When pressure peaks, the best leaders turn inward—grounding themselves in purpose, values, and emotional regulation. This article explores the habits of high-stakes leadership that promote calm, clarity, and action under fire.

Air control is no longer absolute. Nations must adapt to complex, contested skies where mutual denial, and flexible tactics define strategy. Small drones remain effective in denied airspace. Operational planning must accept partial superiority.

The author argues AUKUS enhances national resilience. True self-reliance means securing sea lanes with advanced capability, not abandoning partnerships that strengthen sovereign industry. With Australia importing most of its refined fuel, the maritime domain is crucial.

Some of our greatest strengths emerge in unexpected places. This article encourages reflection on talents developed outside your formal role—and how they can unlock creativity, meaning, and better leadership in professional settings.

Our content is increasingly microtargeted in the hands of the few, deepfaked and AI-driven. The consequences are that we can lose our shared understanding of the basic facts and processes, and ultimately affect the future of democracy.

Brazil is adopting a Gross National Happiness Index. Like Bhutan, the intention is to measure societal progress beyond the conventional international economic yardsticks by giving emphasis to happiness, environmental balance, and sound governance.

Delays in delivery of US Navy’s next generation submarine are expected. These delays are not only a capability concern for US, but also for Australia, anxiously dependent on US ship building capacity to deliver its new submarine.

Service personnel can get frustrated because they cannot fix equipment due the warranty under which it is used or contractual arrangements. A ‘Right to Repair’ US Bill, will sharpen military skills, save money and improve capability.

Poor communication, cyber-attacks, misread intentions, and national pride can push even reluctant nations toward conflict—underscoring the urgency of clear signals, credible coordination, and emotional awareness in crisis planning. Simulations must stress-test emotional triggers.

While undeniably a victory, Cannae serves as a grim reminder of the supremacy of the strategic over the tactical, and the difficulty of translating even the most tremendous tactical successes into new strategic realities.