Welcome to the HoosLeft Podcast, a show about Indiana politics, history, and culture from an unapologetically leftist perspective. My name is Scott Aaron Rogers and I’m recording from Bloomington.
I resolved in the new year to spend less time editing podcasts and more time just getting valuable information out there. As such, this is the first in a series of LIVE interviews scheduled in the coming weeks with statehouse candidates like Nate Stout and Sharon Wight, labor organizer Mark Gevaart, and the multi-talented Dana Black, with more to come. Plus we’ve got a series of virtual town halls on the books with congressional candidates Brad Meyer and Jackson Franklin on top of our regular Sunday morning news show. Lots of big things on the horizon here at HoosLeft and Progressive Indiana Network.
Tonight’s guest is Jared Stancombe, a former Indiana State House candidate who graduated from the RAND School of Public Policy with a masters degree in national security policy. His coursework involved research in areas such as US defense strategy, emerging technologies, and Indo-Pacific security.
With a background spanning over five years in cybersecurity across the Big 4 serving Fortune 500 clients, the U.S. federal government, and nonprofit organizations, he has worked to focus on solutions to complex social and technological problems. From countering terrorism, addressing the education achievement gap, global health equity, and addressing cyber crime and geopolitical competition in cyberspace, he has learned to ask the right questions, listen attentively, and build relationships to develop innovative solutions.
But real quick, before we get to the interview, a big ask. This is an independent media project; we don’t paywall content; we don’t sell out to advertisers; we don’t have billionaire benefactors. Only individuals like you keep this thing going. It is a foundational principal of HoosLeft and the Progressive Indiana Network that we refuse to hide valuable information behind paywalls in the middle of a political crisis, even if that’s not in our financial best interest. So please, if you find value in this work, go to ProgressiveIndiana.net and subscribe at the paid level - it’s only $5 a month, or $50 a year, to help us build the infrastructure that will pop the right-wing media bubble in this state. You can make a one-time contribution to HoosLeft on Cash App or Venmo. Links are in the show notes.
If a paid subscription isn’t the cards for you right now, that’s okay. You can still help out by liking and sharing on social media, commenting, leaving reviews, providing feedback, and forwarding articles to your people. Get us next time. Mostly, we just want you here in this community of Hoosiers dedicated to making this state, and its government, work for all of us, not just the elite few. Please join us.
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In the Interview
Introduction of Jared Stancombe
Scott welcomes Jared Stancombe, who ran for State House District 65, centered in Lawrence County, in 2018 and just moved back to Indiana after 5 years working in cybersecurity in DC.
Jared specializes in the Asia-Pacific region and has a degree in national security policy.
Scott and Jared discuss the geopolitical implications of cybersecurity and the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on cybersecurity.
Jared shares his experience of being asked about potential Russian cyber attacks during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Disinformation and Cybersecurity
Scott and Jared discuss the history of Russian disinformation operations, referencing Thomas Rid’s book Active Measures.
Jared explains the concept of “reflexive control” and how Russian disinformation shapes narratives in foreign countries.
Scott and Jared discuss the role of social media algorithms in spreading disinformation and the impact on American society.
Jared mentions the case of Tim Pool, who was paid by the Russians to spread anti-Ukraine narratives.
Trump and Putin’s Similar Worldviews
Scott and Jared discuss the similarities between Trump and Putin’s worldviews, including their anti-wokeism and centralization of power.
Jared mentions the influence of Hungary’s Viktor Orban and the connection between the American far right and ethno-nationalist movements.
Scott and Jared talk about the role of social media influencers in spreading disinformation and the impact on American politics.
Jared highlights the importance of understanding the geopolitical implications of cybersecurity and disinformation operations.
China’s Role in Global Security
Scott and Jared discuss China’s growing influence in global security and its relationship with Russia.
Jared explains China’s long-term plans for military readiness and its need for oil to fuel its economic growth.
Scott and Jared discuss the potential impact of China’s military capabilities on the global security environment.
Jared mentions the importance of targeted sanctions against repressive leaders and the role of multilateral institutions in shaping global norms.
The Decline of the Global Rules-Based Order
Scott and Jared discuss the decline of the global rules-based order and the impact of Trump’s foreign policy.
Jared explains the retreat of the United States from multilateral institutions and the rise of China as a global influencer.
Scott and Jared discuss the potential consequences of a more authoritarian and self-interested global security environment.
Jared highlights the importance of maintaining international alliances and treaties to ensure global stability.
The Role of the Democratic Party in Indiana
Jared shares his experience running as a Democrat in Indiana and the challenges he faced within the party.
Jared criticizes the Democratic Party for its lack of organization, support, and bold positions.
Scott and Jared discuss the need for reform within the Democratic Party to better engage with the community and support progressive candidates.
Jared emphasizes the importance of taking over local county parties and showing leadership and vision.
The Importance of Local Engagement
Jared encourages listeners to get involved in their local county parties and take over leadership positions.
Jared highlights the need for passionate and engaged individuals to grow the party and make a difference in their communities.
Scott and Jared discuss the importance of community engagement and the role of local party leaders in shaping the political landscape.
Jared shares his frustration with the current state of the Democratic Party in Indiana and the need for change.
That’s all for now. Be sure to tune in Sunday morning for HoosLeft This Week, streaming live on YouTube, Facebook, and of course at the new ProgressiveIndiana.NET. Indiana’s most thorough weekend news and politics talk show, it’s a lot of fun — if you can call following the news in this timeline fun. My panel and I go “around the corn” to cover all the week’s top Indiana news stories and look at US and international happenings through a Hoosier lens. I hope to see you there in the comments, but if you can’t make it live, the program will be available for download later Sunday afternoon.
Thanks once again to Jared for this interview and the depth of knowledge he provides. One last reminder to please consider supporting HoosLeft and the wider Progressive Indiana Network with a paid subscription if you’re able. This independent media project relies solely on the generosity of kind patrons like you to make this information available for free to everybody. Again, that’s at ProgressiveIndiana.Net. We could also really use a follow on social media at progressiveindiananetwork on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at the same handle. Over on Bluesky and TikTok, the handle is @PINIndiana.
You can find me on @HoosLeft.US on Bluesky, Instagram and Threads; @HoosLeft on all the rest. Direct message me at any of those sites with feedback, tips, ideas, and concerns or email me at scott@hoosleft.us. Finally, please forward the show to a friend and have them pass it on, too. Let’s keep building this project - and a truly democratic state — one conversation at a time. Until the next one, this has been the HoosLeft podcast. I’m Scott Aaron Rogers. Love each other, Indiana.
