Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Aug 22, ’25]
Aug 22, 2025
Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe chief, Chris Servello, retired Navy commander, and Patrick Cronin from the Hudson Institute dive into pressing global issues. They tackle the Pentagon's forced retirements and the civil-military relations crisis, exploring how political maneuvering affects trust in military institutions. The conversation then shifts to geopolitical tensions, particularly U.S.-Russia dynamics, China's intimidation in Southeast Asia, and Israel's controversial actions regarding Gaza, revealing the intricate web of current international relations.
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Raids Signal Chilling Political Message
- The Bolton raid has created an atmosphere of fear that chills public life and political discourse.
- Dov Zakheim argues the message is that even former national security advisers are vulnerable, eroding norms.
Military Politicization Risks Public Trust
- Retired officers and veterans report rising politicization of the military and declining public trust.
- Chris Servello warns this could change recruitment, retention, and how Americans view the armed forces.
Maintain Norms; Don’t Panic About Short-Term Shifts
- Keep faith in longstanding military norms and wait out transient politicization.
- Dov Zakheim and Jim Townsend advise senior officers will likely keep heads down and revert to nonpartisan behavior over time.
