritime Chokepoint

China's Influence in Pacific Island's Media

Over the past decade, China sought to deepen its ties with the Pacific Islands. This includes an effort to expand its footprint in the region's media landscape. Guest Biographies Heidi Holz [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/holz-heidi] is a Senior Research Scientist in CNA's China Studies Program [https://www.cna.org/centers-and-divisions/cna/rsp/china-studies]. Her research focuses on People's Republic of China (PRC) strategic communications, propaganda, disinformation, and other global influence efforts. Genevieve Collins is a Senior Research Specialist in CNA's China Studies Program. Further Reading CNA Report: Understanding China's Footprint in the Pacific Islands' Media Landscape [https://www.cna.org/analyses/2026/05/understanding-chinas-footprint-in-the-pacific-islands-media-landscape]

Analyzing Hollywood Portrayals of Emergency Management

This episode examines various depictions of emergency management in Hollywood movies and asks what the consequences are of inaccurate portrayals. Guest Biographies Heather Marshall is a Senior Research Specialist with CNA's Center for Emergency Management Operations. Sydney Stewart [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/stewart-sydney] is an expert in emergency management and homeland security, specializing in large-scale incident planning and response and resilience of critical community lifeline networks and infrastructure systems. Further Reading House of Dynamite Trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wpw2QHJNco] Twister (1996) Trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beHzfQPaTaw] DON'T LOOK UP trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbIxYm3mKzI&t=2s]

The Strait of Hormuz: A Maritime Chokepoint

This episode examines the effort to revitalize America's shipping and shipbuilding capacity in the context of the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest Biographies Bill Komiss [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/komiss-william] is an expert in economic analysis of operational energy and infrastructure. He specializes in statistical modeling of military construction projects and facility life cycles, as well as structural modeling of energy supply and demand in wartime scenarios. Josh Tallis [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/tallis-joshua] is CNA's Future Fleet Coordinator and Director of CNA's Ally and Partner Affairs Program. He previously served as the scientific analyst to the Chief of Naval Operations. Further Reading The Economic Implications of Disruptions to Maritime Oil Chokepoints [https://www.cna.org/analyses/2011/economic-implications-to-disrupting-oil-chokepoints]

The End of Orban's Regime

With the inauguration of Péter Magyar, Hungary has a new prime minster for the first time in 16 years. This episode explores what this means for the nation and for Europe. Guest Biographies Julian G. Waller is an expert in Russian political-military affairs, elite strategic decision-making, adversary systems of governance, and civil-military relations outside the West. He is also a scholar of the politics of authoritarian rule, authoritarian political and social orders, and illiberal/postliberal ideologies globally. Further Reading Julian's Substack: Political Order(s) [https://politicalorders.substack.com/]

How Can Playing a Game Improve Police Officer Wellness?

This episode covers Balance, a learning game that helps law enforcement supervisors protect the emotional well-being of their officers. Guest Biographies Brittany Cunningham [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/cunningham-brittany] is an expert in scientific research and analysis and has more than a decade of experience designing, implementing and managing rigorous research studies and evaluations at the local, state and national level. Geoff Smith [https://www.cna.org/our-experts/smith-geoffrey] is a former police chief and an expert on law enforcement and fire policies, operations and oversight. He has substantial expertise in technology, including deployment of in-car and body-worn camera systems, cell phone forensics, as well as active shooter training. Further Reading CNA—Balance: A Command Operations and Resilience Game [https://www.cna.org/quick-looks/2026/03/Balance-A-Command-Operations-and-Resilience-Game.pdf] If you are interested in running Balance at your agency you can contact Brittany at Cunninghamb@cna.org [Cunninghamb@cna.org].