Victoria Coates, a national security expert and former Deputy Assistant to President Trump, dives into her book about U.S.-Israel relations. She discusses the ideological shifts in the U.S. support for Israel and highlights the rise of anti-Semitism in academia. Coates examines how youth perspectives shape political attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and critiques media narratives surrounding Gaza. She also emphasizes the strategic implications of military investment and natural gas exports in the region's future.
Victoria Coates' career trajectory highlights a significant shift from art history to influential roles in U.S. national security policymaking.
The rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses reflects a troubling trend where diverse viewpoints are increasingly marginalized in academia.
Coates argues that U.S. support for Israel is driven by strategic interests, essential for addressing global power dynamics and threats.
Deep dives
Victoria Coates' Diverse Background
Victoria Coates has had a unique career journey, beginning as an art historian and transitioning into high-level government roles, including director of research for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and deputy national security advisor to President Donald Trump. She played a crucial role in the maximum pressure campaign against Iran and was instrumental in negotiating the Abraham Accords. Coates has held various positions, including advising the Secretary of Energy on national security issues, showcasing her multifaceted expertise. This diverse experience informs her current role as vice president of the Catherine and Shelby Cullum Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at the Heritage Foundation.
Personal Legacy and Motivation
Coates dedicates her book, 'The Battle for the Jewish State,' to her grandfather, a U.S. Army captain who participated in the D-Day invasion during World War II. His enduring legacy of bravery and sacrifice deeply influences her perspective and commitment to supporting Israel. A significant moment for her was when she celebrated her mother's 75th birthday in Jerusalem, marking a poignant connection between personal history and national pride. This personal narrative shapes her understanding of the importance of defending democratic values and recognizing the sacrifices made for freedom.
The Roots of Anti-Semitism in Academia
Coates discusses the growing anti-Semitism on university campuses, noting her own discomfort with a culture where conservative voices are marginalized. She highlights how academia has shifted from supporting diverse viewpoints to increasingly hostile environments for Jewish students and conservative scholars. The role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in reducing Jewish representation is also addressed, as she draws parallels to historical quota systems. This evolving landscape in academia reflects a broader societal trend that undermines the foundations of diversity in thought and intellectual discourse.
Israel's Importance to U.S. Interests
Coates argues that U.S. support for Israel is fundamentally rooted in self-interest, not charity. Highlighting the historical context of the U.S.-Israel alliance, she points out key developments during the Reagan administration, including security cooperation and economic ties. This partnership serves as a strategic asset for the U.S. in projecting power globally and addressing threats from adversaries like Iran and China. By empowering allies such as Israel, the U.S. can minimize its own military commitments while reinforcing a network of support for democratic values in a volatile region.
Challenges of U.S. Foreign Policy Approach
Coates critiques the Biden administration's foreign policy, particularly its handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict following the events of October 7th. She argues that initial strong support for Israel weakened under pressure from progressive factions within the administration, leading to a muddled stance on key issues like ceasefires and humanitarian aid. This indecisiveness reflects a broader trend of anti-Israel sentiment among younger demographics, shaped by academic indoctrination and narratives of oppression. The contrasting clear position taken by Trump emphasizes the need for firm leadership in U.S. foreign policy to effectively support allies while addressing global threats.
In 2019 after serving as deputy national security advisor to President Donald Trump, Victoria Coates was promoted to Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, overseeing the Maximum Pressure campaign against Tehran and initiating the negotiations for the Abraham Accords. She joins Cliff to discuss her new book: “The Battle for the Jewish State: How Israel—And America—Can Win.”
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
