Pushing Europe toward higher defense spending

No need to force yourself to head outside in this horrible weather—unless you are in the Free State of Florida where the high is expected to hit 80F or so.

From the Friday National Defense Strategy dump to whatever comes over the transom, we’ve got you covered.

Show Links

• 2026 National Defense Strategy
• Heritage Foundation’s, Tidalwave
• Beans, Bullets, and Black Oil, Rear Adm. Worrall Reed, USN
• Fourth Arm of Defense: Sealift and Maritime Logistics in the Vietnam War, Sal Mercogliano
• USS Zumwalt Underway for First Time Since 2023 After Missile Refit, Sam LaGrone
• 2009, George Soros interviewed by then WEF ‘Young Global Leader’ and future Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland

Summary

In this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss the recent release of the National Defense Strategy, its implications for U.S. military policy, and the focus on China one of the primary concerns. They also address European defense responsibilities, Canada’s political landscape, and the importance of logistics in military preparedness. The conversation highlights the need for candor within military culture and the future of naval warfare technologies.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Overview
02:45: Airing Grievances: National Defense Strategy Release
07:09: Analysis of National Defense Strategy
12:41: Focus on China: Realistic Approaches
18:31: European Defense Responsibilities24:28: Canada’s Political Landscape and Defense Issues
30:38: Logistics and Military Preparedness
40:48: The Importance of Candor in Military Culture
53:30: Future of Naval Warfare and New Technologies