The recent dismissal of the Judge Advocates General of the Army and Air Force has raised new questions about the role of independent legal advice in the U.S. military. This week, we’re airing a special rebroadcast of our May 28th live program on the role of Judge Advocates General in advising military leadership and upholding the law of armed conflict.

The discussion features Rear Admiral James E. McPherson, retired 39th Judge Advocate General of the Navy and former General Counsel and Under Secretary of the Army, and John B. Bellinger III, former Legal Adviser to both the State Department and the National Security Council. Together, they explore the function of the JAG Corps, the implications of recent firings, and the importance of preserving nonpartisan legal guidance in military decision-making.

References:

Event Video: American Bar Association Discussion on President Trump Firing Judge Advocates General. C-SPAN, 28 May 2024.

In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa and Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former FBI Special Agent, explore how companies can better prepare their people and operations for high-threat environments. From travel security to cultural blind spots, they discuss why planning, awareness, and proactive leadership are key to staying ahead of today’s evolving threat landscape.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Film:The Wages of Fear(1953)

As global demand for energy surges, so do the risks for those working to meet it. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former Director of the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, to explore the dangers facing energy professionals operating abroad. Together, they examine the rise of hostage diplomacy, the targeting of Americans by state actors like Russia, China, and Iran, and the intelligence challenges facing companies operating in high-risk regions like Africa.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

Alterman, Jon B., and Jason Rezaian. Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention. Center for Strategic and International Studies, 4 June 2025