Podcasts about realcleardefense

Greg Lawson is a realist thinker, a history buff, and a geopolitical analyst. He joins the podcast to discuss the legacy and meaning of former Secretary of State, the late Dr. Henry Kissinger, as well as the problem of Russia, and the urgency of China. There has never been a more urgent time for prioritization in American foreign policy; Greg lays out a clear vision on what he sees as the realist way forward. Greg R. Lawson is a Contributing Analyst at WikiStrat and a Research Fellow at the Buckeye Institute. His opinions have been widely circulated in the foreign policy community amongst thought leaders in the field; his 2014 article "Avoiding America's Ultimate Geopolitical Nightmare" published in The National Interest was an insightful and landmark text on the burgeoning Sino-Russian axis. He is a graduate of Ohio State University. Garrison Moratto is the founder and host of The New Diplomatist Podcast; he earned a M.S. of International Relations as well as a B.S. in Government: Public Administration (Summa Cum Laude) at Liberty University in the United States. He has been published in RealClearDefense, and Pacific Forum International's "Issues & Insights", among other publications. Guest opinions are their own. All music licensed via UppBeat.

Michael Sobolik joined AFPC as a Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies in September 2019. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America's alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also hosts Great Power Podcast, AFPC's show about great power competition and U.S.-China relations. He is also the author of Countering China's Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance (Naval Institute Press, 2024). Michael's analysis has appeared in the Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Politico, Newsweek, National Review, Jane's Defence Weekly, and RealClearDefense. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a Legislative Assistant in the United States Senate from 2014 to 2019. While in the Senate, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he studied political philosophy as an undergraduate. He also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

An Alexander Hamilton Society student roundtable discussion focusing on current affairs in East Asia, what would happen leading up to an invasion of Taiwan or conflict breaking out in the South China Sea, the policy implications behind it for the region, the United States, and the rest of the world, and then identify unique policy responses outside of what the current thinkers are considering. About Michael Sobolik Michael Sobolik is a Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies for the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America's Asian alliance architecture, and human rights. Michael also serves as editor of AFPC's Indo-Pacific Monitor e-bulletin, AFPC's review of regional developments. His analysis has appeared in The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, The Hill, Jane's Defence Weekly, The National Interest, National Review, Newsweek, Providence, and RealClearDefense. Before joining AFPC, Michael served as a Legislative Assistant in the United States Senate from 2014 to 2019. While in the Senate, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Michael is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University, where he studied political philosophy. He also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

In this episode of DISINFORMATION WARS, host Ilan Berman speaks with AFPC Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies Michael Sobolik about the new push in the U.S. Congress to limit the reach of TikTok, China's wildly-popular social media app.  Bio: Michael Sobolik is Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, DC, where his work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America's alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also serves as editor of AFPC's Indo-Pacific Monitor e-bulletin, AFPC's review of developments in the region. His analysis has appeared in The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, The Hill, Jane's Defence Weekly, The National Interest, National Review, Newsweek, Providence, and RealClearDefense.  He is the host of Great Power Podcast, which examines America's geopolitical strategy toward adversaries like China and Russia. Michael is also the author of Countering China's Great Game: A Strategy for American Dominance, forthcoming from the U.S. Naval Institute Press later this Spring. Pre-order your copy today!

On today's episode we return to an interview with Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and the author of “Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War”.Host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense editor David Craig spoke with Schanzer in November of 2021 about an attack from earlier that year when Hamas launched more than four thousand rockets and mortars toward Israel killing 12 and injuring more than 100. Retaliatory Israeli air strikes resulted in the deaths of more than 200, including at least 129 civilians, and nearly 2000 injured, according to the United Nations.Schanzer details how the media covered the 2021 conflict, Iran's critical support for Hamas, and what Hamas' strategy in Gaza means for the region.

On today's episode we return to an interview with Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and the author of “Gaza Conflict 2021: Hamas, Israel and Eleven Days of War”. Host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense editor David Craig spoke with Schanzer in November of 2021 about an attack from earlier that year when Hamas launched more than four thousand rockets and mortars toward Israel killing 12 and injuring more than 100. Retaliatory Israeli air strikes resulted in the deaths of more than 200, including at least 129 civilians, and nearly 2000 injured, according to the United Nations. Schanzer details how the media covered the 2021 conflict, Iran's critical support for Hamas, and what Hamas' strategy in Gaza means for the region.

Note this episode contains explicit language and discussion of self-harm.On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Miles Lagoze, the documentary filmmaker behind “Combat Obscura” a gripping unfiltered look at the war in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012 during his time as an eighteen year-old Combat Camera with the 1st Battalion 6th Marines. Most recently he is the author of a new book about his experiences in Afghanistan and returning home. It's called, “Whistles From the Graveyard: My Time Behind the Camera on War, Rage, and Restless Youth in Afghanistan”"Whistles From the Graveyard" is available for pre-order.Look for RCD Contributor John Waters' new novel “River City One” published this fall."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

In this re-airing of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen and RCD Editor David Craig speak with Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development under President Trump, and the lead official in the development of the 2018 National Defense Strategy. He is the co-founder and principal of The Marathon Initiative, a non-profit research organization focused on developing US strategy.Most recently Colby is the author of "The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict" in which he lays out the case for challenging China's rise and preparing the US to defend the region."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. 

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen speaks with Dr. Peter Feaver, a long-time researcher of civil-military affairs about his new book, a comprehensive study of public attitudes towards the military called, “Thanks for Your Service: The Causes and Consequences of Public Confidence in the US Military.” He is also a professor of political science and public policy at Duke University, has served twice on the National Security Council staff, and as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserves."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen speaks with Dr. Peter Feaver, a long-time researcher of civil-military affairs about his new book, a comprehensive study of public attitudes towards the military called, “Thanks for Your Service: The Causes and Consequences of Public Confidence in the US Military.” He is also a professor of political science and public policy at Duke University, has served twice on the National Security Council staff, and as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserves."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” John Waters speaks with veteran, entrepreneur, and author Mike Erwin about applying lessons from the military to positive leadership off the battlefield. Erwin is a graduate of West Point and served as an Intelligence Officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars. After studying positive psychology and leadership at the University of Michigan he founded “Team Red, White, and Blue” a nonprofit connecting veterans through physical and social activity. He is also the author of two books on leadership, “Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leaders Through Solitude” and most recently, “Leadership is a Relationship: How to Put People First in the Digital Age.”"Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

As Republican candidates prepare for the debate in Ohio, does the GOP have a China strategy? In a recent piece for the Wall Street Journal, Republican Congressman from Wisconsin, Mike Gallagher challenges the candidates and the party to confront as he puts it, “America's greatest geopolitical threat.” RealClearDefense contributor John Waters, and guest columnist Stephen Young, speak with Gallagher about developing a clearer strategy to deter China.  Read Rep. Mike Gallagher's article in the Wall Street Journal, "GOP Presidential Candidates Need to Talk About China"Read Stephen Young's opinion piece on RealClearDefense.com,"How Xi Jinping Thinks""Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

As Republican candidates prepare for the first debate, does the GOP have a China strategy? In a recent piece for the Wall Street Journal, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin)  challenges the candidates and the party to confront what he calls “America's greatest geopolitical threat.” RealClearDefense contributor John Waters and guest columnist Stephen Young speak with Gallagher about developing a clearer strategy to deter China.  Read Rep. Mike Gallagher's article in the Wall Street Journal, "GOP Presidential Candidates Need to Talk About China"Read Stephen Young's opinion piece on RealClearDefense.com, "How Xi Jinping Thinks""Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On today's encore episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Calder Walton, author of a new book, “SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between the East and West.” Using archival evidence only declassified as recently as 2022, Walton looks at the 100 year espionage competition among the Soviet, American and British intelligence services. The book documents how double agents, disinformation, covert action, and assassinations helped shape The Cold War. Walton is the Assistant Director of the Harvard Belfer Center for Applied History and Intelligence Project. He is also the author of the three-volume "Cambridge History of Espionage and Intelligence" and "Empire of Secrets: British Intelligence, the Cold War, and the Twilight of Empire."

RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speaks with Wall Street Journal National Security reporter Brett Forrest about his new bestselling book, "Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars.” Expanding on his investigation for the Journal, Forrest explores the disappearance of Billy Reilly, a gifted civilian who volunteered as an undercover FBI source inside Russia. When their son went missing, Reilly's parents were shut out of the investigation by the FBI and turned to Forrest to uncover what happened. Brett Forrest is a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal where his work often focuses on the former Soviet Union. He has covered the war in Ukraine and was the first reporter to enter the Kiev suburb of Bucha following the Russian military's withdrawal, where he broke the news of alleged atrocities. "Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” opens this weekend. For the story behind one of America's most consequential and controversial scientific minds in his own words, listen to a mini-audio documentary about Robert Oppenheimer: his connections to the Communist party, his troubled relationship with President Truman, and the legacy of his work on the most devastating invention of the 20th century. This episode of the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash" is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Core Upgrade leverages the expertise and capabilities of RTX while saving taxpayers $40B—it's the smart decision for the F-35."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film “Oppenheimer” opens this weekend. For the story behind one of America's most consequential and controversial scientific minds in his own words, listen to a mini-audio documentary about Robert Oppenheimer: his connections to the Communist party, his troubled relationship with President Truman, and the legacy of his work on the most devastating invention of the 20th century. This episode of the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash" is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney's F135 Engine Core Upgrade leverages the expertise and capabilities of RTX while saving taxpayers $40B—it's the smart decision for the F-35."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speaks with Wall Street Journal National Security reporter Brett Forrest about his new bestselling book, "Lost Son: An American Family Trapped Inside the FBI's Secret Wars.” Expanding on his investigation for the Journal, Forrest explores the disappearance of Billy Reilly, a gifted civilian who volunteered as an undercover FBI source inside Russia. When their son went missing, Reilly's parents were shut out of the investigation by the FBI and turned to Forrest to uncover what happened. Brett Forrest is a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal where his work often focuses on the former Soviet Union. He has covered the war in Ukraine and was the first reporter to into the Kiev suburb of Bucha following the Russian military's withdrawal, where he broke the news of alleged atrocities. "Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Did the Cold War really end? As recently as this week, the New York Times confirmed that in 2020 Russian intelligence attempted to assassinate a defector on US soil, crossing a major red line even during the height of the Cold War. On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Calder Walton, the historian who uncovered that attempted assassination and the author of a new book, “SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between the East and West.” Using archival evidence declassified as recently as 2022, Walton looks at the 100-year espionage competition among the Soviet, American and British intelligence services. By comparing each side's internal secrets the book reveals double agents, the tactics of disinformation, covert action, and assassinations. How did espionage shape the Cold War?Walton is the Assistant Director of the Harvard Belfer Center's Applied History and Intelligence Project. He is also the author of the three-volume Cambridge History of Espionage and Intelligence and Empire of Secrets: British Intelligence, the Cold War, and the Twilight of Empire."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Did the Cold War really end? As recently as this week, the New York Times confirmed that in 2020 Russian intelligence attempted to assassinate a defector on US soil, crossing a major red line even during the height of the Cold War. On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Calder Walton, the historian who uncovered that attempted assassination and the author of a new book, “SPIES: The Epic Intelligence War Between the East and West.” Using archival evidence only declassified as recently as 2022, Walton looks at the 100 year espionage competition between the Soviet, American and British intelligence services. By comparing each side's internal secrets the book reveals double agents, the tactics of disinformation, covert action, and assassinations. How did espionage shape the Cold War?Walton is the Assistant Director of the Harvard Belfer Center for Applied History and Intelligence Project. He is also the author of the three-volume Cambridge History of Espionage and Intelligence and Empire of Secrets: British Intelligence, the Cold War, and the Twilight of Empire."Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Christopher Hitchens was for many years considered one of the fiercest and most eloquent left-wing polemicists in the world. But on much of today's left, he's remembered as a defector, a warmonger, and a sellout—a supporter of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who traded his left-wing principles for neoconservatism after the September 11 attacks. In How Hitchens Can Save the Left, Matt Johnson argues that this easy narrative gets Hitchens exactly wrong. Hitchens was a lifelong champion of free inquiry, humanism, and universal liberal values. He was an internationalist who believed all people should have the liberty to speak and write openly, to be free of authoritarian domination, and to escape the arbitrary constraints of tribe, faith, and nation. He was a figure of the Enlightenment and a man of the left until the very end, and his example has never been more important. Shermer and Johnson discuss: Hitchens on free expression, identity politics, radicalism, interventionism, authoritarianism, patriotism, internationalism, America and Liberalism, reparations, religion, and death • identity politics • hostility to free speech • why Hitch did not become a neoconservative, warmonger, or imperialist • Enlightenment Liberalism • Trump and the division of the right • Hitchens on the precursors to Trump • Putin and Russian nationalism. Matt Johnson writes for Haaretz, Quillette, American Purpose, South China Morning Post, The Bulwark, Areo, Arc Digital, RealClearDefense, The Kansas City Star, and many other publications. His new book is How Hitchens Can Save the Left: Rediscovering Fearless Liberalism in an Age of Counter-Enlightenment.

David Craig is Editor, Real Clear Defense at Real Clear Politics. He was a U.S. Marine for 20 years, serving in Operation Desert Fox (Iraq), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2009 three tours), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan for all of 2011) and became assistant editor of RealClearDefense in 2015 and editor in 2016. A majority of his time in the Marine Corps was as an intelligence analyst, but also advisor and part of a Battalion Training Team in Fallujah in 2006. Craig completed his Masters of Science in Strategic Intelligence at the Defense Intelligence College (2010) now the National Intelligence University.

Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” we look at the context behind Putin's catastrophic decision to invade Ukraine. What does the history of Russia's post-Soviet wars tell us about the current conflict? Is Putin really playing 3-dimensional chess? Or has he blundered into a disaster of his own making, victim of an increasingly small information bubble?Host, John Sorensen speaks with Mark Galeotti, a prolific longtime observer of Russian history, defense and security issues. He is a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute of International Relations Prague, a Senior Assoc Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, and the principle director at Mayak Intelligence, a consultancy firm specializing in Russia. And most recently he is the author of a new book, “Putin's Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine.” 

Follow Hot Wash on Twitter @hotwashrcdEmail comments and story suggestions to editors@realcleardefense.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” we look at the context behind Putin's catastrophic decision to invade Ukraine. What does the history of Russia's post-Soviet wars tell us about the current conflict? Is Putin really playing 3-dimensional chess? Or has he blundered into a disaster of his own making, victim of an increasingly small information bubble? Host, John Sorensen speaks with Mark Galeotti, a prolific longtime observer of Russian history, defense and security issues. He is a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute of International Relations Prague, a Senior Assoc Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, and the principle director at Mayak Intelligence, a consultancy firm specializing in Russia. And most recently he is the author of a new book, “Putin's Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine.”

On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen, and RCD contributor John Waters speak with journalist and combat veteran Ben Kesling about his new book, “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and Its Aftermath”.It is the story of one unit of the famed 82nd Airborne, their tour in Kandahar's notorious Arghandab Valley and the impact on their lives in the years after. By the end of their deployment, three soldiers had been killed in action, a dozen more grievously injured, and nearly half the company awarded Purple Hearts. In the decade since, two more have died by suicide, with a dozen others attempting, and still more admitting they had considered it. It is a story about the lasting price of war and how to help those who have paid it.Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.  

On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” host John Sorensen, and RCD contributor John Waters speak with journalist and combat veteran Ben Kesling about his new book, “Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and Its Aftermath”.It is the story of one unit of the famed 82nd Airborne, their tour in Kandahar's notorious Arghandab Valley and the impact on their lives in the years after. By the end of their deployment, three soldiers had been killed in action, a dozen more grievously injured, and nearly half the company awarded Purple Hearts. In the decade since, two more have died by suicide, with a dozen others attempting, and still more admitting they had considered it. It is a story about the lasting price of war and how to help those who have paid it.Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” RCD contributor John Waters speaks with Bill Bee and Wills Robinson the authors of “The Shot: The Harrowing Journey of a Marine in the War On Terror.”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On today's episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash,” RCD contributor John Waters speaks with Bill Bee and Wills Robinson the authors of “The Shot: The Harrowing Journey of a Marine in the War On Terror.”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD Contributor John Waters speak with Stephanie Savell, the Co-Director of the Costs of War project at the Watson Institute for International Relations at Brown University. Savell is an anthropologist, who researches militarism, security, and civic engagement in relation to the United States post-9/11 wars. The Costs of War project takes an interdisciplinary approach to ask what are the real total costs of war? Have the post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan improved those nations or left them worse off for the American interventions? What are the combined costs of using the military when you include financing the "military industrial complex," the costs of financing that borrowing,  the long term medical care of veterans, the impact on communities, and all the ripples that 20 years of war sends through a society?To read more about the Costs of War projectSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD Contributor John Waters speak with Stephanie Savell, the Co-Director of the Costs of War project at the Watson Institute for International Relations at Brown University. Savell is an anthropologist, who researches militarism, security, and civic engagement in relation to the United States post-9/11 wars. The Costs of War project takes an interdisciplinary approach to ask what are the real total costs of war? Have the post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan improved those nations or left them worse off for the American interventions? What are the combined costs of using the military when you include financing the "military industrial complex," the costs of financing that borrowing,  the long term medical care of veterans, the impact on communities, and all the ripples that 20 years of war sends through a society?To read more about the Costs of War projectSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On today's RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RCD Editor David Craig, talk with Jamie Roberts, the director of a new documentary on HBO/Max “Escape From Kabul” about the chaotic evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan in August of last year. The documentary uses never before seen archival footage and interviews with participants and eyewitnesses from the Marines on the ground to the Taliban forces who took over the city. Roberts is also the director of “Four Hours at the Capitol” about the January 6 riot. Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On today's RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RCD Editor David Craig, talk with Jamie Roberts, the director of a new documentary on HBO/Max “Escape From Kabul” about the chaotic evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan in August of last year. The documentary uses never before seen archival footage and interviews with participants and eyewitnesses from the Marines on the ground to the Taliban forces who took over the city. Roberts is also the director of “Four Hours at the Capitol” about the January 6 riot. Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. 

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” RCD editor David Craig, contributor John Waters, and host John Sorensen speak with retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller, about holding the political and military leadership accountable for the chaotic withdrawal and ultimate Taliban victory after 20 years of fighting in Afghanistan. Scheller, an infantry officer who in part became well known for viral videos on Facebook in which he criticized command for the pull out, is now the author of a new memoir looking at his 17 years in the corps, Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians. Can there be accountability for the failures in Afghanistan?

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” RCD editor David Craig, contributor John Waters, and host John Sorensen speak with retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller, about holding the political and military leadership accountable for the chaotic withdrawal and ultimate Taliban victory in Afghanistan. Scheller, an infantry officer who in part became well known for viral videos on Facebook in which he criticized command for the pull out, is now the author of a new memoir looking at his 17 years in the corps, Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians. Can there be accountability for the failures in Afghanistan?Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash” RCD editor David Craig, contributor John Waters, and host John Sorensen speak with retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller, about holding the political and military leadership accountable for the chaotic withdrawal and ultimate Taliban victory in Afghanistan. Scheller, an infantry officer who in part became well known for viral videos on Facebook in which he criticized command for the pull out, is now the author of a new memoir looking at his 17 years in the corps, Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians. Can there be accountability for the failures in Afghanistan?Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters talk to Retired Marine Major Fred Galvin about his new book, “A Few Bad Men: The True Story of US Marines Ambushed in Afghanistan and Betrayed in America.”Galvin enlisted in the Marine Corps as a 17-year-old and quickly deployed to combat in the Persian Gulf. A few years later, he commissioned as a Marine officer and served with elite infantry, reconnaissance, and force reconnaissance units. In early 2007, Maj. Galvin deployed to eastern Afghanistan to lead the first Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) task force in combat. Shortly after deploying, Galvin and his men found themselves in an ambush along Highway 1 in Bati Kot. Before they had even returned to their base, accusations of killing civilians rocketed through the media. Galvin was removed from command and faced a Court of Inquiry, the first for the Marines in 65 years. Ultimately cleared of all accusations, Galvin's story touches on the complicated and sometimes adversarial relationship between the Marine Corps and its special operations units. Read John Waters' article in RealClearDefense Bullets Flying', Soldiers Lyin'Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters talk to Retired Marine Major Fred Galvin about his new book, “A Few Bad Men: The True Story of US Marines Ambushed in Afghanistan and Betrayed in America.”Galvin enlisted in the Marine Corps as a 17-year-old and quickly deployed to combat in the Persian Gulf. A few years later, he commissioned as a Marine officer and served with elite infantry, reconnaissance, and force reconnaissance units. In early 2007, Maj. Galvin deployed to eastern Afghanistan to lead the first Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) task force in combat. Shortly after deploying, Galvin and his men found themselves in an ambush along Highway 1 in Bati Kot. Before they had even returned to their base, accusations of killing civilians rocketed through the media. Galvin was removed from command and faced a Court of Inquiry, the first for the Marines in 65 years. Ultimately cleared of all accusations, Galvin's story touches on the complicated and sometimes adversarial relationship between the Marine Corps and its special operations units. Read John Waters' article in RealClearDefense Bullets Flying', Soldiers Lyin'Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Links1. "The War at Sea," by Dr. Seth Cropsey, RealClearDefense, April 18, 2022. 

On today's RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", RCD Editor David Craig and Contributor John Waters speak with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis about his new book, “To Risk It all: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision.” It's a gripping collection of stories of Naval heroes demonstrating how to make decisions under pressure. As much a book about leadership as it is naval history, Stavridis' profiles demonstrate key elements of successful decision making regardless of the arena.During his more than 30 years in the US Navy, Stavridis served as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, as well as commander of a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier battle group in combat. He also holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he recently served as dean. He is currently the Vice Chair for Global Affairs at the Carlyle Group and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Rockefeller Foundation. Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. 

On today's RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", RCD Editor David Craig and Contributor John Waters speak with retired four-star Admiral James Stavridis about his new book, “To Risk It all: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision.” It's a gripping collection of stories of Naval heroes demonstrating how to make decisions under pressure. As much a book about leadership as it is naval history, Stavridis' profiles demonstrate key elements of successful decision making regardless of the arena.During his more than 30 years in the US Navy, Stavridis served as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, as well as commander of a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier battle group in combat. He also holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he recently served as dean. He is currently the Vice Chair for Global Affairs at the Carlyle Group and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Rockefeller Foundation. Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", RCD Editor David Craig looks at competing with China's military on the technology front. The US military has long enjoyed dominance in its ability to leverage connected communications and data for its warfighters, but peer competitors like China could challenge the US in crucial areas like advanced computing and Artificial Intelligence. The Defense Department'sJoint All-Domain Command and Control project, or JADC2 is an ambitious attempt to integrate data, sensors, weapon platforms, and communication across all services and domains. The number of unique devices and protocols that need to be connected is staggering. What will it take to create a “Network of Networks?” And will it help win the Tech War with China?To find out we are joined by Daniel Goure, Senior Vice President with the Lexington Institute. He served as the director of the Office of Strategic Competitiveness in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and most recently is the author of an article for 1945, “The Undeclared US-China Technology War.”Daniel Goure's articleThe Undeclared US China Technology WarSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", RCD Editor David Craig looks at competing with China's military on the technology front. The US military has long enjoyed dominance in its ability to leverage connected communications and data for its warfighters, but peer competitors like China could challenge the US in crucial areas like advanced computing and Artificial Intelligence. The Defense Department'sJoint All-Domain Command and Control project, or JADC2 is an ambitious attempt to integrate data, sensors, weapon platforms, and communication across all services and domains. The number of unique devices and protocols that need to be connected is staggering. What will it take to create a “Network of Networks?” And will it help win the Tech War with China?To find out we are joined by Daniel Goure, Senior Vice President with the Lexington Institute. He served as the director of the Office of Strategic Competitiveness in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and most recently is the author of an article for 1945, “The Undeclared US-China Technology War.”Daniel Goure's article The Undeclared US China Technology WarSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.  

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, RealClearDefense editor David Craig speaks with retired Army Colonel and former General Counsel at US Cyber Command about Cyber and the Russian war in Ukraine. Corn is also a professor at the American University Washington College of Law's Tech, Law and Security program. What are the implications for the law of war, and how cyber might provoke larger NATO involvement in the war?Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, RealClearDefense editor David Craig speaks with retired Army Colonel and former General Counsel at US Cyber Command about Cyber and the Russian war in Ukraine. Corn is also a professor at the American University Washington College of Law's Tech, Law and Security program. What are the implications for the law of war, and how cyber might provoke larger NATO involvement in the war?Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Matthew Cole about his new book, “Code Over Country: The Tragedy and Corruption of SEAL Team 6." Cole is an investigative journalist at ‘The Intercept' and has covered national security since 2005, traveling extensively in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East to cover American conflicts and U.S. intelligence operations. In the book Cole details a long history of alleged wrongdoing including war crimes by members of the Navy's SEAL Team Six and efforts to cover-up that behavior demonstrating a fundamental flaw in the Unit's culture. Officially designated Naval Special Warfare Development Group or DEVGRU, everyone knows them as SEAL Team 6, and they are far from secret, spawning a whole genre of tell all books by former members, and fictionalized accounts of dramatic missions portrayed in films and television. Has public hero worship and the military's extensive reliance on these highly skilled operators over the past two decades allowed them to be largely immune to oversight, obeying a different set of rules? Is there a problem with SEAL team culture? Code Over Country: The Tragedy and Corruption of SEAL Team Six  at Amazon.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with Matthew Cole about his new book, “Code Over Country: The Tragedy and Corruption of SEAL Team 6." Cole is an investigative journalist at ‘The Intercept' and has covered national security since 2005, traveling extensively in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East to cover American conflicts and U.S. intelligence operations. In the book Cole details a long history of alleged wrongdoing including war crimes by members of the Navy's SEAL Team Six and efforts to cover-up that behavior demonstrating a fundamental flaw in the Unit's culture. Officially designated Naval Special Warfare Development Group or DEVGRU, everyone knows them as SEAL Team 6, and they are far from secret, spawning a whole genre of tell all books by former members, and fictionalized accounts of dramatic missions portrayed in films and television. Has public hero worship and the military's extensive reliance on these highly skilled operators over the past two decades allowed them to be largely immune to oversight, obeying a different set of rules? Is there a problem with SEAL team culture? Code Over Country: The Tragedy and Corruption of SEAL Team Six  at Amazon.comSubscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD Editor David Craig continue coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by speaking to David Lasseter, former Deputy Assitant Secretary of Defense for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and a visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute. He is also recently the author of an article on RealClearDefense, “Putin's Disinformation & Opportunity: Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Putin has put Russia's nuclear forces on alert, but are chemical and biological weapons more likely threats in Ukraine? How does Putin's history of using disinformation affect calculations calculations of possible escalations?Follow RealClearDefense on TwitterRead David Lasseter's article in RealClearDefense, “Putin's Disinformation & Opportunity: Weapons of Mass Destruction”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash", host John Sorensen and RCD Editor David Craig continue coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by speaking to David Lasseter, former Deputy Assitant Secretary of Defense for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and a visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute. He is also recently the author of an article on RealClearDefense, “Putin's Disinformation & Opportunity: Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Putin has put Russia's nuclear forces on alert, but are chemical and biological weapons more likely threats in Ukraine? How does Putin's history of using disinformation affect calculations calculations of possible escalations?Follow RealClearDefense on TwitterRead David Lasseter's article in RealClearDefense, “Putin's Disinformation & Opportunity: Weapons of Mass Destruction”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On this Back Story long time  campaigner for sanctions against Russia Bill Browder who says sanctions will isolate Russia, but we are in for heart break in Ukraine.We talk to Dr. Ben Connable, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council,  professor of security studies at Georgetown University. And author of an article for RealClearDefense, “Troop-to-Task: A Russian Invasion of Ukraine.” What would it actually take for Putin to invade and occupy Ukraine and what are the risks for Russia? And Ian Bond, from the  Centre for European Reform and a former British Diplomat on the chances of a direct clash with Russia and NATO and Putins state of mind.

Show Notes and LinksTwatterhttps://twitter.com/GavinWaxWebsitehttps://www.gavinwax.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/gavinwax/?hl=enYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/GavinW23/featuredGettrhttps://gettr.com/user/gavinwaxA New York-based conservative political commentator and columnist.The 76th President of the New York Young Republican Club, Chairman of the New York Republican Liberty Caucus, Chairman of the Association of Young Republican Clubs, Digital Director of the Young Republican National Federation, Corresponding Secretary of the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, National Spokesman of Republicans for National Renewal, Ambassador for Turning Point USA, Associate Fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and a Writing Fellow for America's Future Foundation.Appeared on Fox News, One America News, Bold TV, Newsmax, America Voice News, The First TV, and Compound Media.Articles have been published in Townhall, Newsweek, The Daily Caller, Human Events, The Hill, The Washington Examiner, RealClearDefense, RealClearPolicy, Foundation for Economic Education, Mises Institute, The Federalist, Western Journal, American Greatness, and Newsmax.Stand. Rise up! DEFY. Do NOT comply! #JFS Live www.trew.tubeThis channel and the Jim Fannon Show Podcast consist of older terrestrial radio shows and current interviews and performances by friendly musicians, movie industry influencers, media personalities and a variety of general interest clips. Interact with the community and you'll no doubt, get a response from @JimFannonShowFollow:https://twitter.com/teamniagarahttps://www.facebook.com/jimfannonhttps://www.instagram.com/jimfannonhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jim-fannon-show/id1211826245https://www.facebook.com/jimfannonhttps://twitter.com/TeamNiagarahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/teamniagara/https://www.instagram.com/jimfannonshow/https://gab.com/Fanmanhttps://www.twitch.tv/jimfannonshowhttps://dlive.tv/JimFannonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jimfannonshowThanks for SubscribingYour support for this channel is appreciatedYou may contribute here www.patreon.com/freespeechContribute here www.paypal.me/jimfannonhttps://twitter.com/GavinWaxhttps://gettr.com/user/gavinwaxhttps://www.gavinwax.com/https://www.youtube.com/c/GavinW23/videoshttps://www.instagram.com/gavinwax/?hl=enhttps://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/nyc-elections-2021/ny-nyc-mayoral-race-curtis-sliwa-consultant-gavin-wax-20210903-hyh4wce7xvfr7k3jdqe2t2jxri-story.htmlhttps://archive.is/KnVJwhttps://blackagendareport.com/what-you-should-really-know-about-ukraineJFS Live with Gavin Wax Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/jimfannon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, in light of what appears to be a full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the largest conventional conflict in Europe since WWII, we've asked Ben Connable to return to update us on his views of this rapidly evolving situation, and to discuss his recent commentary on RealClearDefense “Will the Ukrainians Fight?”RealClearDefense editor David Craig speaks with Dr. Ben Connable, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, and adjunct professor of security studies at Georgetown University.Read Ben Connable's article "Will the Ukrainians Fight?" on RealClearDefense.com Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, in light of what appears to be a full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the largest conventional conflict in Europe since WWII, we've asked Ben Connable to return to update us on his views of this rapidly evolving situation, and to discuss his recent commentary on RealClearDefense “Will the Ukrainians Fight?”RealClearDefense editor David Craig speaks with Dr. Ben Connable, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, and adjunct professor of security studies at Georgetown University.Read Ben Connable's article"Will the Ukrainians Fight?"on RealClearDefense.com Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speak with Dr. Ben Connable, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, adjunct professor of security studies at Georgetown University. And author of an article for RealClearDefense, “Troop-to-Task: A Russian Invasion of Ukraine.” What would it actually take for Putin to invade and occupy Ukraine and what are the risks for Russia?Read Ben Connable's article“Troop-to-Task: A Russian Invasion of Ukraine”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

On the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense contributor John Waters speak with Dr. Ben Connable, a retired Marine Corps intelligence officer, a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, adjunct professor of security studies at Georgetown University. And author of an article for RealClearDefense, “Troop-to-Task: A Russian Invasion of Ukraine.” What would it actually take for Putin to invade and occupy Ukraine and what are the risks for Russia?Read Ben Connable's article “Troop-to-Task: A Russian Invasion of Ukraine”Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

In this episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with journalist and author Toby Harnden about his new book, “First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11.”Based on original interviews with CIA officers, paramilitary and special forces members of the small team inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11, Harnden tells the riveting story of the amazing individuals who allied with the Northern Alliance to take Mazar-i-Sharif and ultimately topple the Taliban in the early days of the war. It is also the story of the death of Mike Spann, the CIA officer who would become the first American casualty of a 20 year war. Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.

In this episode of the RealClearDefense podcast “Hot Wash”, host John Sorensen and RCD contributor John Waters speak with journalist and author Toby Harnden about his new book, “First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11."Based on original interviews with CIA officers, paramilitary and special forces members of the small team inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11, Harnden tells the riveting story of the amazing individuals who allied with the Northern Alliance to take Mazar-i-Sharif and ultimately topple the Taliban in the early days of the war. It is also the story of the death of Mike Spann, the CIA officer who would become the first American casualty of a 20 year war.Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. 

Electromagnetic Pulse Expert Dr. Peter Pry joins the Liberty Monks and lays out in great detail the devastation and chaos that will ensue when an EMP event takes place. Dr. Peter Pry is Executive Director of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security and Director of the U.S. Nuclear Strategy Forum. Dr. Pry served on the Congressional EMP Commission and worked for the House Armed Services Committee and the CIA. He is author of Apocalypse Unknown: The Struggle to Protect America From An Electromagnetic Pulse Catastrophe and Electric Armageddon. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsmax, The Hill, National Review, RealClearDefense and other publications. www.libertymonks.com Facebook page Follow us on Twitter Listen on iTunes, Spotify and Anchor Show Notes: Books by Dr. Pry Here

By Jared Samuelson Former Fifth Fleet Commander VADM John “Fozzie” Miller (ret.) and Ari Cicurel join the program to discuss their article for RealClearDefense, “Fifth Fleet’s TF 59 is a Good Start,” and developments in unmanned systems. Sea Control 301 – Task Force 59 with John “Fozzie” Miller and Ari Cicurel Links 1. “Fifth Fleet’s … Continue reading Sea Control 301 – Task Force 59 with John “Fozzie” Miller and Ari Cicurel →

Links1. “Fifth Fleet's Task Force 59 is a Good Start,” by John W. Miller and Ari Cicurel, RealClearDefense, October 6, 2021.

Stephen Paul Rodriguez joined us to talk about the importance of praying for the men and women who serve our country in light of the Afghanistan withdrawal.Stephen Paul Rodriguez is the Managing Partner of One Defense and an investor at Refinery Ventures. He began his career at Booz Allen Hamilton shortly before 9/11 supporting their National Security practice. In his capacity as an expert on game theoretic applications, he supported the United States Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security as a lead architect for the Thor's Hammer, Schriever II/III and Cyber Storm wargames. He subsequently was a Vice President at a artificial intelligence company called Sentia Group and served as Chief Marketing Officer for NCL Holdings, an international defense corporation.Mr. Rodriguez serves as a Board Director or Board Advisor of ten venture-backed companies. He is also Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Council and a Life Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Rodriguez received his B.B.A degree from Texas A&M University and an M.A. degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is published in Foreign Policy, WarOnTheRocks, National Review, and RealClearDefense.Mr. Rodriguez resides in Washington D.C. with his wife, Laura, a venture capitalist with Bulldog Innovation Group and their children, Fletcher, Violet, and Pierce.

Today in another special episode from the RealClearDefense podcast, "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense Editor David Craig speak with Kamal Alam, a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and advisor to Ahmad Massoud who is opposing the Taliban from the Panjshir valley. In 1992, following the defeat of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, a loose alliance of mujahideen militias assaulted Kabul, toppling the Communist government. One of those militias was led by the charismatic commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, the “lion of the Panjshir.” Massoud's Tajik forces joined with Uzbek and Hazara factions to form the Northern Alliance. Massoud's home and nearly impenetrable fortress was the Panjshir valley, roughly 70 miles north of Kabul, from which he defied repeated assaults by the Soviets and then later the Taliban in the Civil War that followed the Communist collapse. During the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s, Massoud became the eyes and ears for western intelligence, prophetically warning about the rise of foreign fighters that became Al Qaeda. Ultimately, he was assassinated by Al Qaeda just two days before the September 11 attacks on the US. But, Massoud's Northern Alliance proved essential in early US victories over the Taliban. 20 years later, in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the rapid collapse of the Afghan National Army, some Afghans are still resisting the Taliban takeover. One of those groups is led by Massoud's 32-year old son Ahmed Massoud, who has returned to the Panjshir valley that proved so defensible for his father. Calling themselves the National Resistance Front or NRF, the small group of Tajiks and former ANA commandos, have vowed to oppose the Taliban and even claim to have recently secured three districts neighboring the Panjshir. Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter at https://www.realcleardefense.com/daily_newsletters/ for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. Be sure to subscribe to Hot Wash on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realclear-defense-presents-hot-wash/id1575373700

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense Editor David Craig speak with Craig Whitlock, Investigative Journalist at the Washington Post and author of "The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War." Based in part on confidential Pentagon interviews obtained through two Freedom of Information lawsuits, the book reveals the doubts policymakers and military leaders were sharing in private throughout the war in stark contrast to their optimistic assessments in public. We are also joined by Steve Liewer, who covers the military for the Omaha World-Herald, and previously wrote for Stars and Stripes. Most recently he has been reporting on how Gold Star families and veterans are dealing with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. What can we learn from looking back over the past 20 years to the internal criticisms expressed by those fighting the war? And how is that affecting today's veterans? Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletter at https://www.realcleardefense.com/daily_newsletters/ for a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security. Be sure to subscribe to Hot Wash on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realclear-defense-presents-hot-wash/id1575373700

Today on the RealClearDefense podcast, "Hot Wash," host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense Editor David Craig speak with Elliot Ackerman: retired Marine, journalist, and novelist, most recently co-author with Ret. Admiral James Stavridas of “2034: A Novel of the Next World War”. Elliot served eight years as a Marine in both the infantry and special operations, including multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is also as a graduate of the Fletcher School of Diplomacy. He brings a unique perspective to both the experience of combat on the ground in Afghanistan, as well as the strategic issues surrounding America's use of force in the world. Our discussion looks at common misconceptions about the nature of the war in Afghanistan and the people fighting it, as well as an attempt to make sense of the catastrophic collapse in the wake of the US withdrawal. Be sure to subscribe to Hot Wash on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realclear-defense-presents-hot-wash/id1575373700

Today on the RealClearPolitics Takeaway we are sharing another episode of the RealClearDefense podcast, "Hot Wash." Host John Sorensen and RealClearDefense Editor David Craig speak with Elliot Ackerman: retired Marine, journalist, and novelist, most recently co-author with Ret. Admiral James Stavridas of “2034: A Novel of the Next World War”. Elliot served eight years as a Marine in both the infantry and special operations, including multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is also as a graduate of the Fletcher School of Diplomacy. He brings a unique perspective to both the experience of combat on the ground in Afghanistan, as well as the strategic issues surrounding America's use of force in the world. Our discussion looks at common misconceptions about the nature of the war in Afghanistan and the people fighting it, as well as an attempt to make sense of the catastrophic collapse in the wake of the US withdrawal. Be sure to subscribe to Hot Wash on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realclear-defense-presents-hot-wash/id1575373700

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realclear-defense-presents-hot-wash/id1575373700

Chase Geiser is joined by Gavin Wax. Gavin's website bio is as follows: "Hi, I'm Gavin Wax. I am a New York-based conservative political commentator and columnist. I am the 74th President of the New York Young Republican Club, Chairman of the Association of Young Republican Clubs, Digital Director of the Young Republican National Federation, National Spokesman of Republicans for National Renewal, Ambassador for Turning Point USA, Associate Fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and a Writing Fellow for America's Future Foundation. I have appeared on Fox News, One America News, Bold TV, Newsmax, America Voice News, The First TV, and Compound Media. My articles have been published in Townhall, Newsweek, The Daily Caller, Human Events, The Hill, The Washington Examiner, RealClearDefense, RealClearPolicy, Foundation for Economic Education, Mises Institute, The Federalist, Western Journal, American Greatness, and Newsmax." EPISODE LINKS: Chase's Twitter: twitter.com/realchasegeiser Gavin's Twitter: twitter.com/GavinWax --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/oneamerican/support

RealClearDefense hosts Josh Rogin, foreign policy columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post and political analyst for CNN, to discuss Rogin's new book, "Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the 21st Century."

“For most of human history, freedom had to be at least suffered for, if not died for, and that raised its value to something almost sacred.” – Sebastian Junger David Craig, editor for RealClearDefense speaks with Sebastian Junger, author of "Restrepo" and "Tribe," about his new book "Freedom." and David Richardson, fmr. Deputy Undersecretary for Homeland Security for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Kash Patel came to the Department of Justice during the Obama administration, then became the Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States, President Donald Trump, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Principal Deputy to the Acting Director of National Intelligence and finally the Chief of Staff for the Acting Secretary of Defense. Kash joins RealClearDefense to talk about his unusual rise in the Federal Government and the issues relating to National Security that arose during his tenure.

RealClearDefense Managing Editor John Waters and Editor David Craig talk with retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David Richardson, former Undersecretary for the office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction at the Department of Homeland Security. They discuss his life as a marine, artist and his path to DHS, as well as as emerging national security threats.

Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Travis Wussow are both back around the table with Jeff Pickering for a wide ranging policy conversation about the ERLC's priorities for the Lame Duck Congress and then the Biden Administration.Then on the second half of the show, China expert Michael Sobolik joins us for a deep dive on Chinese Communist Party politics, history of the U.S. China relationship, and what it means for human rights advocacy today.This episode is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of Searching for Christmas by JD Greear. Find out more about this book at thegoodbook.com.Guest BiographyMichael Sobolik is a Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foriegn Policy Council. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy, regional economic and security trends, America's alliance architecture in Asia, and human rights. Michael also serves as editor of AFPC's monthly newsletter Indo-Pacific Monitor. His analysis has appeared in The Diplomat, The Hill, Jane's Defence Weekly, The National Interest, National Review, Newsweek, Providence, and RealClearDefense. Prior to joining AFPC, Michael served as a Legislative Assistant to Sen. Ted Cruz from 2014 to 2019 and managed his Indo-Pacific policy portfolio. While in the Senate, Michael drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia, as well as strategic systems and missile defense. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he also earned his Master of International Affairs degree in American grand strategy and U.S.-China relations at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.Resources from the ConversationConnect with Michael Sobolik at AFPCSign up for Michael's monthly newsletter, the Indo-Pacific MonitorRead more: How the Chinese Communist Party is persecuting Uyghur Muslims by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik and Michael Sobolik Listen: Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian of AXIOS on China's rising influence and the threat to human rightsRead the EIT Press Release: Evangelical Coalition outlines Immigration Policy Priorities for new Congress, Biden AdministrationCheck out The Good Book CompanySubscribe to ERLC's Policy Newsletter

It has become abundantly clear that the United States faces a robust economic and military competitor in China. In at least one respect, this is a more daunting challenge than America faced in the Cold War, because while the former Soviet Union had a strong military, it struggled with a weak economy. In those days, the United States also could rely on specialized defense contractors to provide most of the technologies that the Defense Department needed to maintain military superiority, but that’s no longer true. Now, many of the capabilities the country needs for its defense reside in the private sector. It is, therefore, critical to establish better links between the commercial sector and the military.Enter the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), a Defense Department entity that was launched in 2015 to work more closely with the private sector. Rob and Jackie talk to Michael Brown, DIU’s director and a former CEO of Symantec, about remaining competitive by innovating in the defense sector. Mentioned: Stephen Ezell and Caleb Foote, “How Stringent Export Controls on Emerging Technologies Would Harm the U.S. Economy” (ITIF, May 2019). Nigel Cory and Robert D. Atkinson, “Why and How to Mount a Strong, Trilateral Response to China’s Innovation Mercantilism” (ITIF, January 2020). Robert D. Atkinson, “Emerging Defense Technologies Need Funding to Cross ‘The Valley of Death’,” RealClearDefense, February 15, 2020.

In this series scheduled to run from April to July, RealClearPolitics and RealClearDefense will take an in-depth look at the intersection of cybersecurity, technology, and the warfare of the 21st century. The series will examine how the world’s leaders are using cyber-espionage to fundamentally shift international power dynamics.

In this series scheduled to run from April to July, RealClearPolitics and RealClearDefense will take an in-depth look at the intersection of cybersecurity, technology, and the warfare of the 21st century. The series will examine how the world’s leaders are using cyber-espionage to fundamentally shift international power dynamics.

In our eighth episode, RealClearDefense editor David Craig and RealClearBooks editor John Waters talk with Sen. John McCain about the upcoming defense budget and the Russian hacking allegations.

In our fourth episode, national political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns talks with Jamie Harrison and Ray Buckley, two of the candidates for Democratic National Committee Chairman. Then, RealClearDefense editor David Craig talks to two officials from the Center for a New American Security: Executive Vice President Shawn Brimley and senior fellow Loren Schulman about the changes coming to the Department of Defense.

Last month saw the newest shipbuilding plan hit the streets. Is this good news, more of the same, or are there some systemic issues that are being painted over? What can the Navy expect over the next few years as the defense cuts bite deeper and the battle for wedges of the defense budget pie heats up. Using their latest article in RealClearDefense as a starting point, our guests will be Mackenzie Eaglen, Resident Fellow at the Marilyn Ware Center for Security Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and Bryan McGrath, Director, Delex Consulting, Studies and Analysis.