Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Aug 08, ’25]
Aug 8, 2025
Join Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon Europe Chief, Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon Comptroller, as they navigate today's geopolitical landscape. They analyze the implications of Trump’s tariff wars, explore the U.S. economic pressure on Russia, and discuss Australia's pivotal frigate deal with Japan. The trio dissects peace efforts in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, provides insights into Israel's strategies for Gaza, and contemplates the ripple effects of sanctions on global diplomacy.
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US Using Economic Power As A Core Strategy
- The Trump administration is escalating tariffs and using economic leverage as a central national strategy.
- This shifts foreign policy toward revenue-driven pressure rather than traditional alliance-building.
Windfall Funding Risks Waste Without Direction
- Large, non-specific no‑year funds risk inefficient spending and waste across acquisition lines.
- Dov Zakheim warns that dispersing a bonus-like inflow without clear line items invites trouble.
Allies Must Fill Near-Term Deterrence Gaps
- The US will rely heavily on Australia, Japan and South Korea to deter China over the next decade.
- Patrick Cronin stresses allies must increase spending and capability now to close near-term gaps.