As we approach the 2nd anniversary of Russia's illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we discuss how the conflict really started much earlier, 2014, to be exact. Simmering tensions have plagued the Donbas region, as well as Crimea and Georgia, along with irregular skirmishes between snipers and artillery units throughout the region between 2014 and 2022. 

On this episode of "What's Really Happening?" GNSI Executive Director, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie draws upon insights and experiences in his 42-year career in the United States Marine Corps, as well as his expertise as a military historian, to further elaborate on what he believes is going on in Ukraine, a "frozen conflict" that may be developing there, and what he calls the "magnificent response" of the United States in forming a global coalition in the face of reckless aggression. He also discusses the history of the Russian effort to put nuclear weapons in space, as well as recent Chinese interest in doing the same.

For the video version of this podcast, please visit the What's Really Happening YouTube channel.

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What's Really Happening? is the podcast from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida that leverages the experiences, insights and invaluable leadership of the former Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General (Ret) Frank McKenzie. As commander of one of the US military's 11 combatant commands, McKenzie reported only to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. He was in command of all US military operations and personnel in the Central Region (encompassing the Middle East, South Asia and Northern Africa). He gives us a comprehensive look into what goes on "in the room," when decisions are made that can change the world.

GNSI Executive Director and former Commander of United States Central Command, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie has watched the events in the Middle East since October 7 with graver interest than many. As the man formerly in charge of all US military personnel and operations in that region (as Commander of U.S. Central Command), McKenzie feels the pain and dread personally as US forces in the region continue to suffer waves of attacks from Iranian-backed proxy militias.

On this episode of "What's Really Happening?" McKenzie draws upon insights and experiences in his 42-year career in the United States Marine Corps, as well as his expertise as a military historian, to further elaborate on what he believes have been the missteps taken by the U.S. in the current situation. And why taking Iran off the table for potential retaliation strikes was, in his belief, a strategic mistake.

There's only one way to tell if our actions have worked, according to McKenzie. "Have the attacks stopped?"

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What's Really Happening? is the podcast from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida that leverages the experiences, insights and invaluable leadership of the former Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General (Ret) Frank McKenzie. As commander of one of the US military's 11 combatant commands, McKenzie reported only to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. He was in command of all US military operations and personnel in the Central Region (encompassing the Middle East, South Asia and Northern Africa). He gives us a comprehensive look into what goes on "in the room," when decisions are made that can change the world.

GNSI Executive Director, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie sits down to give us a perspective that is seldom seen outside the rooms where globally impactful decisions are made.  During his 42-year career in the United States Marine Corps, the last three as Commander of U.S. Central Command, in charge of all military personnel and operations in the Greater Middle East, McKenzie was renowned for his prodigious consumption of intelligence, often meeting with his team several times each day. It was during those briefings that McKenzie learned the telltale signs of changing intel and how to make decisions based upon what was being learned. This episode features a rarely seen glimpse into intelligence and how it's used by militaries around the world. (22:31)


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What's Really Happening? is the podcast from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida that leverages the experiences, insights and invaluable leadership of the former Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General (Ret) Frank McKenzie. As commander of one of the US military's 11 combatant commands, McKenzie reported only to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. He was in command of all US military operations and personnel in the Central Region (encompassing the Middle East, South Asia and Northern Africa). He gives us a comprehensive look into what goes on "in the room," when decisions are made that can change the world.

GNSI Executive Director, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie sits down to give us a perspective that is seldom seen outside the rooms where globally impactful decisions are made.  McKenzie has said on many occasions that he believes the threat and likelihood of the use of nuclear weapons is the greatest in recent history. Perhaps even greater than during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1963. The United States has divested itself of nearly all of its arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons that once numbered in the thousands. The Soviet Union, now Russia, has not done the same. And with their conventional military forces faring so badly in Eastern Europe following their invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin may find himself needing to "escalate to de-escalate." And nuclear weapons are one of the few remaining assets that may be enough to turn the tide.  (16:16)

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What's Really Happening? is the podcast from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida that leverages the experiences, insights and invaluable leadership of the former Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General (Ret) Frank McKenzie. As commander of one of the US military's 11 combatant commands, McKenzie reported only to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. He was in command of all US military operations and personnel in the Central Region (encompassing the Middle East, South Asia and Northern Africa). He gives us a comprehensive look into what goes on "in the room," when decisions are made that can change the world.

GNSI Executive Director, General (Ret) Frank McKenzie sits down to give us a perspective that is seldom seen outside the rooms where globally impactful decisions are made. Will Hezbollah or Iran attempt to enter the war in Gaza? What will happen if they do? What should the Israeli Defense Forces be prepared for as their campaign continues in deeply built up and densely populated areas? Does the United States need to do something more than just support Israel and its campaign against Hamas? (21:39)

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What's Really Happening? is the podcast from the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida that leverages the experiences, insights and invaluable leadership of the former Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General (Ret) Frank McKenzie. As commander of one of the US military's 11 combatant commands, McKenzie reported only to the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States. He was in command of all US military operations and personnel in the Central Region (encompassing the Middle East, South Asia and Northern Africa). He gives us a comprehensive look into what goes on "in the room," when decisions are made that can change the world.