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Strait Forward

Special Competitive Studies Project - SCSP

Strait Forward is a podcast series from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), where Channing Lee takes a deep-dive into Taiwan, the island at the forefront of technological innovation and the global fight for democracy. Hear Taiwanese experts discuss geopolitics, technology, and culture.

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  • 26 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • #23
    January 12 · 51 min

    Unpacking the U.S.-China Commission's Recommendations on Taiwan + Predictions for 2026

    In this first episode of 2026, host Channing Lee rings in the new year with a look at recent events surrounding Taiwan, including a record-breaking $11 billion U.S. arms package and unannounced, large-scale PLA military exercises. Randy Shriver and Mike Kuiken, Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, join Channing to discuss the USCC’s 2025 Annual Report and its recommendations to the U.S. Congress on Taiwan, predictions for the region in 2026, and the cri

  • #22
    Dec 15, 2025 · 36 min

    Unpacking Taiwan’s Wild Year — And Libby Reveals What’s Next

    On this episode of Strait Forward, hosts Channing and Libby wrap up the year in Taiwan news, reflecting on a turbulent but ultimately optimistic 2025. They discuss major geopolitical and defense developments, including Japan's assertive comments on Taiwan's security, Taiwan's increased defense budget, and recent U.S. arms sales and legislative assurances. Following a special announcement, Libby reflects on her years living and working in Taiwan, sharing personal stories, and explaining why the d

  • #21
    Dec 8, 2025 · 33 min

    Taiwan's Vision for Space

    On this episode of Strait Forward, recorded live at SCSP’s AI+ Space Summit, Channing and Libby speak with Holmes Liao, Senior Advisor at the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), about how Taiwan is rapidly building its space capabilities. The discussion covers Taiwan's latest FORMOSAT satellite launch, its efforts to leverage existing strengths in electronics and manufacturing, and how both private and public sector initiatives are integrating AI for smart satellite operations. They also discuss how Tai

  • #20
    Nov 25, 2025 · 42 min

    Can a Board Game Prepare Taiwan for War?

    On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby are joined by KJ Chang, founder of Mizo Games, to discuss the studio’s board game, 2045, which simulates a PLA invasion of Taiwan 20 years in the future. KJ explains that his games are inspired by real-world events and Taiwan's history, aiming to use the "pressure of the play" to help players understand the difficult choices made at the edge of survival. Following the interview, the Strait Forward team – joined by producer Bobby Owens – try

  • #19
    Nov 10, 2025 · 43 min

    Securing Taiwan's Energy Supply

    In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby delve into Taiwan's energy security, a critical issue due to the island’s high import dependency and vulnerability to geopolitical risks. They open with a segment featuring Caleb Barnes, Associate Director for Fusion at SCSP, to discuss the most common concerns about nuclear energy in Taiwan, then welcome Tsaiying Lu, Research Fellow & Director of Energy Security Research at Taiwan’s Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Tec

  • #18
    Oct 27, 2025 · 34 min

    Taiwan and Europe: A Shared Democratic Future

    In this episode of Strait Forward, Channing and Libby move beyond the U.S.-Taiwan conversation and dive into the evolving relationship between Taiwan and Europe. They highlight the shared democratic values and significant economic ties that are driving deeper cooperation. In this episode, they welcome Jonas Parello-Plesner, Executive Director of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation and author of The Battle for Taiwan. Jonas offers a critical European perspective on Taiwan, detailing the varie

Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes