Our People

Dr John Bruni is an Australian geopolitical analyst, defence commentator, strategic adviser, and founder of SAGE International, an independent strategic analysis and advisory firm established in 2008.

With more than three decades of experience across defence, national security, international affairs, and strategic risk, Dr Bruni is a recognised commentator on the geopolitical forces shaping the modern world. His work focuses on defence preparedness, great-power competition, Middle East security, energy geopolitics, national resilience, emerging technologies, and the future of international order.

Dr Bruni holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, where his research examined Australia’s defence capability acquisition process. Throughout his career, he has worked across academia, government, industry, and the think-tank sector, providing strategic analysis, executive briefings, policy advice, and public commentary on complex security issues.

He is the host of The Focus Podcast, where he regularly interviews leading policymakers, military leaders, diplomats, academics, and strategic thinkers from around the world. Through these conversations, he explores the critical defence, security, economic, and geopolitical challenges confronting governments, businesses, and societies in an increasingly uncertain era.

Dr Bruni has published extensively on defence, security, and strategic affairs, and is a frequent contributor to public debate on issues ranging from AUKUS and Indo-Pacific security to European defence, Gulf security, strategic competition, and national resilience.

As a commentator and speaker, Dr Bruni is known for translating complex strategic developments into clear, accessible insights for policymakers, business leaders, media audiences, and the wider public.

He is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and works with government, industry, academia, and media organisations both in Australia and internationally.

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Patrick served in the Royal Navy for 26 years and saw service in submarines as a Watch Leader and Intelligence Coordinator, both with the RN and RAN, before moving to an analytical appointment in the DIS (UK Defence Intelligence Staff).

Pat served on several key NATO committees as the United Kingdom’s representative. Later appointments included the position of Commandant of the Defence Intelligence and Security School based at Chicksands.

Pat holds the Order of the British Empire, a Master of Arts degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Laws.

David has lectured at The University of Adelaide since 2002 at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

David has convened courses ranging from applied thinking to strategic culture, and has provided applied thinking training to government, defence, and private organisations.

He is a podcaster with his own show, Blind Insights and co-hosted STRATEGIKON with John Bruni.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts and Honours in Politics from the University of Adelaide.

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Neil has worked as a broadcaster for over 25 years, primarily in current affairs.  He has been a volunteer at community radio station, Radio Adelaide all that time.  He spent four years employed by the station as their current affairs coordinator and was instrumental in getting their edition of the national community radio current affairs show, The Wire (formerly Undercurrents) started.

He also spent some time working as a producer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation covering various assignments in Adelaide and regional South Australia.  He is one of the founding members of The Focus.

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