Podcasts about National Security Strategy

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.

Jean-Michel Valantin, docteur en sociologie de la défense et chercheur sur la stratégie américaine, il est également l'auteur de Hyper guerre. Enfin il collabore avec le think tank The Red Team Analysis Society. Spécialiste des mutations géopolitiques et de l'impact des ressources énergétiques sur les relations internationales, il décrypte ici les fractures profondes du monde contemporain.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons de guerre, bien sûr – mais pas seulement de celle que l'on voit. J'ai questionné Jean-Michel Valantin sur les tensions invisibles qui redessinent la carte du pouvoir mondial : influence chinoise en Amérique latine, remilitarisation de l'Europe, rôle stratégique du Groenland, retour des zones d'influence, montée en puissance des technologies comme l'IA ou le lithium, effondrement du droit international, brutalité de la doctrine Trump...Trump n'est pas si fou. en réalité vou sallez l'entendre.Ensemble, nous décortiquons un basculement historique majeur : celui d'un monde qui ne croit plus à la paix, ni à la coopération, mais à la force. Un monde qui revient aux logiques de confrontation, de territoire, de contrôle des matières premières. Un monde que l'Europe, trop longtemps désarmée intellectuellement et militairement, peine à comprendre – et donc à affronter.Citations marquantes« Le droit sans la force n'est qu'impuissance. »« On a cru à la fable de Fukuyama sur la fin de l'Histoire. »« Le président Trump ne joue pas, il applique une stratégie parfaitement cohérente. »« Le Venezuela, c'est le retour d'un monde où les États s'arrogent des zones d'influence. »« L'Arctique est devenu une zone stratégique, avec tous les appétits qu'elle suscite. »Idées centrales discutées 1. La guerre est de retour – mais sous de nouvelles formesTimestamp ~00:01:10Ce n'est plus seulement des conflits armés : c'est la militarisation de l'économie, des réseaux sociaux, de l'information.

Jean-Michel Valantin, docteur en sociologie de la défense et chercheur sur la stratégie américaine, il est également l'auteur de Hyper guerre. Enfin il collabore avec le think tank The Red Team Analysis Society. Spécialiste des mutations géopolitiques et de l'impact des ressources énergétiques sur les relations internationales, il décrypte ici les fractures profondes du monde contemporain.Dans cet épisode, nous parlons de guerre, bien sûr – mais pas seulement de celle que l'on voit. J'ai questionné Jean-Michel Valantin sur les tensions invisibles qui redessinent la carte du pouvoir mondial : influence chinoise en Amérique latine, remilitarisation de l'Europe, rôle stratégique du Groenland, retour des zones d'influence, montée en puissance des technologies comme l'IA ou le lithium, effondrement du droit international, brutalité de la doctrine Trump...Trump n'est pas si fou. en réalité vou sallez l'entendre.Ensemble, nous décortiquons un basculement historique majeur : celui d'un monde qui ne croit plus à la paix, ni à la coopération, mais à la force. Un monde qui revient aux logiques de confrontation, de territoire, de contrôle des matières premières. Un monde que l'Europe, trop longtemps désarmée intellectuellement et militairement, peine à comprendre – et donc à affronter.Citations marquantes« Le droit sans la force n'est qu'impuissance. »« On a cru à la fable de Fukuyama sur la fin de l'Histoire. »« Le président Trump ne joue pas, il applique une stratégie parfaitement cohérente. »« Le Venezuela, c'est le retour d'un monde où les États s'arrogent des zones d'influence. »« L'Arctique est devenu une zone stratégique, avec tous les appétits qu'elle suscite. »Idées centrales discutées 1. La guerre est de retour – mais sous de nouvelles formesTimestamp ~00:01:10Ce n'est plus seulement des conflits armés : c'est la militarisation de l'économie, des réseaux sociaux, de l'information.

Subscribe now for 24/7 access to the entire catalog of 500+ episodes, ad-free listening, and bonus content. The Trump administration's National Security Strategy calls for "flexible realism" in foreign policy, a supposed departure from the military adventurism that led to disasters in the Greater Middle East. Realism prioritizes national interests rather than ideology or high principles, such as democracy and human rights. Is Donald Trump a realist? What are the historical origins of realism? What are its opposites? In this episode, scholars Linda Kinstler and Stephen Wertheim break it down. Linda Kinstler is a contributing writer for New York Times Magazine and a junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows. Stephen Wertheim is a senior fellow in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  Recommended reading: The Theory That Gives Trump a Blank Check For Aggression by Linda Kinstler (New York Times)

The Iranian regime is cracking—importing foreign fighters because their own IRGC won't pull the trigger on protesters. Two carrier groups are en route. Jim Talent unpacks what's building in the Gulf, celebrates Speaker Johnson's extraordinary UK address, and contrasts it with the constitutional illiteracy coming from Democratic governors and AGs.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - Trump Year One anniversary & White House presser (03:09) - Talent on Trump's National Security Strategy (09:01) - Iran: regime vulnerability, IRGC defections & Iraqi militia (12:45) - Will Trump strike Iran? Carriers, interceptors & red lines (20:45) - Netanyahu & Israel as Middle East hegemon (26:10) - Greenland: rare earth minerals & the Golden Dome (33:43) - Art of the Deal tactics & Trump's bravado (39:25) - Part II (40:00) - Johnson's Westminster speech: Reagan-style diplomacy (52:24) - JD Vance's Minneapolis speech—can he deliver? (57:34) - Mickey Sherrill, Keith Ellison & church raids

With tariffs aimed at Europe over Greenland, Nato teetering on the brink and Donald Trump flexing military muscle like never before, this is geopolitics as a personal power play.Venetia and Roland are joined by the Alliance's former Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Philip Breedlove who lays bare the strategic and moral fallout of Mr Trump's actions and why he would refuse the order to invade Greenland if it came. The retired four star US Air Force general also reflects on the impact of America's new National Security Strategy and the state of the Pentagon's fleet of fighter jets. Plus, US correspondent Connor Stringer on what it's been like having a front row seat to the president's second-term storm, sharing what it is really like to cover an administration that is rewriting the international security architecture.Read David Blair on why this is a gift to Putin: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/19/trump-handed-putin-prize-soviet-union-40-years/Read Tom Sharpe on why the US doesn't need Greenland militarily: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/18/us-never-needed-greenland-for-military-reasons/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has pursued an aggressive foreign policy that has shattered the norms and conventions that have guided almost all of his Republican and Democratic predecessors. Although the administration has framed this as an “America first” agenda that will strengthen the nation's standing around the world and bring prosperity at home, the U.S. national interest now appears tethered to the president's personal vanities, prejudices, and his political and financial interests. Is the recently articulated National Security Strategy a reliable guide as to how the administration will act going forward? Does the recent use of military power in Venezuela represent a one-off headline or does it foreshadow more aggressive action under the “Donroe Doctrine”? And is this the sunsetting of once traditional U.S. values and the rise of foreign policy driven by displaying American power and might?Join Aaron David Miller as he engages the Council on Foreign Relations' Rebecca Lissner and the Stimson Center's Emma Ashford on these and other issues, on the next Carnegie Connects.

Matthew Kroenig, Vice President and Senior Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss how President Trump has approached foreign policy since returning to the Oval Office last January.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Matthew Kroenig, “To Get to Peace in Ukraine, Trump Should Play the Nuclear Card,” Foreign Policy   Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Has a Strategy for Venezuela,” Foreign Policy   Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Should Oust Maduro,” Foreign Policy   Matthew Kroenig, “Trump Was Right to Oust Maduro,” New York Times   Matthew Kroenig, “Two Cheers for the National Security Strategy,” Foreign Policy   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President's Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/trump-foreign-policy-at-one-year-with-matthew-kroenig   Opinions expressed on The President's Inbox are solely those of the host or our guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu analyzes China's repositioning toward Iran and Venezuela, and how recent geopolitical developments in each country shift China's strategic economic and political interests. Next, Miles examines the US response to China's shifting global strategy under the new National Security Strategy, and details potential future actions to deter Chinese interests around the world. Finally, Miles reviews the Monroe Doctrine and how some analysts might misread key elements in their applied arguments regarding contemporary international affairs and US foreign policy.China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future. 

A new security strategy for the United States delivers a strong message for investors. Confluence Chief Market Strategist Patrick Fearon-Hernandez joins Phil Adler to fill investors in.

 The post-World War II world has seen America defending and trying to export democracy and free markets through its military might and the development of international organizations having the same purpose.  Under the Trump Administration II, and its recently released National Security Strategy the new approach can best be described as an ‘America First’ national security regime.  It is in their words more ‘realistic’ given our fiscal challenges and offshore balance security concerns are to be left to allies closer to where the hotspots are.  It shows growing concern for American business interests around the world, regardless of the political dynamics of the potential customer, and less about promoting more liberal, democratic governments.  There are mixed signals toward our greatest competitor, China, though it clearly disavows the notion of past Administrations that trade and engagement with this country can lead to democratic reforms there.  Some call this policy document a gift to the Russians.  It remains to be seen.  In many cases this document, updated by every Administration is put forward in theory but not in practice. However, we have just seen in the Venezuelan Maduro capture the re-emphasis of dominance in the Western Hemisphere.  To discuss this changing international focus with us is Todd Sheets, author of the Substack newsletter ‘On Wealth and Progress’ and author of the book, “2008: What Really Happened.”

A close reading of the facts indicates that Putin and Trump worked out a global carve-up in which Russia gets Ukraine and the US gets Venezuela. This was implicitly acknowledged in the "Trump Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine enshrined in the National Security Strategy released by the White House weeks before the illegal Venezuela attack was launched. In this light, Russian protests of the US aggression at the UN Security Council seem strictly pro forma. Both dissident left voices in Venezuela and democratic socialists in Ukraine have made the point that to betray one country is to betray the other. In Episode 312 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg demonstrates how the global divide-and-rule racket that is campism has never made less sense. Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/countervortex Production by Chris Rywalt We ask listeners to donate just $1 per weekly podcast via Patreon -- or $2 for our new special offer! We now have 61 subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 62!

How long will the United States claim control over Venezuela? “Only time will tell,” President Donald Trump told the New York Times on Wednesday — potentially years. U.S. troops invaded the country over the weekend, kidnapping President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in New York on Monday. They now sit in a Brooklyn jail, awaiting trial. Trump and administration officials have justified ousting Maduro by claiming it was consistent with the Monroe Doctrine — a doctrine that through the years “has been expanded into something like a universal police warrant that allows the United States to intervene,” says historian Greg Grandin. “Trump has redefined the Monroe Doctrine to mean, the Monroe is as a weapon that the United States can use in order to protect its interests wherever it wants, whenever it wants. So it's a substitute for liberal international law.” This week on the Intercept Briefing, host Jessica Washington discusses the Trump administration's attack on Venezuela, its larger aims of controlling the Western Hemisphere, and bringing Latin America to heel with Grandin, the author of numerous books, including most recently "America, América: A New History of the New World."“There's an affiliation between the Monroe Doctrine and American First nationalism,” says Grandin. “They imagine United States sovereignty expanding well beyond its borders within its hemisphere.” The administration's vision is outlined in the National Security Strategy the White House released in December. “This is a strategy that announces that the Monroe Doctrine is back in the especially bellicose form. But what's also interesting, if you read further, the United States is not withdrawing from any of those old regions. … It's reserving the right to treat the rest of the world like it treats Latin America.” Trump and administration officials — from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime advocate for Venezuelan and Cuban regime change, to White House chief of staff Stephen Miller — have threatened to expand military operations to Colombia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries that don't fall in line. Maureen Tkacik, investigations editor at The American Prospect, who recently wrote a profile of Rubio headlined “The Narco-Terrorist Elite,” also joins the conversation to discuss the former Florida senator's history and ambitions.Tkacik points out that Rubio, a driving force behind Maduro's ouster, represents a wing of the Republican Party fixated on battling nominally left leaders in the region. That mentality is at odds with a key faction of Trump's base, who say they're against foreign intervention because they think the government should keep its attention on U.S. soil.Trump's attack on Venezuela and fixation on so-called “narco-terrorists,” Tkacik says, “represent an attempt to reconcile these two poles — the Steve Bannon guys and the Marco Rubio neocons — that really have different definitions of America First.”Listen to the full conversation of The Intercept Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. If you want to support our work, you can go to theintercept.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 456 is the eleventh installment in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with the editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly, Brian Winter. He's an expert on Latin America, having lived and worked in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, and possesses a deep understanding of the region's politics, economics, and security dynamics. The three of them begin their conversation discussing the Trump administration's almost cinematic removal of Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela. They speculate about who is currently in charge of the country, the implications of Maduro's exit for Venezuela's economy and the region's geopolitics, the rising tide of right-wing political movements across Latin America, and how this operation fits into the Trump administration's broader initiatives as they have been conveyed in the new National Security Strategy. They also explore the rising tide of right-wing political movements across Latin America, the role of organized crime in driving political change, how demographic shifts and artificial intelligence might reshape the region's future, and the unique role that Trump's National security adviser and secretary of state Marco Rubio has played in shaping US foreign policy in Latin America and whether Cuba and its communist government is next on the administration's list of seemingly every-expanding targets. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/07/2025

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comClaire is an American novelist, essayist, and journalist living in Paris. She's the editor-in-chief of The Cosmopolitan Globalist — subscribe! — and the author of many books, including There Is No Alternative: Why Margaret Thatcher Matters, and the novel Loose Lips.An auto-transcript is available above (just click “Transcript” while logged into Substack). For two clips of our convo — on the US returning to the Monroe Doctrine via Venezuela, and if Rubio is gunning for Cuba next — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: Claire's grandpa fleeing Nazi Germany and joining the French Foreign Legion; the new movie Nuremberg; her mom a world-class cellist; Claire raised in California; seeing me debate at Oxford; my 1988 hatchet job on Ben Sherwood; our mutual love of Thatcher and how she wielded femininity; getting the Iraq War wrong; Trump increasingly looking senile; Stephen Miller's fascism; Michael Anton and the new National Security Strategy; debating the war in Ukraine; Russia's threats to Europe; NATO and defense spending; the growing isolationism of Americans; conspiracy theories; AI slop; Trump's threats over Greenland; resource extraction; the Taiwan question; nuclear proliferation and A House of Dynamite; the irrelevant Congress; the poison of the identitarian left; Tom Holland's Dominion; Keir Starmer less popular than Prince Andrew; migrants in France; the last gasps of Macron; AfD and Reform; the tariff war; and the new McCarthyism.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Charlie Sykes on the GOP ditching conservatism, Jason Willick on trade, Vivek Ramaswamy on the right's future, and Michael Pollan on consciousness. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

With the new U.S. National Security Strategy published by the White House only a month ago, we're already seeing what America's vision for prioritizing securing the Western Hemisphere looks like. Following America's seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, the world is now questioning just how far the current administration might go to secure that Western Hemisphere. What are its intentions with Cuba, and how far is it willing to push NATO allies in the issue of Greenland? GPF Chairman George Friedman joins Talking Geopolitics host Christian Smith for our first podcast of the new year, as we dive into what is going on in the Western Hemisphere. You'll also get a sneak peek into our predictions for China, as part of our upcoming 2026 Forecast. Visit http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com for world-class geopolitical analysis and discussion.

This special episode analyzes the United States' intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, and explores its broader implications for Canada and the Canadian oil sector. Peter and Jackie open with a discussion of the geopolitical backdrop and the range of narratives circulating about the U.S. motivations for seizing and arresting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, including efforts to curb drug trafficking and illegal migration, and to counter the growing influence of China, Russia, and terrorist groups in the country. They also reference the U.S. National Security Strategy released in November 2025, which calls for a Western Hemisphere free from hostile foreign control and signals renewed enforcement of a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine is a foundational principle of U.S. foreign policy, first announced in 1823, that set out the United States' view of the Western Hemisphere.  General principles at the time held that European powers should no longer interfere in the Americas and that the Western Hemisphere was now the U.S. sphere of influence. Peter and Jackie then turn to the oil market implications for Canadian oil. If sanctions on Venezuela were eased, increased Venezuelan heavy oil exports to the U.S. could intensify competition for Canadian oil on the U.S. Gulf Coast, which accounts for about 10% of Canada's crude oil exports. The exports to Canada's largest market, the U.S. Midwest, which makes up 70% of all exports, are more insulated. The discussion concludes with an assessment of potential Venezuelan production scenarios, including the possibility of declining output, a pattern that has frequently followed similar government changes in the past. They conclude that, in any scenario, a clear takeaway for Canada is that building additional West Coast pipelines is critical. Diversifying export markets, strengthening economic resilience, and improving national sovereignty and autonomy are imperatives for Canada.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/ Check us out on social media: X (Twitter): @arcenergyinstLinkedIn: @ARC Energy Research Institute Subscribe to ARC Energy Ideas PodcastApple PodcastsAmazon MusicSpotify 

Lieutenant General (ret.) Dave Deptula, Dean of the Mitchell Institute, joins us with the latest on Venezuela, airpower in the National Security Strategy, and a season of change in the U.S. Air Force. And Bank of America's Dr. Rocket Ron Epstein on the new executive orders limiting defense corporate buybacks and dividends. Plus this week's headlines in airpower. All powered by GE!

Following the U.S. attack on Venezuela, President Donald Trump referenced the Monroe Doctrine – a centuries-old ideology that posits American control and dominance in the Western hemisphere. That idea was also cited in the Trump administration's new National Security Strategy outlining U.S. foreign policy. After campaigning on non-intervention, is this now Trump's blueprint for dealing with the rest of the world?Vincent Rigby, a professor at McGill University's Max Bell School for Public Policy and former national security adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joins The Decibel to parse through the details of Trump's national security strategy, what it tells us about the U.S. government's next moves – and the potential threat to Canada.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Although geographically distant from Chinese shores, Latin America and the Caribbean occupy an important place in Chinese foreign policy. In the past decade, China has significantly expanded its influence in the region. The main vector of Chinese involvement has been economic, including securing access to commodities such as soybeans, copper, oil, and lithium, creating markets for Chinese companies, and deepening financial ties through trade, lending, and infrastructure investment.  On December 10, China released a new white paper on its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, the third such document following earlier editions in 2008 and 2016. The White Paper characterizes the region as “an essential force in the process toward a multipolar world and economic globalization.” Its release came on the heels of the Trump Administration's release of its National Security Strategy, which places unprecedented emphasis on the Western Hemisphere and asserts that the US seeks a region “free of hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets,” highlighting the growing strategic salience of Latin America and the Caribbean in US-China competition.  To discuss the new White Paper and the implications of China's policies in the LAC for the United States and US-China relations, we are joined by Dr. Evan Ellis. Dr. Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. He previously served on the Secretary of State's policy planning staff with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as international narcotics and law enforcement issues.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:07] US and China on a Collision Course? [04:50] Chinese Priorities in Latin America [08:33] U.S. Security Risks from Chinese Port Investments[11:45] How China Uses CELAC to Advance Its Agenda[14:27] How Latin Americans View China's Growing Presence[17:22] Honduras and the Republic of China[21:22] How Beijing Might Address U.S. Concerns [25:09] China's Reaction to US and Venezuela  

America's National Security Strategy, released a month ago, suggested the administration's focus was on dominance of the western hemisphere. But no one expected its first move would be a special-forces raid to depose President Nicolás Maduro. What is next comes with grave risks. And the video-games business wants to escape its rut by finding whole new markets—geographically and demographically.Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America's National Security Strategy, released a month ago, suggested the administration's focus was on dominance of the western hemisphere. But no one expected its first move would be a special-forces raid to depose President Nicolás Maduro. What is next comes with grave risks. And the video-games business wants to escape its rut by finding whole new markets—geographically and demographically.Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Latin America, 2026 quite literally got off to an explosive start.Just before sunrise on January 2, the city of Caracas was violently awoken by the sound of bombs, as US forces launched a sudden, high-intensity strike on the Venezuelan capital. Within hours, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were in American custody — flown out of the country and headed to New York to face criminal charges.The Venezuelan government has provided no official death count from the strikes, but they are believed to be in the dozens — at least 40, per some accounts.Even by Washington's standards, this was extraordinary. But it aligns neatly with Washington's new worldview.In its latest National Security Strategy, the US no longer frames Latin America as a partner. Instead, the US describes it as a buffer — a region expected to stop migrants, narcotics and Chinese influence before they reach US shores.Send us your feedbackSupport the show

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf https://www.cato.org/blog/new-ban-bars-1-5-legal-immigrants-even-citizens-spouses-kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8AulCA1aOQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VMddyKM7fE

When President Trump ordered a military operation into Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York, he crossed a line that America has talked around for decades but rarely states out loud in plain English: we removed the ruler, and we intend to manage the aftermath. And then Trump removed any remaining ambiguity by saying the United States would “run” Venezuela at least temporarily, while openly tying the “transition” to oil, infrastructure, and U.S. leverage. If you've spent years hearing people call Trump “a modern Cyrus,” this moment should stop you cold. He's not Cyrus by a long shot.“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Revelation 17:17 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, In the 2025 National Security Strategy, the White House explicitly says the U.S. will “reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine” to “restore American preeminence” in the Western Hemisphere, and will deny outside powers the ability to control “strategically vital assets” in the region. This is the exact opposite of promises he made when running for election and then reelection. If Trump is playing Cyrus, who exactly is being restored in Venezuela right now—and who is holding the keys? Because the public messaging is not “Venezuelans will govern themselves immediately.” The public messaging is “we'll run it,” “boots on the ground,” and “oil will pay for it.” This is no Cyrus we're looking at, it's Nebuchadnezzar.

The United States has a new National Security Strategy. What does the world look like under the Second Trump Administration? Should the U.S. no longer strive to be a superpower? We take a look at what in the document seems to strengthen U.S. security, as well as what elements might undermine it and alarm us the most.Next up, we discuss whether progress has been made on the Ukraine Peace Plan. Are we closer than we have ever been, or is peace still a distant prospect?Finally, we continue the discussion on Venezuela. The U.S. has taken out more ships and begun seizing oil tankers. What does this escalation mean for the future of Venezuela and U.S. operations there?Topics Discussed in this Episode04:30 - The New US National Security Strategy39:00 - Ukraine Peace Plan: Actual Progress or Not?1:00:00 - Venezuela: Ramping Up to War?Articles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeThe New US National Security StrategyNational Security Strategy of the United States of America (The White House)The National Security Strategy: The Good, the Not So Great, and the Alarm Bells (CSIS)Trump's Western Hemisphere Pivot Is Real (Foreign Policy)Trump Isn't Interested in Fighting a New Cold War. He Wants a New Civilizational War. (NY Times)Ukraine Peace Plan: Actual Progress or Not?America gives Ukraine reason to hope, just (The Economist)Russian's Energy Achilles Heel (AEI)With Attacks on Oil Tankers, Ukraine Takes Aim at Russia's War Financing (NY Times)Venezuela: Enforcement of the Trump Corollary to the Monroe DoctrineTrump's Claim That Venezuela ‘Stole' U.S. Oil Fields Touches Nationalist Nerve (NY Times)Trump says Venezuela stole U.S. oil, land and assets. Here's the history. (WaPo)Send us a textFollow Us Show Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.com Show Twitter: @GlobalKellogg Anita's Twitter: @arkellogg Show YouTube

Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has systemically targeted Ukraine's civilian infrastructure–especially its energy systems–as a core part of Russia's strategy. Since the start of the war, there has been over 2000 air, drone, and artillery attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Electricity grids, nuclear power plants, transmission lines, gas facilities, dams and water supply systems have all been turned into battlegrounds. This week alone, Russia's overnight strikes hit energy and industrial infrastructure so hard that more than a million households in Odessa were left without power. This conflict is redefining what modern war looks like, where critical infrastructure is not just collateral damage but a deliberate target, where the frontlines runs not only through trenches but through the power grids. To unpack this further, we are joined by Theresa Sabonis-Helf, she is a professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service Masters program, serving as the Chair of the Science, Technology and International Affairs concentration. Prior to joining Georgetown, she was a Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College. She has lived and worked in seven countries of the former USSR and has assisted two of these countries with the development of their National Security Strategies.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Visit Conducttr to learn more.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.Tell us what you liked!

Episode Summary: In this episode, members of the Mitchell team share some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform. You normally hear us talking about policy and budget issues, but over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. JV Venable almost ejects from an OV-10, Lt. Gen. David. A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.) juggles a serious inflight emergency over enemy territory, Lt. Gen. Burton Field, USAF (Ret.) recalls a lesson learned from his early flying days in the Viper, and Heather Penney talks about air racing. These are some incredible stories you won't want to miss Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Mark Funzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Kyle Pumroy, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, MI-SPACE Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Rendezvous #Politics

Darrell Castle ushers in 2026 by talking about the world as he sees it today along with some year-end thoughts about the past, the present, and the unknown future. Transcription/Notes BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is the 2nd day of January in the year of our Lord 2026. In this Castle Report I will be talking about the world as I see it today along with some year-end thoughts about the past, the present, and the unknown future. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” Those are the words of the Prince of Peace whose birth we just celebrated, and his words have been the bed rock of Western Civilization for over 2000 years. The decorations, gifts, and celebrations are just one of our connections to a Christian culture that has held Western Civilization together throughout its history. My thanks once again for Dr, Ron Paul's recent Liberty Report where he so eloquently sets these concepts out. Somehow it all seems different now. The mayor of New York City has been sworn in on the Quran rather than the bible. The nation itself with debt having surpassed $38 trillion Continues its enforcement of the Wolfowitz Doctrine which is part of the project for a new American century. Paul Wolfowitz put his name on a policy that still seems to drive the American government even under the America first president. Simply put, that doctrine says that American hegemony will dominate the world and no competitor which threatens that policy will be allowed to rise. The U.S. military will be used to destroy any competition. In practical terms, it means that the U.S. government will continue to use its military to bankrupt the country while exporting misery and suffering to others in pursuit of a global military empire on the framework of ancient Rome. My argument for you today is that this policy places the U.S. government in direct opposition to the title of this Castle Report. This year marked the first time the Defense budget item has surpassed the $1 trillion mark. Congress was so enthusiastic about it that they voted more money than the president asked for. The $1 trillion doesn't include interest on the defense related debt, veteran's affairs such as hospitals and lifetime care for the wounded and components of other agencies and departments with items related to defense so it is much larger than the published amount. Those who are responsible for such things probably still have a chance to save the economy if they did the responsible thing but instead they repeatedly do the opposite of the right thing. President Eisenhower was the last president to recognize what was happening and to refuse its allure. He also warned President Kennedy who tried to heed the warning but he died for those efforts. I paraphrase President Eisenhower's famous speech from 1953 entitled “The Chance for Peace” each of these dollars spent on military offense and the maintenance of the US global empire rather than on defense of our own nation is taken from the mouths of the hungry and off the backs of hardworking American families.” The new National Security Strategy document recently released by the Trump administration has set off a firestorm among those who favor warfare to solve every perceived problem. The document seems to be a reversal of the foreign policy doctrine that has existed since the end of World War ll. That policy included the formation of NATO with the US as the unofficial guarantor of military security. The US would accept responsibility for the defense of Western Europe and ensure that the Soviet Union was held intact. In return the US would have reserve currency status and would through that status control the world's economy. Reserve currency status ensured that the US would have the means through the accumulation of debt to fund its military in all circumstances. This was also a recognition by Europe that it was free to devote virtually all of its resources to rebuilding and to the welfare projects that would keep its citizens comfortable and thereby avoid revolution. The new strategy document seems to refute that policy and it appears to place Europe in some responsibility for its own defense. The Europeans don't like the policy shift at all but they are at least verbally adjusting to it. They came up with a way to obtain loans of up to $100 billion for Ukraine to continue the war to the last Ukrainian. The last few years have seen them trying to provoke a new war with Russia and this new policy might have a chilling effect on that desire. The US also included $800 million in the defense bill for Ukraine. Joan and I were talking about all this over breakfast the other day and she pointed out that people are starting to see fraud despite media refusal to discuss it. Some of those things like the fraud of the Somali community in Minnesota and the election fraud in Georgia now freely admitted are obvious. We also have the American people seeing their standard of living eaten away by inflation and an economy declining because it's burdened by debt. People are becoming aware of all this more and more as they see their country committed to the defense and foreign policy of a country far away. The people have come to realize that if they express criticism of that country's foreign policy the argument requires them to defend a charge of antisemitism instead of the policy. The same is true of the billions of fraud in Minnesota because the Governor of that state said that criticism was white supremacy so the argument is a defense of that charge instead of the fraud. Joan's position is that people are not ignorant despite media's refusal to report and investigate they are aware of what is going on. My response to her was yes, you are right but that puts us in the most dangerous position possibly ever. People see rampant crime and theft by government and they see government saying America first but its foreign policy seems to put another country's interest first, and that creates a dangerous, revolutionary atmosphere. I'm afraid that people are becoming aware that one of the founding principles which helped make America great is being erased and that principle is the empowerment of the individual over the power of the collective to demand obedience and compliance. In the American culture the individual counts and I'm afraid many are losing sight of that. The individual can take a stand against injustice without fear of reprisal from government. When governors have no argument against fraud except those who uncover it and point it out are white supremacists, and when senators have no response to pointing out the foreign policy faults of another country except to accuse those who object of antisemitism it means thee government officials have lost the argument because they have nothing to say. The real problem happens when government loses the argument as it has currently, which makes fraud and waste obvious to anyone. People try to change the system through voting but they see that it does not change very much. The worst frustration is that the dangerous revolutionary civil war tension is created when people see it, understand it, but nothing is ever done. They see fraud costing billions and they know that is just the tip of the iceberg. They see their money taken by the IRS to fund the wars in favor of other nations. They see fraud at every level and yet they are struggling to get by and they cannot get by without accumulating debt, which becomes unpayable. They know the difference between their debt and government debt is that they actually have to answer for theirs. Some of the things which have changed the lifestyles of the American people since the end of the covid confinement are really startling for the American families. Since covid, gas for utilities up 48.8%, car maintenance and repair 48.8%, car insurance 56.1%, coffee 46.1%, electricity 40.4%, meat 38.1%, used cars 33.6% bread 29,4%, milk 24.1%. I could go on and on with these numbers but just ask yourself if your income since covid has increased by anything close to these numbers. So, we can see the elements of an explosion building and smoldering. Couple this to the knowledge people have that they must send their children to schools which are run by people who hate them. Their children will be indoctrinated by teachers who hate them so their children will become like those who hate them and look to people who have caused the problem for the answer thus the inauguration of the mayor of our greatest city on the Quran. I know what you must be thinking, it's not everyone of them and there are some officials who really do care. Yes, I know about those people, but the truth is that the ones who claim to care make some angry speech to that effect and then go on about their business as if nothing happened. That is the demoralizing truth that we face here in the first month of 2026. In conclusion, whether we know it or not, we are all beneficiaries of the religion created by the one who is the author of the title of this Castle Report. The moral doctrine created by that religion has curbed power and defended the weak and helpless for over 2000 years. When you lay aside those moral principle you have power unleashed, enforced through force, and not limited by anything, to paraphrase Lenin. Finally, folks, as we start 2026 I close with another quote from President Eisenhower or at least I paraphrase him,” the people of the world are so desperate for peace that sooner or later the governments will have to step aside and let them have it.” At least that's the way I see it, Until next time folks, This is Darrell Castle, Thanks for listening.

You don't fight in a vacuum—and neither do police officers, soldiers, or federal agents. In this episode, Jim analyzes the newly released 2025 National Security Strategy ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf ) and translates its broad language into practical meaning for people working at the tactical and operational levels. He explains how the NSS communicates priorities across government, how it influences downstream defense and security planning, and how it signals intent to allies, competitors, and adversaries alike. Check out this episode to gain a clearer understanding of how strategic documents shape budgeting, force posture, and mission design over time. We also explore why the NSS matters differently at different ranks and roles, and how leaders can use it to frame decisions, explain priorities to subordinates, and anticipate where institutions are likely to invest (or divest) next. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group. Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com Like what we're doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. Intro music credit Bensound.com    

This episode is presented by Create A Video – The Trump administration published its National Security Strategy a few weeks ago. After reading through it, I find it to be a fantastic and focused document that should unite all Americans. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 424 of Boss Hog of Liberty is out! Host voices are Jeremiah Morrell, Betsy Mills, and Zach Burcham. Our featured guest is Nate LaMar. Nate is an international businessman and West Point graduate. We talk about the first 12 months of Trump 2.0, the effect tariffs have on Indiana. Trump's administration has released a new “National Security Strategy” document which has led to major concerns. Does Congress have a role in this going forward? Why are there war ships off the coast of Curacao? Some nice discussion about the potential federal repercussions of Indiana not redistricting as the President wanted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump Administration has released its official National Security Strategy, and it is a bombshell. There is increased aggression in the Western Hemisphere, promotion of the far-right in Europe, and economic competition in Asia.00:07:33 - Preambles and Introductions00:21:16 - What does America want?00:31:02 - Principles and values00:42:44 - The Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine00:53:31 - Asia00:59:25 - Boosting the far-right in Europe01:13:19 - The Middle East and Africa01:18:46 - ConclusionsZaluzhniy Articlehttps://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdfTwitterAnthony: @BartawayUkraine Without Hype: @HypeUkraineOther Social Mediahttp://youtube.com/@UkraineWithoutHypehttp://tiktok.com/@ukrainewithouthypehttp://instagram.com/ukrainewithouthype/Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/UkraineWithoutHypeResources and Charitieshttps://linktr.ee/ukrainewithouthypeMusicShedryk (Leopolis Trio)

Carla Anne Robbins, senior fellow at the Council, and Matthias Matthijs, senior fellow for Europe at the Council, sit down with James M. Lindsay to answer listener questions about the major developments, initiatives, and changes in U.S. foreign policy over the course of 2025.    Mentioned on the Episode:   "2025 National Security Strategy of the United States of America," The White House   Ivo H. Daalder and James M. Lindsay, “The Price of Trump's Power Politics,” Foreign Affairs   Ivo H. Daalder and James M. Lindsay, The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership   Rebecca Lissner, “America's Quasi Alliances,” Foreign Affairs   Matthias Matthijs and Nathalie Tocci, "How Europe Lost: Can the Continent Escape Its Trump Trap?" Foreign Affairs   Brad Setser, "How German Industry Can Survive the Second China Shock," Center for European Reform   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President's Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/listener-mailbag-2025-review-carla-anne-robbins-and-matthias-matthijs

On September 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office that the U.S. Navy had carried out an air strike on a boat in international waters. That boat strike rewrote U.S. policy for Latin America overnight. Three months later, 26 boats have been hit, killing more than 90 people.The United States has codified its justification for the boat strikes as part of a new National Security Strategy, published in early December 2025. In the National Security Strategy, Trump announced a new Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which he hopes can propel the United States and the U.S. military to preeminence in the hemisphere. Trump clearly feels he has carte blanche to take whatever measure he deems necessary without regard for international law, the sovereignty of other nations, or people's lives. This reinvisioning of U.S. policy for Latin AmericaIt has disastrous implications for the region. More missile strikes. Loss of innocent lives. And even wrapping the United States into war close to home.Under the Shadow is an investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, telling the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. Season 2 will respond in real time to the Trump Administration's onslaught in Latin America. We begin today, where we started in the last episode of Season 1… in Panama.Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox. Edited by Heather Gies.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Theme music by Monte Perdido and Michael Fox. Monte Perdido's new album Ofrenda is now out. You can listen to the full album on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, YouTube or wherever you listen to music. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.Resources: Under the ShadowYou can check out the first season of Under the Shadow by clicking hereTHE BEGINNING: MONROE AND MIGRATION | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 1PANAMA. US INVASION. | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 13THE LEGACY OF MONROE | UNDER THE SHADOW, BONUS EPISODE 4 Michael Fox's recent reporting on the boat strikes and the ramp-up for war in Venezuela: With the Strike on a “Drug-Carrying Boat,” Trump Returns to a Dangerous US Policy for Latin AmericaCaribbean Leaders Call for Unified Latin American Resistance to US AttacksTrump's Monroe Doctrine 2.0 Outlines Imperial Intentions for Latin AmericaOther ResourcesEmperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama (Duke, 2003), is John Lindsay Poland's expose on the U.S. military involvement in Panama.You can watch the documentary, The Panama Deception, here. This is a link to Democracy Now! coverage of the U.S. push toward war on Venezuela.Support Under the ShadowYou can see pictures of host Michael Fox's reporting in Panama City, here.You can check out Michael's latest episode of Stories of Resistance about the annual protests demanding justice for the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.You can also listen to his new podcast, Panamerican Dispatch on his Patreon page. There, you can follow and support him and Under the Shadow: https://www.patreon.com/mfoxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

PREVIEW Guest: Professor John Yoo Summary: Professor Yoo supports a national security strategy that prioritizes the Western Hemisphere and homeland defense over conflicts in Europe or the Middle East. He argues that US leadership has overlooked vital economic ties with South America, Mexico, and Canada, and must return to these foundational security principles. 1876 BOLIVAR AT CARACAS

In Episode 454 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with author, futurist, and U.S. foreign policy expert Jamie Metzl about the aims and objectives of the 2025 National Security Strategy and its implications for American prosperity and power in the 21st century. Jamie and Demetri spend the first hour of this conversation digging into the Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy and the story that the administration is trying to tell to the American people and to itself about America's place in the world, where it went astray, and what needs to be done on a strategic planning level in order to "Make America Great Again." From there, Metzl and Kofinas debate whether the strategy amounts to a "containment" of China or something closer to a 19th-century balance-of-power where the largest and most powerful countries—namely the United States, Russia, and China—will be granted the freedom to operate with impunity within their own spheres of influence, dealing a final death blow to the international rules-based liberal order that the United States sought to universalize after the fall of the Soviet Union more than three decades ago. The second hour is a wide-ranging tour through what this strategy might look like in practice, from the Western Hemisphere and Venezuela to Europe and Ukraine, and what "power politics" means when so much of modern conflict is fought through influence campaigns, institutional sabotage, and cyber operations rather than through the use of conventional arms and occupations. The two also explore the dangerous vacuum created when a superpower can no longer clearly articulate what it stands for—at home or abroad—and how that confusion can lead to a cascade of unintended consequences that further destabilize the international system, resulting in a new form of total war. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 12/15/2025

In this episode, Ron is joined by Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) to break down the Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy—and why it reads like multiple agendas stitched together. They dig into the document's big shift toward the Western Hemisphere, what “partnership without shared values” really implies, and how the administration's internal split—isolationists vs. internationalists—creates real risk when the U.S. can't speak with one voice. The conversation moves to China and Taiwan, where the NSS repeats long-standing policy while the administration's actions suggest a tougher, more transactional posture. Then they hit the blind spots: Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai, the chilling signal sent by a collapse of opposition space, and what it means when human rights drops out of the national security frame. Finally: Islamist extremism and antisemitic violence, including the Bondi Beach shooting and a foiled bombing plot in Southern California—and why ignoring incitement doesn't make it disappear. DONATE FOR UKRAINE To support equipment requests for our frontline communicators and psyop-ers in Ukraine, you can use this link: paypal.me/MollyKMcKew POLITICOLOGY+ Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICOLOGY politicology.com/donate SPONSORS & PROMO CODES https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(703) 239-3068‬ Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/HagarChemali Related Reading: The Atlantic - The Longest Suicide Note in American History - The Atlantic NYT - Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai's Conviction Was Years in the Making - The New York Times NYT - Heng Guan Documented China's Detention of Uyghurs. The U.S. Wants to Deport Him. - The New York Times Kharon -Hypersonic Secret: ‘China's MIT' Worked with U.S. while Developing Weapons to Use Against It | Kharon WP - Bondi Beach gunmen appear inspired by Islamic State, authorities say - The Washington Post Compact Magazine - The Lost Generation | Compact NY Times - Opinion | Does Discrimination Explain the Rightward Shift of Young Men? - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Scott down with his Lawfare colleagues Alan Rozenshtein and Ari Tabatabai to talk through a few of the week's big national security news stories, including:“Once You Pop, You Can't Stop.” The Trump administration has given a green light to Nvidia to export its powerful H200 chips to China, opening a potentially significant new market while jumpstarting China's strategically significant AI industry—or, perhaps, making it reliant on U.S. technology. What explains this decision? And how does it align with the Trump administration's broader reframing of strategic competition with China as a primarily economic problem, as reflected in its recent National Security Strategy?“Lavatories of Democracy.” Late last week, President Trump signed an executive order setting up a number of mechanisms intended to assert federal preemption over and otherwise deter state efforts to regulate the development and use of AI—an executive branch-only effort that followed a failed push to insert a related legislative provision into year-end omnibus legislation. How effective is this measure likely to be? And how wise is it to try and bar the states from regulating AI development and use in the first place?“Some Things You Can't Make Light Of.” Over the weekend, a pair of gunmen inspired by the Islamic State executed a brutal massacre at a Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40. The violence has shocked Australia, a country with strict gun control laws where incidents of anti-semitism have been on the rise, as in much of the world. What is there to learn from the attack and its aftermath? And what could its ramifications be, both in Australia and further abroad?In object lessons, Alan tells us what the buzz is—seeing Jesus Christ Superstar live. Scott, heavy with Christmas spirit, shares his grandmother's recipe for sour cream coffee cake (remember, during the holidays, dense=delicious). And Ari keeps us grounded with a recommendation of “Don't Let's Go To the Dogs Tonight,” a South African film about a White Zimbabwean family following the Rhodesian Bush War.Rational Security will be having its traditional end-of-year episode later this month, which will focus on listener-submitted topics and object lessons! If you have topics you want us to discuss and object lessons you want to share—whether serious or frivolous—be sure to send them to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org by Dec. 21!To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Scott down with his Lawfare colleagues Alan Rozenshtein and Ari Tabatabai to talk through a few of the week's big national security news stories, including:“Once You Pop, You Can't Stop.” The Trump administration has given a green light to Nvidia to export its powerful H200 chips to China, opening a potentially significant new market while jumpstarting China's strategically significant AI industry—or, perhaps, making it reliant on U.S. technology. What explains this decision? And how does it align with the Trump administration's broader reframing of strategic competition with China as a primarily economic problem, as reflected in its recent National Security Strategy?“Lavatories of Democracy.” Late last week, President Trump signed an executive order setting up a number of mechanisms intended to assert federal preemption over and otherwise deter state efforts to regulate the development and use of AI—an executive branch-only effort that followed a failed push to insert a related legislative provision into year-end omnibus legislation. How effective is this measure likely to be? And how wise is it to try and bar the states from regulating AI development and use in the first place?“Some Things You Can't Make Light Of.” Over the weekend, a pair of gunmen inspired by the Islamic State executed a brutal massacre at a Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring 40. The violence has shocked Australia, a country with strict gun control laws where incidents of anti-semitism have been on the rise, as in much of the world. What is there to learn from the attack and its aftermath? And what could its ramifications be, both in Australia and further abroad?In object lessons, Alan tells us what the buzz is—seeing Jesus Christ Superstar live. Scott, heavy with Christmas spirit, shares his grandmother's recipe for sour cream coffee cake (remember, during the holidays, dense=delicious). And Ari keeps us grounded with a recommendation of “Don't Let's Go To the Dogs Tonight,” a South African film about a White Zimbabwean family following the Rhodesian Bush War.Rational Security will be having its traditional end-of-year episode later this month, which will focus on listener-submitted topics and object lessons! If you have topics you want us to discuss and object lessons you want to share—whether serious or frivolous—be sure to send them to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org by Dec. 21!To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CNN's Bianna Golodryga anchors the top of the show.   Bianna is joined by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt for a wide-ranging conversation about recent pushes to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, and the future of the transatlantic alliance.   Then, Bianna speaks with Joe Flint, a media reporter at the Wall Street Journal about the battle between Paramount and Netflix to buy Warner Bros. Discovery and what the sale means for the future of the entertainment industry.    GUESTS: Carl Bildt (@carlbildt), Joe Flint (@JBFlint), Holly Dagres (@hdagres), Tom Freston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At 10 am ET on Dec. 11, Lawfare Editor in Chief Benjamin Wittes sat down with Lawfare Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson; Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor and Director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program at CSIS Daniel Byman; and Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at AEI Kori Schake to discuss the Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy. They talked about its emphasis on immigration as a national security threat and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John welcomes retired four-star U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey to discuss the rapidly escalating conflict between America and Venezuela. McAffrey argues that Donald Trump appears to be hellbent on regime change in Venezuela; that his stated motivations related to narco-terrorism make virtually no sense at all; and that his primary motivations instead revolve primarily around seizing the South American country's oil reserves. McCaffrey also assesses the recently unveiled official U.S. National Security Strategy, the elements of which he regards as ranging from incoherent to farcical to flat out “horrifying.” See all the ways bp is investing in America at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bp.com/InvestingInAmerica⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As peace talks between Russia and Ukraine continue, last week the White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy, viewed favorably by Moscow, was critical of the European Union and views the suppression of far-right politicians as a threat to peace and democracy in the region, especially in resolving the war in Ukraine. A US-brokered peace plan would see Ukraine cede the Donbass region to Russia, a non-starter for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Trump sees it as the best way to end the bloodshed, but the plans have also concerned European leaders. What's the president's motivation for peace?The National Security Strategy also outlined immigration as a threat to European democracy. There were warnings that Europe risked “civilizational erasure" if it failed to curb mass migration. What is the tie between peace and President Trump's skepticism on migration?Also, our panel answers your questions. Can you still be a fiscal conservative and a social progressive without contradicting yourself? What happened to virtue in politics?

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss what will happen as the Supreme Court considers whether a president can remove leaders of independent agencies without cause, how the overt signals about immigration and “erasure” in the new National Security Strategy are meant to stir up cultural anxiety in Europe, and the high-stakes merger drama between Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. with guest Tim Wu, professor at Columbia Law School and author of the new book The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collective investigation that found Instacart quoting massive price differences for the same products, which they claim result from AI-enabled pricing experiments.   In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with journalist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin about his new book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation — the story of speculation, debt, and the human drives that fueled the Wall Street crash that changed everything.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Nina Porzucki   Research by Emily Ditto You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here.   Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park.     Follow @SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss what will happen as the Supreme Court considers whether a president can remove leaders of independent agencies without cause, how the overt signals about immigration and “erasure” in the new National Security Strategy are meant to stir up cultural anxiety in Europe, and the high-stakes merger drama between Netflix, Paramount, and Warner Bros. with guest Tim Wu, professor at Columbia Law School and author of the new book The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity. For this week's Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss a Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collective investigation that found Instacart quoting massive price differences for the same products, which they claim result from AI-enabled pricing experiments.   In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with journalist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin about his new book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation — the story of speculation, debt, and the human drives that fueled the Wall Street crash that changed everything.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Nina Porzucki   Research by Emily Ditto You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages here.   Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen. Find out more about David Plotz's monthly tours of Ft. DeRussy, the secret Civil War fort hidden in Rock Creek Park.     Follow @SlateGabfest on X / https://twitter.com/SlateGabfestSlate Political Gabfest on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/Gabfest/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 4987: What To Expect From The Fed; The New National Security Strategy

This week, Scott sat down with Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien and Contributing Editor Alex Zerden to talk through a few of the week's big national security news stories, including:“Finding the Road to Damascus.” Former dictator Bashar al-Assad fled Syria one year ago this week, bringing a precipitous end to the country's more than decade-long civil war. In the year since, has the country been able to make progress toward the optimistic future many hoped would follow al-Assad's ouster? And what obstacles still lie in its path?“Civilizational Self-Confidence Scheme.” The Trump administration has undergone the once-per-term statutorily-mandated ritual of releasing its National Security Strategy. It claims an intent to stay the course on many key bipartisan pillars of U.S. foreign policy, but mixes in heavy doses of isolationism, ethnonationalism, and criticism of Europe for losing its “civilizational self-confidence.” How seriously should we take this document? And what does it tell us about the likely trajectory of U.S. foreign policy?“A Dimon in the Rough?” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has announced a ten-year initiative to invest $1.5 trillion in U.S. companies critical to U.S. national security and economic resilience. Is this an attempt by Dimon to repair his sometimes frosty relationship with the Trump administration by complimenting its “America First” strategy? Or is it an initiative that more genuinely strikes at the intersection of market logic and U.S. national security?In object lessons, Tyler is exploring the great heritage of American landmarks with “Lost in America: Photographing the Last Days of our Architectural Treasures” an archive of the Historic American Buildings Survey. Scott is embracing the holiday season the classic way—by settling in with delightfully cheesy films like A Merry Little Ex-Mas and Jingle Bell Heist on Netflix. And Alex is broadening the lens with “The World For Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earth's Resources,“ by Jack Farchy and Javier Blas, a deep dive into the global trade networks and power brokers who shape the flow of the planet's resources.Rational Security will be having its traditional end-of-year episode later this month, which will focus on listener-submitted topics and object lessons! If you have topics you want us to discuss and object lessons you want to share—whether serious or frivolous—be sure to send them to rationalsecurity@lawfaremedia.org by Dec. 17!To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glenn plays his newest AI Christmas song, "Puttin' the Christ Back in Christmas." The Left is losing its mind after Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine hinted at military action "in our own neighborhood." Glenn explains why Caine's statement is not only not controversial, but also brilliant. In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, a new poll shows college students are afraid of having anything "controversial" on campus. Glenn tells the story of the Magna Carta and how the United Kingdom is implementing new laws and policies that run counter to it. The U.K. could see 12,000 arrests for "speech crimes" in the next year. Glenn passionately speaks on knowing who you are in Jesus Christ and the true freedom that comes from knowing who Jesus is. Should we limit the president's pardon power? Glenn reads everyone's favorite Christmas story, "'Twas the Night Before the GOP Caved on Obamacare." Glenn and Stu discuss the Cinnabon employee who was fired after being recorded calling a customer a racial slur and openly admitting she was racist.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices