Threats to U.S. Security: Aging Infrastructure, Fragile Systems, and Information Warfare
The Great Simplification #168 with Dan O'Connor
The threats facing the United States’ stability seem to be escalating daily - from aging electric grids and deteriorating infrastructure to rising information warfare from domestic and international sources. How are some of the leaders within our institutions approaching these risks to respond with resilience and strengthen our national security?
Today, I’m joined by national and homeland security authority Dan O’Connor to discuss what he sees as the most pressing risks for the stability and resilience of the United States. Dan emphasizes the critical role of energy in shaping our societal structures and the need for adaptive resilience and personal responsibility in the face of systemic risks.
How is the interference from adversarial information warfare eroding public trust and national resilience? In what ways are cultural fragmentation and worsening health crises accelerating our economic and environmental challenges? And, perhaps most importantly, could the most effective solution to these large-scale systemic challenges lie in embracing personal responsibility and authentic leadership?
In case you missed it…
Last week, I was joined by psychotherapist Francis Weller to discuss the essential human need for grief. Among many poignant topics, we delve into how modern individualism impacts our ability to grieve and form deep connections with others, and how that can keep us feeling stuck individually and as whole societies. Francis also explains his concept of ‘the five gates of grief’ and explores the cultural variations in grieving practices, physiological aspects of loss, and the vital role of community in healing.
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Excellent episode. I do not envy you, Nate, having to skate around touchy political positions. It’s important to focus on common ground, even though I suspect I would find myself on a different political game than this guest.
I guess the main focus is not on the current flotsam in the political water but the best path through the coming storm.
Because you so carefully navigate the minefield of American politics, I can share this with people on the other side of the fence who will not take offense.
Excellent episode