To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Nicholas Grossman: UN Escalators, NATO, and Free Speech
Sep 28, 2025
Nicholas Grossman, an academic and national security commentator, joins to dissect the latest tumult in U.S. politics and foreign policy. They analyze Trump's controversial UN speech and its implications for international relations. Grossman questions the necessity of summoning numerous military generals, highlighting the risks of politicizing the armed forces. The discussion also covers the shifting narratives around Ukraine and insights into how corporate and media actions can spark vital conversations about free speech and the strength of democracy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Odd Military Muster Weakens Readiness
- Calling hundreds of generals back to Virginia is unprecedented in peacetime and weakens national security by pulling leaders off posts.
- Nicholas Grossman says teleconferencing would avoid the logistical and security costs of an in-person assembly.
UN Rant Erodes Global Reliability
- Trump's UN speech signals rejection of post-Cold War international cooperation and damages U.S. credibility abroad.
- Grossman warns foreign leaders view repeated behavior as evidence the U.S. is unreliable or hostile.
Wobbly U.S. Signals Threaten NATO Deterrence
- Ambiguous U.S. commitments to NATO degrade deterrence and invite Russian probing in Eastern Europe.
- Grossman explains NATO's power rests on perceived U.S. certainty to defend members.
