Fault Lines

Today, Jess, Algene, Matt, and Marc examine the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, where a rare strain has already killed an estimated 131 people across roughly 500 suspected cases. The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency, and unlike previous Ebola outbreaks, this Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. The outbreak is unfolding in a volatile region marked by conflict, weak healthcare infrastructure, and extensive cross-border movement, while the CDC has already begun enhanced airport screening amid fears the outbreak could spread further.Why are Ebola outbreaks now viewed not just as humanitarian crises, but as national security events? Can the United States mount the kind of coordinated global response that helped contain prior outbreaks? And what does this crisis reveal about the growing intersection of biosecurity, geopolitics, and global instability?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@wmatthayden@algenesajery@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/grv78ZSIvXE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Amy dig into the political turbulence rattling the United Kingdom and Europe's broader leadership landscape. Rumors over the weekend that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would resign proved unfounded — he has confirmed he is staying — but the episode surrounding his potential departure exposed deep fractures in British politics. Labour suffered significant losses in local elections to the Greens, the Conservatives were hammered by Reform, and a large Unite the Kingdom rally highlighted simmering discontent over immigration, the economy, and the direction of the country.Is Starmer's grip on power strong enough to survive until 2029, or is the denial of resignation simply delaying the inevitable? What do the electoral surges of Reform and the Greens reveal about the fracturing of Britain's traditional political coalitions? How much of Europe's economic stagnation can be traced to structural choices in social spending and labor policy and will leaders finally be forced to reckon with that?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/08Qnhk_Pr54 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, John, Amy, and Matt break down President Trump's travel to China and what it signals about the trajectory of the world's most consequential bilateral relationship. The visit produced visible wins on trade, including Chinese commitments to purchase American oil and an agreement that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open but Chinese state media has been conspicuously silent on the deals Trump has touted publicly. Xi's invocation of the Thucydides Trap, referencing the Peloponnesian War and competing powers in the context of Taiwan, set a striking backdrop for a visit the administration framed primarily around economic cooperation.Was this a diplomatic breakthrough or a carefully managed photo opportunity that Beijing will leverage as it sees fit? How should we interpret the gap between Trump's transactional framing and Xi's pointed messaging about regional stability and power transitions? Are the national security gains from this trip real, or are they downstream consequences of economic agreements that haven't fully materialized yet?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@wmatthayden@amykmitchell@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/r0__U8Iheig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Algene, and Andy discuss the latest developments in the Iran conflict, including reports that Iran has restored access to 30 of its 33 launch sites and growing scrutiny following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Capitol Hill testimony on the roughly $29 billion cost of Operation Epic Fury. Meanwhile, nuclear negotiations continue as reports indicate that UAE has begun launching its own strikes on Iran, signaling a potential realignment of regional actors.Should President Trump restart the bombing campaign or move to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Will the continually increasing financial costs of the conflict impact voter sentiment ahead of the midterms? And does the UAE's direct involvement mark the emergence of a new regional order that leaves Iran increasingly isolated?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jaffer@andykeiser@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/27tk8-CWqF0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Morgan, Matt, and Marc examine what to expect — and what to be skeptical of — as President Trump travels to China this week for a face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping on Thursday. The summit follows their last encounter in the fall, but this time on Chinese soil, with trade and economic tensions dominating the agenda even as flashpoint issues like Taiwan and Iran linger at the margins. Expectations in Washington are deliberately low, and the pattern of Beijing treating agreements as temporary pauses rather than binding commitments remains a live concern.Will Xi use the meeting to press Trump on ending the Iran conflict to protect China's oil supplies, and how does that square with Beijing's simultaneous support for Iran's nuclear program? Will national security issues get serious airtime or be quietly traded away for economic wins? Given China's track record of opacity and broken promises, from trade deals to the Spratly Islands, how should the Trump administration distinguish genuine progress from the appearance of it? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@washingtonflack@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/5Gw6BfCWaDA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, John, and Matt take stock of a Russia that looks increasingly beleaguered on multiple fronts. With Victory Day tomorrow, Putin is reportedly anxious enough to have called Trump requesting a ceasefire — due to Ukrainian threats to Moscow, military vehicles and troops for the parade are expected to be scaled back, and Putin has ordered an internet blackout. Meanwhile, Russian casualties in Ukraine may now exceed one million, recruits are dying faster than they can be replaced, and Moscow's sphere of influence is contracting from Syria to Mali to Venezuela.Is Putin's obsession with the Victory Day spectacle a sign that his grip on power is slipping? How has Ukraine managed to turn the window created by Middle East instability into new weapons deals, Gulf investment, and fresh diplomatic momentum? With coup rumors circulating and opposition figures being targeted, how real is the threat to Putin's hold on the Kremlin? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@johnclipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/EXRhYZmudJk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Algene take stock of a rapidly shifting standoff with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that Operation Epic Fury has concluded, with the U.S. moving to a more defensive posture. At the same time, Operation Freedom—aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and escorting commercial shipping—was launched and then paused within roughly a day, as reports emerged that the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan may be nearing a one-page framework for a broader deal.What do we actually know about the emerging one-page deal framework? Why hasn't Congress forced a War Powers vote after the 60-day deadline—and what does that say about political incentives on both sides? Is there still a window to shape a deal that improves conditions for the Iranian people?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson @algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/8ZG9MMAkr0o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Jess, and Andy examine the growing strategic competition unfolding above the Earth's atmosphere. President Trump's nomination of Douglas Schiess to lead Space Force, combined with the Golden Dome initiative, signals a renewed push to assert American dominance in a domain now crowded with adversaries; China operates at least ten confirmed surveillance satellites and recently launched autonomous space planes, while debris-choked low Earth orbit poses growing risks to the military assets the U.S. depends on daily.Can the U.S. translate its investment in space into genuine strategic dominance, or is Washington further behind than it appears? How serious are the threats posed by China's expanding space capabilities, and what does American vulnerability in orbit mean for national security on the ground? Will the innovation generated by Golden Dome and Space Force spin off the kind of private-sector breakthroughs that reshape the competitive landscape? And does the renewed public interest in UAPs and potential government disclosures carry any real national security implications? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@nottvjessjones@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/z12Uliipk4U Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, John, Matt, and Algene dig into the latest transatlantic flashpoint after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the United States is being humiliated by Iran and the IRGC — prompting Trump to threaten withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany. It's not the first time: Trump issued a similar warning in 2020 over Germany's failure to meet NATO funding targets. The stakes are high given Germany's role as a critical logistics hub for medical evacuations and command operations.Is Merz's sharp rhetoric a response to mounting domestic opposition to the Iran war, after he was one of the few European leaders to voice early support? What would a U.S. troop withdrawal from Germany actually mean for NATO's operational capacity in the region? As Europe bears the lion's share of the war's economic costs, is a new transatlantic consensus on security architecture possible — or is the alliance fracturing in real time? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@wmatthayden@johnclipsey@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/z9xCgjppm8Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and John examine the UAE's decision to leave OPEC, the oil cartel that has shaped global energy markets for decades. The announcement signals mounting strain within OPEC, fueled by Abu Dhabi's frustration with production limits and rising competition with Riyadh, at a time when tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and historic U.S. energy output are shifting the geopolitical foundations of the global oil order.What does the UAE's exit mean for OPEC's long-term viability as a coordinating force in energy markets? Can the UAE actually capitalize on increased production if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed? How has Washington's posture toward Gulf oil producers — and its own energy dominance — influenced this fracture? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mGvns6BJtpw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Amy and Algene examine the alarming incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner, where a 31-year-old teacher fired shots before being tackled by Secret Service agents at the Washington Hilton. The dinner, held annually since 1921 to celebrate the First Amendment and the press, took on heightened stakes this year as President Trump chose to attend for the first time. The incident has since reignited debate over presidential security protocols and prompted the Justice Department to pressure the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its lawsuit against the planned White House ballroom construction.Does this incident reveal meaningful gaps in the protection of American leaders, or did the Secret Service handle the situation as well as could be expected? Should Americans expect — or accept — higher security measures for high-profile events, and what would that cost in terms of civil liberties and normalcy? What does the political response to this incident say about how America chooses to confront gun violence more broadly?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@jamil_n_jaffer@amykmitchell@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/eRg_QgGvbqs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and John examine China's deepening covert support for Iran, even as Beijing publicly positions itself as a neutral actor. Chinese satellite companies have entered business relationships with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and China is providing intelligence, drones, and missiles that directly enable Iranian-backed threats — while the United States has seized a ship delivering Chinese goods to Iran.What does China's satellite and intelligence support for the IRGC reveal about the true nature of Sino-Iranian ties? If China is so dependent on Iranian oil, why would it risk the destabilization a Strait of Hormuz closure would cause? How will Xi's domestic vulnerabilities — military purges, a weakening economy, and ambitions for a fourth term — shape his calculus heading into talks with Trump? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@johnclipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/LQIH5eIE_Cg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Andy, Morgan, and John dig into the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran standoff following Trump's declaration of a ceasefire with no defined end and the collapse of talks that were expected to take place in Pakistan. American strikes have severely degraded Iran's nuclear capabilities and wounded its proxy network, yet a durable resolution remains elusive. Tehran has blocked itself in by refusing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the administration now acknowledges it is negotiating with multiple Iranian factions — including an IRGC that has little appetite for a deal.With so much leverage in hand, why is the President pursuing a negotiated agreement rather than declaring victory and walking away? How does the administration manage divided interlocutors on the Iranian side, especially a Revolutionary Guard that wants to run out the clock? If Tehran calculates that Washington needs a win before the midterms, does urgency become a liability at the bargaining table? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@johnclipsey@andykeiser@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/GAJkwKJ1ybY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and Algene dig into the uncertain end of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire—and whether it functioned as a true ceasefire at all. With the agreement set to expire Wednesday, the past several days have seen a series of developments: the opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. seizure of an Iranian-linked vessel, and growing questions about decision-making inside Tehran. Both sides have taken enforcement actions at sea while accusing the other of violating the terms of the deal.What is actually happening with the ceasefire and the blockade right now Who is making decisions in Tehran right now, and how does that affect the prospects for negotiation? If Iran does not return to talks, what options does Washington have when the ceasefire expires on Wednesday?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZKGVxGaMhYg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Marc examine the tensions between President Trump and newly elected Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff made remarks about the war in Iran that drew a sharp public rebuke from the President and Vice President. The clash highlights a conflict as old as Western civilization itself — secular rulers and the Catholic Church have contested authority and influence since at least the Investiture Controversy of 1075. Two figures with genuinely global reach and fundamentally different sources of legitimacy are now squaring off on the world stage.What does it mean for a sitting president to publicly clash with a religious leader who answers to no electorate? How does the Pope's unique standing — unbeholden to voters or donors — shape the dynamics of this confrontation in ways that differ from any ordinary diplomatic dispute? What negotiating leverage, if any, does Trump actually hold against the Vatican? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/8VFM8CMUSv4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Matthew, and Andy examine the first direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in more than 30 years. The talks come in the aftermath of Israel's military offensive against Hezbollah, which has left more than 2,000 people dead and placed the Iran-backed group under sustained military pressure in southern Lebanon. With Hezbollah functioning as Tehran's powerful proxy on Israel's northern border, the stakes extend far beyond Lebanon itself.What can these talks realistically achieve — a ceasefire, clearer rules along the border, or something else? How much of this negotiation is really about Lebanon, and how much is about containing Iran's influence in the region? Could this moment become the first step toward broader normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/_Vu2TkRtaEo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Andy, and Amy discuss a major political shift in Hungary, where longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was voted out after 16 years in office. His defeat opens the door for Péter Magyar, a former ally turned challenger, to take the reins. While prime minister, Orbán became a defining figure in European politics—closely aligned with Russia's Vladimir Putin, frequently clashing with the European Union, and cultivating a populist leadership style. Magyar's victory signals a potential recalibration in Hungary's posture toward NATO, the EU and the war in Ukraine.What does Orbán's loss say about the durability of right-wing populism in Europe and the influence of U.S. political figures abroad? How much change should we expect from Hungary's new leadership, particularly on relations with Brussels and support for Ukraine? And while this election may mark a win for democratic processes, is it a broader signal for Europe or a uniquely Hungarian political moment?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@AndyKeiser@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/lFBfd0sVe9M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Morgan, Algene, and Marc examine China's accelerating base construction in the South China Sea, with new activity at Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands drawing fresh scrutiny. Beijing has been building artificial islands since launching a major dredging campaign in 2013, insisting the infrastructure is civilian while expanding its military footprint across waterways that carry roughly 30% of global oil trade. International courts have ruled against China's claims, but Beijing has largely ignored those rulings — and few are pressing the point.Is China's construction at Antelope Reef part of a deliberate strategy to deny the U.S. the ability to come to Taiwan's aid? With the U.S. already depleting munitions and military assets at a significant rate, how dangerous is a moment of softening toward Beijing? What investments must the United States make now to restore deterrence before China's position becomes unassailable?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@algenesajery@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/yuiNj-goMoY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Jamie, and Algene break down a dizzying week in U.S.-Iran policy — from the President threatening to "end Iranian civilization" to declaring a two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has signaled new conditions for ships passing through the strait, as both sides trade proposals during the ceasefire. The White House is calling it a historic military operation but critics argue Iran may be gaining leverage over one of the world's most critical chokepoints.What has the United States actually gained from the last six weeks of operations? Is this ceasefire just the start of negotiations — and where could those negotiations realistically lead? And if Iran's military capability has been degraded, is there any opportunity for real change inside the country?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@algenesajery@msjamiejacksonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/_hJjYyOXdw8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jess, Les, Jamil, and John discuss the dramatic recovery of an F-15 airman who was shot down over southwestern Iran, evaded enemy forces, and was ultimately rescued in a complex operation that included a last-minute aircraft failure and on-the-ground improvisation. While the mission marks a rare good news story in the ongoing conflict, it also raises serious questions about Iran's ability to target advanced U.S. aircraft, with both an F-15 and an A-10 reportedly hit in the same day.What does this incident reveal about Iran's air defense capabilities, and who or what might be supporting them? As the financial costs of the conflict mount and the Pentagon eyes a massive defense budget, how sustainable is this level of engagement? And with the possibility of escalation growing, are Americans prepared for the risks that come with a larger and longer war?@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@johnclipsey@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/24VXiSOaWyQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Matthew, and Algene discuss Artemis 2's launch this week, sending four astronauts on a ten-day trip around the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972 — built with allied partners in Canada and Europe, and costing a fraction of what the original moonshots ran.But while Americans are glued to the launch, China and Russia are quietly teaming up on their own lunar ambitions, with Beijing eyeing a base near the Moon's south pole. Can the U.S. and its allies out-innovate and out-invest a coordinated rival space program? As commercial launch costs plummet and private sector involvement grows, what does the future of allied cooperation in space actually look like? What does it take to inspire the next generation of explorers?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/qFl1UTQp3v4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and Morgan unpack how the war with Iran is reshaping global energy markets and giving Russia an unexpected boost. As supplies tighten, the demand for Russian oil has surged and the U.S. has temporarily eased restrictions on certain Russian shipments. At the same time, tensions with NATO and coordination with European partners remain uneven. Is this a temporary stabilization measure or a longer term policy? How does easing restrictions affect the war in Ukraine and Moscow's broader leverage? What other options did the administration have to address the energy crunch?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@morganlroach@lestermunson@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/URtPIjRWvo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Les, and Andy examine Russia's deepening involvement with Iran as Moscow's list of reliable partners shrinks. With Assad ousted from Syria, Maduro sidelined, and Cuba caught in an American vice grip, Russia is losing friends fast. Russia and Iran have exchanged weapons, intelligence, and military technology — including Iranian drones now being built in Russia and provided back to Iran. Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly positioned itself for short-term economic gains in Iran's energy sector, even as the war with Ukraine grinds on.How sustainable is America's strategy of isolating Russia? Can Russia be trusted as an ally to anyone, given its pattern of abandoning partners when it becomes inconvenient? Is Russia's relationship with Iran a genuine strategic alignment or simply a marriage of convenience that will fracture under pressure?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/bLxROWvvkd4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Amy, and Jamie unpack Pakistan's reemergence on the global stage as a potential intermediary in the U.S.–Iran conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken an active role in negotiations, with President Trump appearing open to Islamabad playing a larger diplomatic role. The outreach includes high-level engagement between U.S. officials and Pakistan's military leadership, signaling a possible reset after years in which U.S. ties with India sidelined the relationship. Pakistan has also joined the Board of Peace initiative and is leaning into a dealmaking approach that aligns with the administration's style, even as it maintains strong economic ties with China and a history of balancing between competing powers.Is Pakistan a credible broker in the Iran conflict, or simply playing both sides as it has in the past? What does this renewed engagement mean for U.S. relationships with traditional partners like India? Why is Washington turning to nontraditional partners at this stage of the conflict? And should Congress demand greater clarity on what, exactly, the administration is offering Islamabad in return for its role?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@amykmitchell@msjamiejacksonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/pcyV-osM-5o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Matthew, and Matt unpack the growing uncertainty in Iran as the United States prepares to deploy up to 3,000 additional troops while President Trump advances a 15-point peace plan. At the center of this moment is a fragile leadership picture, with Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly in power but sidelined by injury and inexperience, and figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emerging as potential intermediaries—or future power brokers.Who is actually speaking for the U.S. in these talks, and is there a credible counterpart on the Iranian side? As a coalition forms to secure global energy flows, does this mark a turning point in allied coordination? With rapid advances in defense technology underway, is this conflict reshaping not just the region, but the future of warfare?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/iZvcp5MHLq4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Jess, and Matt examine Iran's latest escalation after Tehran launched two intermediate-range missiles at Diego Garcia, a US-UK joint base on Friday. This morning, President Trump announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, claiming weekend progress in talks with Iran. The announcement comes as Iran demonstrates it can now hold more than just the Middle East hostage, with its longer-range capabilities potentially dragging Europe directly into the conflict. Is Trump's pause a genuine diplomatic opening or a negotiation tactic? With Iran's longer-range capabilities in play and the Strait of Hormuz increasingly unstable, will European capitals finally be compelled to act? What does this mean for U.S. marines deploying to the region?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/3I3w-gcbrlQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Amy examine the Trump administration's rumored $200 billion supplemental appropriations request for operations in Iran — a figure that would exceed every previous wartime funding request. The request comes alongside whispers of a $1.5 trillion defense budget, a staggering 50 percent increase over last year. Both the House and Senate declined to disapprove military action in Iran, even as questions mount about what the funds will actually cover and whether this signals a prolonged conflict ahead.Is this request a bridge to permanently higher defense spending, or a temporary surge tied to specific operational needs? How does a $200 billion ask square with the administration's repeated claims about military readiness and stockpile health? If Congress can't muster the votes for standalone authorization, could they push this through budget reconciliation instead? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/cRhG08wn9eQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Andy, and Algene unpack rising tensions between the Trump administration and NATO, as European allies show little appetite for joining a U.S.-led mission tied to Iran—even as they face rising economic stakes. President Trump's frustration has been clear, underscoring a growing divide despite longstanding alliance ties.Are the U.S. and NATO still aligned, or drifting toward something closer to a “frenemy” relationship? Is Europe reverting to a more cautious posture toward Iran—or just being consistent? And with regional partners backing the U.S., can Washington move forward without NATO—or does sidelining it weaken the strategy?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@AlgeneSajery@AndyKeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mP-FW5XqIp0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Morgan, and Jess examine what the Trump administration's next move on Cuba might look like. Reports suggest Raúl Castro's grandson may be quietly engaging with U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio. Some proposals envision allowing Cuban-Americans to invest in the island, though questions remain about whether meaningful economic engagement is possible without major political change.What does the administration hope to achieve in Cuba, and would regime change bring lasting reform? Would Cuban-Americans be willing to invest in the island without clear property rights and the rule of law? Are the Cuban leadership's reported outreach efforts genuine—or simply another stalling tactic? And as unrest grows inside the country, what might finally become the tipping point for real change on the island?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/qdXmBD6CKO0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Les break down a clash between the Pentagon and Anthropic, a leading AI company. The dispute arose after Anthropic said it does not want its technology used for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons systems, while the Department of Defense insists its tools must remain available for any lawful purpose. When the two sides couldn't agree, the Pentagon ordered Anthropic's Claude AI removed from Defense Department networks and Anthropic sued.Who ultimately sets the terms when private technology meets national security? Could this sweeping ban disrupt defense contracts and supply chains that increasingly rely on AI? And at a time of escalation in the Middle East, does sidelining a major AI provider strengthen U.S. security — or risk slowing innovation when it matters most?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xMBSoKtRW1I Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, and Jess preview the upcoming Trump–Xi summit scheduled for March 31 in Beijing. Despite the significance of a meeting between the leaders of the world's two largest powers, preparations appear unusually thin. Major head-of-state visits typically involve months of diplomatic groundwork, detailed agendas, and large business delegations, but reports suggest that planning for this summit remains unclear, with few policy objectives publicly identified. What should the United States be aiming to achieve from this meeting? Is the administration missing an opportunity to shape the U.S.–China relationship at a critical moment, or is a quieter, less theatrical summit the strategy? And with China seeking stability and the U.S. balancing global crises from the Middle East to Europe, could this meeting quietly reset expectations between Washington and Beijing?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/cVYcWn6nCoM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, and Andy take stock of the war with Iran as the conflict enters its second week. Tehran has continued missile and drone attacks across the region, including strikes toward Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, even as Iran's president publicly apologized for some of the attacks. Meanwhile, Israel struck major fuel infrastructure inside Iran, and reports indicate the regime has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, as the country's new Supreme Leader, raising questions about a potentially more hardline and hereditary turn in Iran's leadership.What does the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei mean for the future of the Iranian regime and its relationship with the United States? Is this a moment Washington could use to pressure the regime as its command-and-control structure shows signs of strain? And with conflicting statements emerging from Iran's political and military leadership, are we witnessing the fog of war or deeper fractures within the regime itself?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out these sources that helped shape our Fellows' discussion: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/irans-foreign-minister-rejects-calls-ceasefire-continue-fighting-rcna262291https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/07/offer-from-irans-president-to-not-attack-neighbours-provokes-internal-backlashhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/world/middleeast/israel-iran-oil-strikes.html?unlocked_article_code=1.RlA.7y5K.rylKW2rO5YJs&smid=nytcore-ios-share @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@andykeiser@WashingtonFlackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZKEBLbNgWdg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Morgan, Joshua, and Algene revisit the war with Iran as the conflict enters its seventh day. Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles across the region, including strikes toward Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cyprus, and several Sunni Arab states, in what appears to be an effort to widen the conflict. Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia is providing targeting intelligence to Iran, while Ukraine has offered assistance to the U.S. and Israel based on its battlefield experience countering drones and missiles.Where does the conflict go from here? Will Iran's efforts to broaden the war draw in new actors or continue to push regional states closer to Washington? What role might partners like Ukraine or private defense companies play as the demand for missile and drone defense grows? And as Congress narrowly votes down resolutions opposing the war under the War Powers Resolution, does that effectively amount to legislative approval of the President's actions?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@joshuachuminski @AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/-zyJzSLc78Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Andy, Jess, and Marc provide an update on the escalating conflict with Iran following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. The joint U.S.–Israeli campaign is still underway, with strikes targeting Iranian missile and naval capabilities while Tehran and its proxies retaliate against U.S. interests in the region. What began as a decapitation strike has quickly expanded into a broader military effort, raising questions about how far the United States intends to go.Is this still a limited operation, or the start of a longer regional conflict? How long can the United States realistically sustain a campaign of this scale? And as Congress debates war powers and funding while global shipping, energy markets, and U.S. force posture come under pressure, what are the wider consequences of this campaign?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@andykeiser@nottvjessjones@WashingtonFlackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/FZlIW8T9R6g Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, and Morgan discuss Operation Epic Fury and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes across Iran. The operation marks a historic moment in a decades-long confrontation that has shaped every American presidency since 1979. The immediate questions now center on what comes next, for Iran, the region, and the broader international system.Will this decapitation strike trigger the collapse of the regime, or does Iran's deeply entrenched security apparatus remain intact? Should the United States actively support fragmented opposition groups, and if so, how? And as Iran's partners in Moscow and Beijing weigh their response, what are the risks of escalation, including potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/YOkOGb9ZPyk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Andy unpack a deadly and still-unfolding incident off the coast of Cuba, where Cuban authorities opened fire on a Florida-registered speedboat, killing one U.S. resident. Havana claims the vessel carried weapons and gear that could have been used for a terrorist attack and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the episode as an “unusual incident.” What exactly do we know about the incident? Is this an isolated maritime confrontation or the kind of flashpoint that could provoke a major U.S. response? How does the U.S. military's build up in the Middle East impact how Washington may respond to this episode?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/sr8CJ5O7adg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and Algene break down President Trump's State of the Union address, the longest in history and filled with familiar themes, economic boasts, and political theater. The President claimed a historic economic turnaround and emphasized tariffs, national strength, and a tough posture against Iran. But while the speech delivered pomp and pageantry, it offered little in the way of a clear forward-looking strategy at a consequential political moment.How will allies and adversaries interpret the address, particularly amid ongoing tensions with Iran and economic friction with Europe? Did the emphasis on tariffs and economic nationalism reinforce stability or raise new questions about U.S. reliability? And in a year when voters consistently cite affordability as their top concern, did the President meaningfully address the challenges facing everyday Americans or miss an opportunity to shape the political landscape heading into November? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@WMattHayden@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/GTW9ff7Jcec Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan unpack the geopolitical undercurrents of the Winter Olympics. The spotlight has fallen on athletes like Alysa Liu, competing for the United States, and Eileen Gu, who chose to represent China after reportedly receiving a lucrative offer from Beijing. Meanwhile, the U.S. men's hockey team's victory over favored Canada, America's medal race with Norway, and even off-ice political theatrics have fueled debate about nationalism, identity, and how leaders frame athletic dominance.Do medal counts and hockey championships shape national narratives in ways that affect how countries see themselves and each other? Do the Winter Olympics play into Trump's view of the world? In an era where global competition extends from military power to medal counts, how much geopolitical weight should we really assign to the Games?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Vp69UEMjtMk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, Matt, and Jamil examine the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, hosted in Washington yesterday. The Board was created to focus on the reconstruction of Gaza and the coordination of post-conflict stabilization efforts. The first meeting brought together officials from dozens of countries, alongside political and business leaders, and included a sweeping promise of $10 billion in U.S. funding.How does the Board of Peace impact regional stability and post-conflict governance in the Middle East? What does its existence signal for the future role of international organizations like the United Nations? What does the Board's current membership say about the priorities and vision behind the initiative?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@NotTVJessJones@morganlroach@WMattHayden@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/aHxHGEmEdeA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Andy, and Algene discuss the deployment of 100 U.S. troops to Nigeria, with another 100 on the way. The forces are tasked with training, intelligence sharing, and logistical support for Nigerian troops battling extremist violence in the north, but will not participate in combat operations. The move follows President Trump's sharp criticism of the Nigerian government, including claims that it has failed to protect Christians from what he has called a “genocide.”What is really driving instability in Nigeria and is Washington framing the conflict correctly? Will a limited U.S. security presence help address the root causes of violence, or risk reinforcing a misleading narrative? And as reports surface of Nigerians being recruited under false pretenses and sent to fight in Ukraine, what does that tell us about the pressures facing Nigeria's youth and the consequences of prolonged instability?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@andykeiser@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/VrjT2IM1Yts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Morgan, and Jess break down Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he closed to a standing ovation. The remarks come at a delicate moment, with European leaders still unsettled by disputes over Greenland and tariffs. Rubio's tone contrasted sharply with Vice President Vance's harsher message at last year's conference, suggesting a stylistic shift even if the administration's broader approach remains the same. Was Rubio extending a true olive branch, or delivering the same message in a more diplomatic wrapper? As transatlantic ties evolve, how will Europe navigate expectations about responsibility and defense? If Washington and its partners fail to get back on the same page, can they hope to compete effectively with China?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@morganlroach@NotTVJessJonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/KuPBfpbKQaM?si=lp48EgPXzb0GoS_d Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, Les, and Matt examine whether real change could finally be coming to Cuba. The United States has declared a national emergency with respect to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries supplying the island with oil. This follows Washington's move to cut off Venezuelan oil, leaving the island increasingly isolated as its economy buckles under decades of mismanagement. At the same time, Russia and China continue to use Cuba as a platform for intelligence and influence just miles from American shores.Does this moment present a genuine strategic opportunity to reshape the balance of power in the Caribbean? What are national security risks posed by Russian and Chinese activity on and around the island? What would meaningful change in Cuba actually look like?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Andrew, and Amy unpack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he is set to meet with President Trump to discuss the ongoing U.S. negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu intends to ensure Israeli security interests are addressed and to share intelligence as Washington continues talks with Tehran. While the Trump administration pursues diplomacy, it has also deployed U.S. carriers to the region, signaling that negotiations are backed by force. The administration has made clear its core demands are full denuclearization and an end to the regime's violent repression of protesters. But with Iran weakened, boxed in, and facing deep internal unrest, would its regime rather endure U.S. pressure than accept terms that could threaten their grip on power? As both leaders weigh the risks of escalation today, can they shape an outcome that prevents a nuclear Iran without triggering a broader regional conflict?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@amykmitchell@AndrewBoreneLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/-6IvHW_uTVY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, and Jess break down Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's sweeping victory in a snap election, a historic result that gives the Liberal Democratic Party a two-thirds majority in the lower house for the first time since World War II. The outcome dramatically strengthens Takaichi's political mandate and opens the door to significant shifts in Japan's national security policy. With a strong working relationship with Washington, the moment may be ripe for deeper U.S.–Japan coordination and a stronger coalition to counter China's growing military power, including its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal.While Takaichi now has the authority to act on national security issues, economic concerns are what drove voters to the polls. Can she deliver economic results while advancing a more assertive defense agenda? And as China pushes regional red lines, how will Japan balance domestic pressures with the strategic realities ahead?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/BAf34HsixlI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Jess, Les, Morgan, and Matt unpack the expiration of New START, the 2010 arms control treaty long described as the last remaining guardrail on U.S. and Russian nuclear forces. Washington and Moscow together hold roughly 85% of the world's nuclear weapons but Russia has proven an inconsistent arms control partner, raising questions of what, if anything, comes next. Is negotiating a new agreement worthwhile if Russia and China show little interest in being constrained? What would a credible next framework need to include? And absent a formal treaty, what informal mechanism can realistically prevent a new arms race?@morganlroach@lestermunson@NotTVJessJones@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/SzqhtbLQ1EQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Les, and Andy survey a busy week in the Western Hemisphere, as the Trump administration sharpens its focus closer to home. President Gustavo Petro's visit to the White House signaled a thaw in U.S.–Colombia relations, with renewed counternarcotics cooperation and discussions around exporting Venezuelan natural gas to Colombia. Meanwhile, Panama's Supreme Court annulled a contract allowing a Hong Kong–based company to operate ports at the Panama Canal, prompting sharp warnings from Beijing and aligning closely with Washington's push to limit China's influence in the region.Are these signs that the U.S. is finally reasserting itself in the Western Hemisphere? Is the message landing with China and Russia as Washington draws firmer lines around the Panama Canal, Venezuela, and regional security? And after years of U.S. neglect that allowed Beijing to become a top trading partner for many Latin American countries, can renewed attention actually push adversaries out and deliver lasting influence?Check out these sources that shaped our Fellows' discussion: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-calls-panama-court-ruling-ck-hutchison-port-contracts-shameful-pathetic-2026-02-03/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-meet-colombian-president-gustavo-petro-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-rcna257101 @morganlroach@jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/m8I6GmEM9pI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Morgan, and Matt turn to Sudan, where a brutal civil war has entered its third year and now stands as one of the world's worst humanitarian catastrophes. As fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues to displace millions and drive staggering civilian casualties, regional powers are deepening their involvement. With Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, and others backing opposing sides, the conflict is increasingly shaped by proxy warfare and emerging military technologies.What does this escalating proxy fight mean for U.S. interests? As Washington pulls back traditional aid tools and shifts its foreign policy posture toward trade and economic leverage, does the U.S. still have influence in a conflict this severe? How should policymakers think about Sudan's strategic geography, especially as China and Russia look for openings to expand their footprint? And in a war where outside actors fuel the violence but Sudanese leaders bear responsibility, what role, if any, should the United States play?Check out these sources that shaped our Fellows' discussion: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/general/sudan-humanitarian-situation-is-worst-crisis-of-2025/ar-AA1SIQ00?ocid=BingNewsVerphttps://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sudans-war-torn-capital-sees-commercial-flight-land-129749973 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/world/africa/egypt-sudan-drones.html @morganlroach@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/V-2AvosoABM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fault Lines Episode 551: Between Rhetoric and Reality: What's Going on in IranToday, Morgan, Jamil, Matt, and Jess take a closer look at Iran, where widespread unrest continues largely out of view. Reports suggest protests have erupted in hundreds of cities, with tens of thousands killed or detained as the regime has tightened control, shut down the internet, and doubled down on its support for the Ayatollah. As Europe moves to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization and U.S. naval forces operate nearby, President Trump has issued stark warnings, calling on Tehran to end its nuclear ambitions and stop killing protesters, while hinting at behind-the-scenes contact with Iranian interlocutors.What happens now? Is this another wave of protests destined to be crushed without meaningful international support, or is there a real window for outside pressure to make a difference? What does Trump mean when he says “help is coming,” and does credibility suffer if that help never materializes? Is the United States prepared to act, or content to wait and see yet again?@morganlroach@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/YgxnXBFULCc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Morgan, Andrew, and Amy break down the National Defense Strategy released last Friday, the Pentagon's core blueprint for deterring adversaries and preventing conflict. Issued just weeks after the White House rolled out its National Security Strategy, the NDS reinforces familiar themes: deterring China through strength rather than conflict, pushing allies and partners to shoulder more regional security burdens, prioritizing the Western Hemisphere, and revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base. Does the strategy signal a meaningful pivot toward de-escalation with China? Can U.S. allies and partners realistically fulfill the burden-sharing roles the strategy assigns them? And as sovereignty, trade, and security increasingly collide, does this strategy provide a clear framework for managing overlapping global threats—or allow for too much ambiguity at a critical moment?@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach@AndrewBorene@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/Z1HdVjwfpvM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, and Matt discuss the removal of General Zhang Youxia, one of the most senior figures in China's military. Zheng's ouster, amid allegations of corruption and possible espionage, marks the latest in a sweeping series of purges that many say have hollowed out China's top military leadership, leaving Xi and just one other general at the apex of the Central Military Commission. As Xi appears to position himself for an unprecedented fourth term in 2027, the shakeup raises new questions about stability inside the Chinese Communist Party and the People's Liberation Army.Is Xi consolidating power or has paranoia begun to consume his own system? Do these purges weaken China's ability to act militarily, particularly toward Taiwan, or do they increase the risk of miscalculation? And as Beijing continues aggressive exercises, cyber operations, and coordination with Russia, how should the United States interpret this moment? @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/k9_kzrJSN3s Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Matthew, and Jess discuss the latest diplomatic push around Ukraine, following a flurry of high-level meetings at Davos and beyond. President Trump and President Zelensky met for more than an hour as the World Economic Forum wrapped up, while Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin. For the first time since the war began, American, Ukrainian, and Russian officials are now slated to meet face-to-face in Abu Dhabi to discuss military and security issues, raising questions about whether momentum toward a negotiated settlement is finally building.But are we actually any closer to peace? What would it take for Putin to seriously engage, given his repeated rejection of past proposals and the political risks he faces at home? Is Trump's increasingly tough rhetoric a signal of leverage, hinting at greater military support for Ukraine if diplomacy fails, or a strategy to give Putin a face-saving off-ramp? @morganlroach@lestermunson@WMattHayden@NotTVJessJonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/HA-taYy4ero Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.