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
• “Israel’s Attack on Hezbollah’s Communications Network Is Not the Victory It Claims” – New Lines Magazine, September 2024

Faith and Politics in Iran, Israel, and the Islamic State: Theologies of the Real (2017)

Published by Cambridge University Press, this book examines how religious worldviews shape political action across diverse ideological contexts.

Understanding Shiite Leadership: The Art of the Middle Ground in Iran and Lebanon (2014, co-authored with Shaul Mishal)

This work explores how Shi‘ite leaders balance ideological commitments with pragmatic governance in both Iran and Lebanon.

Shi‘i Theology in Iran: The Challenge of Religious Experience (2011)

Published by Routledge, this book investigates the role of religious experience in shaping revolutionary Shi‘i political theology.

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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

LinkedIn

X: @GAIGriffith

Peter’s Top Five publications:

Ensuring Australia’s Defence Through Complex Interdependence (May 2025)

In this article, Dr. Layton advocates for a shift in Australia's grand strategy towards complex interdependence. He argues that by building robust connections with multiple countries, Australia can enhance its resilience against strategic, economic, technological, and societal shocks.

Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules (2024)

Dr. Layton analyses Australia's inaugural National Defence Strategy, emphasising its focus on deterrence. He critiques the strategy's approach and discusses its implications for Australia's defence posture in a rapidly changing strategic environment.

Evolution Not Revolution: Defence AI in Australia (2024)

In this chapter, Dr. Layton examines Australia's approach to integrating artificial intelligence into defence capabilities. He argues for an evolutionary path that enhances existing systems, emphasising the importance of human-machine teaming.

Being Prepared for Unprecedented Times: National Mobilisation Conceptualisations and Their Implications (2021)

Commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence, this paper explores how Australia can conceptualise and implement national mobilisation strategies in response to emerging security challenges. It offers insights into resilience planning and whole-of-nation defence approaches.

Grand Strategy (2018)

In this book, Dr. Layton presents a practical framework for developing grand strategy, integrating international relations theory with real-world policymaking. The book is recognised for its clarity and applicability, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and practitioners.

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🎙️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 Notes:

Connect with Alice:

At INDSR - indsr2018@indsr.org.tw

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/INDSRTW

X - @INDSRTW

YouTube - https://youtube.com/@indsr8906?si=diU9m_YM3w2438vp

Taiwanese political parties:

🇹🇼 1. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

• Position on China:
• • Pro-status quo with an emphasis on sovereignty
  • While it doesn’t formally push for de jure independence, it views Taiwan as already independent under the name “Republic of China (Taiwan)”
  • Strongly resists unification with China

✅ Supports a Taiwanese identity distinct from China
🚫 Opposes “One China” or any future unification with the PRC

🇹🇼 2. Kuomintang (KMT)

• Position on China:

• • Supports eventual peaceful unification under the right conditions but rejects the use of force
  • Favors closer economic and cultural ties with China
  • Supports the "1992 Consensus" (One China, but each side has its own interpretation)

⚖️ Seeks peace and dialogue with Beijing
🧩 Ambiguous on independence vs. unification, but tilts toward eventual integration if democratic and safe

🇹🇼 3. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)

• Position on China:
• • Promotes status quo
  • Calls for pragmatic engagement with both the U.S. and China
  • Avoids strong ideological stances on unification vs. independence

🧭 Middle-of-the-road approach: avoid provoking China while protecting Taiwan’s democracy

🇹🇼 4. New Power Party (NPP)

• Position on China:
• • Advocates for formal independence
  • Strongly opposes unification or the “1992 Consensus”

🔥 More hardline than the DPP on Taiwanese independence

🇹🇼 5. People First Party (PFP) (Now marginal)

• Position on China:
• • Pro-unification under peaceful, negotiated terms
  • Supports “One China” framework

📉 Formerly significant, now politically marginal

Top Publications:

Publications: Annual Assessment Reports at INDSR: These reports cover various aspects of Taiwan's defence strategy, including military technology trends and China's military developments (INDSR).

Weaponized Interdependence: China’s Economic Statecraft and Social Penetration against Taiwan: This paper discusses how China uses economic means to influence and penetrate Taiwanese society, published in the journal Orbis (TAEF).

Building a Disaster Resilient Community in Taiwan: Co-authored with Judy H.S. Wu, this research analyses the social capital in disaster preparedness in Taiwan, published in Politics and Governance(TAEF).

Enabling Human Values in Foreign Policy: This paper explores the transformation of Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, emphasizing the human values driving Taiwan's foreign policy, published in the Journal of Human Values (TAEF).

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