Shield of the Republic Is Trump Losing Control of the Pentagon?
13 snips
Jul 10, 2025 Delve into the chaos at the Pentagon as military aid to Ukraine faces obstacles. Discover the shifting dynamics of Trump’s defense policies and the confusion surrounding his stance on foreign relations. Explore the complexities of U.S. relationships with Russia, China, and Iran amid regional conflicts. A light-hearted interlude brings literary discussions into the fray, linking classic tales to contemporary dilemmas. Get insights into media cuts affecting global journalism amidst rising tensions, reflecting on the vital role of truthful reporting.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pentagon Leadership Dysfunction Anecdote
- Eliot Cohen humorously describes Pentagon leadership: a Secretary caring about Fox News, a Deputy overwhelmed by the job.
- The Under Secretary imagines himself a 19th century diplomat but falls short.
Cape Cod Vacation Shark Anecdote
- On vacation at Cape Cod, Eliot Cohen notes the presence of great white sharks hunting seals due to climate change.
- He jokes about hoping sharks prefer seals over his grandchildren as a humorous terror exercise.
Russia's Growing Drone Threat
- Russian drone attacks on Ukraine are increasing in scale and sophistication, targeting civilians deliberately.
- The offense-defense technology balance favors Russia, making it costly for Ukraine to defend effectively.
