261: Mapping Beijing’s United Front: Cheryl Yu on PRC Influence Networks in the U.S. and Canada

One CA Podcast—ranked among Feedspot’s Top 10 Foreign Policy podcasts—returns with investigative journalist Sam Cooper interviewing Cheryl Yu of the Jamestown Foundation. Yu shares her groundbreaking research mapping more than 2,000 PRC United Front organizations operating across the United States, Canada, and other democratic nations. Her data-driven work reveals how the Chinese Communist Party builds influence networks abroad, blending legal community engagement with covert political access, technology transfer, and transnational repression.For the Civil Affairs community, Yu’s findings illuminate how foreign influence efforts operate in the human domain—the “last three feet” where relationships shape policy, perception, and security. The discussion explores why Canada shows an unusually high saturation of United Front groups, how seemingly benign cultural associations can be leveraged by the CCP, and what transparency and policy tools democratic governments can use to protect their institutions.One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association and features current and former military diplomats, development officers, and field practitioners discussing real-world engagement with partner nations, communities, and leaders. We aim to inspire those working at the intersection of people, politics, and security.To contact the show, email [email protected] or visit the Civil Affairs Association at www.civilaffairsassoc.org. Special Thanks to Joe Fagan and his Quartet for the sample of DoWhat You Wanna. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9LVk-1jDpw---#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX

Please welcome back Zolal Habibi, one of the leaders of theresistance to the Iranian regime.I asked her to come on, at the last second, to give an update onthe resistance forces since the start of the US strikes. This is a newsinterview, so no editing. ---One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association andbrings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, developmentofficers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with apartner nation's people and leadership.We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "lastthree feet" of U.S. foreign relations.  To contact the show, email us at [email protected], or lookus up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org  ---Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system, ranked One CAPodcast among the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/--- Special Thanks to Meditation Melodies for a sample ofHappy Uplifting Background Music for Spring. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/WAKzLcwo2nw?si=PrrvRvTBnsPf19kQ---#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX 

Please welcome Lieutenant Nick Dubaz, the G39 Director of the Southern European Task Force, Africa. Nick oversees Civil Affairs teams working across the continent to help U.S. Embassies build positive relations with partner nations' people and leaders.---One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at [email protected] or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org---Great news!Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system rated One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/---Music: Special Thanks to the site "Relaxing jazz piano" for the sample from Warm March Jazz Music. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/m7WiikpM0J0?si=Ow6IiDktAqe6jykV

Welcome to the One CA Podcast. Today, DJ brings in ChristineBalling, the Senior Vice President for Professional Affiliations, IWP; Founderof Fundación ECCO; Former Advisor to the US SOCSOUTH Commander, to discuss herwork with Civil Affairs in Colombia. ---One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association andbrings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, developmentofficers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with apartner nation's people and leadership.We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "lastthree feet" of U.S. foreign relations.  To contact the show, email us at [email protected], or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website atwww.civilaffairsassoc.org  ---Feedspot, the podcast industry ranking system, rated One CAPodcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. Check it out at:https://podcast.feedspot.com/foreign_policy_podcasts/--- Special Thanks to Katie Lynch for a sample of the upbeat cinematic instrumental music. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/6rontj76AYc?si=tjOC08ewMFF2EnUc---#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX 

Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness. Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s. Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity. Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.This is part two of a two part episode with Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence. Patrick Alley:Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/Book, Terrible Humans: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/patrick-alley/terrible-humans/9781800962385/ Book, Very Bad People: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/blog/very-bad-people-inside-story-fight-against-corruption/Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/lUIrYBtkfl4 SMA version of the interview: SMA version of the interview: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_31july2024/ ---One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at [email protected] or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org---Special thanks to the Juanes Channel for the intro sample of Desde Que Despierto Hasta Que Duermo. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZCeqUVeRMU---

Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness. Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s. Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity. Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.This is a two part episode. Next week we bring in Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence. So, stay tuned. LInks:Today we welcome Patrick Alley, co-founder of Global Witness. Patrick Alley and his team at Global Witness are credited with countering multiple autocrats and kleptocrats worldwide.The most notable is collapsing the Khmer Rouge by exposing the illegal timber trade that was bankrolling the rebels.They created the Blood Diamond campaign to counter the De Beers diamond cartel and multiple rebel groups in Africa that used the conflict to fund some of the most brutal civil wars in the late 1990s. Their findings were also critical for getting the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Charles Taylor in Liberia and trials for crimes against humanity. Patrick and Global Witness conducted similar operations in Europe and the Americas before he retired and published his first book, Very Bad People in 2022, and now his second book, Terrible Humans, which is available online and will be in bookstores around mid-August.This is part two of a two part episode with Mariah Yager from SMA to cohost the discussion on DOD Integrated Influence. Patrick Alley:Global Witness: https://www.globalwitness.org/Book, Terrible Humans: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/patrick-alley/terrible-humans/9781800962385/ Book, Very Bad People: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/blog/very-bad-people-inside-story-fight-against-corruption/Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/lUIrYBtkfl4 SMA version of the interview: https://nsiteam.com/smaspeakerseries_31july2024/ ---One CA is a product of the civil affairs association and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership.We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations. To contact the show, email us at [email protected] or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org---Special thanks to the Juanes Channel for the intro sample of Desde Que Despierto Hasta Que Duermo. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZCeqUVeRMU---

In this episode of the One CA Podcast, we welcome Michael Duffin, former senior policy advisor in the Bureau for Counterterrorism. With a career focused on identifying and mitigating violent extremism, Michael shares his experiences working in the complex human terrain globally. From policy rooms to field operations, his insights shed light on how Civil Affairs professionals operate in the “last three feet” of U.S. foreign relations—where diplomacy meets reality.One CA Podcast is produced by the Civil Affairs Association, One CA Podcast features voices from across the spectrum of military, diplomatic, and development communities. Whether you're a seasoned operator or just curious about the human domain of conflict resolution, this episode offers a powerful look into the strategies and psychology behind countering extremism.🎵 Special thanks to Steve Martin and Alison Brown for the sample of their performance “Let’s Get Out of Here.” Retrieved from https://youtu.be/r9gQuh5z2XA?si=-RceFawMHjbZmGyaFor more, visit civilaffairsassoc.org or email us at [email protected].#Podcast #NewEpisode #ForeignPolicy #Counterterrorism #CivilAffairs #SpotifyPodcasts #PodcastCommunity #Diplomacy #NationalSecurity #ListenOnSpotify #PodcastPromotion #ConflictResolution #HumanDomain #PodcastLife#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX

Welcome to the One CA Podcast, a product of the Civil Affairs Association. In today’s episode, Building Iran’s Democratic Future with Zolal Habibi, we speak with a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Habibi discusses the organized opposition to the Islamic Republic, the NCRI’s 10‑point plan for transition, and how Iranians are working to enact real change. This conversation explores what a democratic alternative could look like, the challenges of regime collapse, and the path forward for governance and humanitarian response.---One CA brings together voices from across the military, diplomacy, development, and field operations to share experiences from the “last three feet” of U.S. foreign relations.---Feedspot has ranked One CA among the top 10 foreign policy podcasts, and each episode is designed to inspire those working at the intersection of people, leadership, and global engagement.---To connect with the show, email us at [email protected] or visit the Civil Affairs Association at www.civilaffairsassoc.org--- Special Thanks to ---#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX

256: Iran’s Democratic Future with Zolal HabibiWelcome to the One CA Podcast, a product of the Civil Affairs Association. In today’s episode, Building Iran’s Democratic Future with Zolal Habibi, we speak with a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Habibi discusses the organized opposition to the Islamic Republic, the NCRI’s 10‑point plan for transition, and how Iranians are working to enact real change. This conversation explores what a democratic alternative could look like, the challenges of regime collapse, and the path forward for governance and humanitarian response.---One CA brings together voices from across the military, diplomacy, development, and field operations to share experiences from the “last three feet” of U.S. foreign relations.---Feedspot has ranked One CA among the top 10 foreign policy podcasts, and each episode is designed to inspire those working at the intersection of people, leadership, and global engagement.---To connect with the show, email us at [email protected] or visit the Civil Affairs Association at ⁠www.civilaffairsassoc.org⁠--- Special Thanks to Beats Bryza for the sample of the song "Courage:" Retrieved from https://youtu.be/1rxTL7ohdn8---#HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology #CivilAffairs #SOFTraining#IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation #ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement#MissionPreparation #UnderstandingConflic, #HumanDomain #TacticalPsychology#CivilAffairs #SOFTraining #IrregularWarfare #MilitaryEducation#ConflictResolution #CognitiveEngagement #MissionPreparation#UnderstandingConflict #PsychologicalOperations #CivilMilitaryOperations#InformationWarfare #SpecialOperationsForces #MilitaryStrategy#DefenseInnovation #SouthernStrike2024 #USASOC #SOCOM #CAPro #JKO #SWCS #TRADOC#DODInnovation #USAR #353CACOM #2POG #20SFG #MSNationalGuard #SOFX

Welcome to the One CA Podcast, a production of the Civil Affairs Association. This show brings together current and former military professionals, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to share their experiences working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.In this episode, host Daniel Zaya-Joseph sits down with 1st Sergeant Timothy Feldhaus of the 440th Civil Affairs Battalion, 351st KCOM. Fresh from his deployment with the Oceania Engagement Team, Feldhaus shares insights from the Solomon Islands—where Civil Affairs worked alongside the State Department and Department of Defense to strengthen partnerships, support humanitarian projects, and build trust with local communities.From navigating the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance to advancing ARCA-funded disaster-prevention initiatives, this conversation highlights how Civil Affairs professionals operate at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and defense in some of the most remote corners of the Pacific.Feedspot recently recognized the One CA Podcast as one of the top 10 shows on foreign policy. To learn more, visit the Civil Affairs Association at www.civilaffairsassoc.org or contact us at [email protected] thanks to Top Pop for the sample of Do It Any Way You Wanna (1975) by People's Choice. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ienw4AvVXQU---Civil Affairs professionals, diplomats, development officers, and policy enthusiasts can all connect with the conversations on the #OneCAPodcast, recognized by Feedspot as a #FeedspotTop10 show in foreign policy. Join the #CivilAffairsAssociation as we explore the “#LastThreeFeet” of U.S. foreign relations through stories of #CivilAffairs, #ForeignPolicy, and #GlobalEngagement. From #HumanitarianAssistance and #CommunityResilience to #MilitaryStrategy, #SOFTraining, and #DefenseInnovation, our episodes highlight the intersection of #DiplomacyInAction, #ConflictResolution, and #CivilMilitaryOperations. Whether you’re a #VeteransVoices listener, a #PolicyMakers stakeholder, or part of the #ThinkTankTalks and #SecurityStudies community, the One CA Podcast brings insights that matter to both organizations and individuals.