Analyzing Ukraine’s Attack on Russian Airbases With Former Admiral Stavridis
whatshot 112 snips
Jun 9, 2025
A former NATO commander analyzes Ukraine’s audacious drone strikes on Russian airbases, showcasing a shift in warfare tactics. A military strategist discusses how the US must update its approach to modern military technology. Meanwhile, a former British foreign secretary shares insights from his recent trip to Syria, highlighting both challenges and newfound hopes. Lastly, the discussion turns to South Korea's election, exploring the significant gender divide shaping its political landscape.
43:14
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Ukraine's Drones Penetrate Russia
Ukraine's "Operation Spiderweb" showed deep penetration into Russian territory using drones.
This attack diminished Russia's long-range strike capability and demonstrated Ukrainian creativity and determination.
insights INSIGHT
Modern Tech Meets WWI Tactics
The Ukraine war blends advanced military tech with World War I-style trench warfare.
Despite technology, the conflict remains a bloody, stalemated battle largely defined by artillery and trenches.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Push Putin Toward Negotiation
Advise Trump to pressure Putin by threatening reconstruction funds and imposing secondary sanctions.
Urge providing Ukraine with advanced long-range missiles to push Russia toward negotiation.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Admiral James Stavridis's "The Admiral's Bookshelf" is a unique collection of 25 books that have shaped his life, philosophy, and leadership. The book explores military lessons and strategic thinking through the lens of literature, drawing parallels between fictional narratives and real-world experiences. Stavridis's insightful commentary provides context and analysis, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The selection of books reflects a diverse range of genres and authors, showcasing the admiral's broad intellectual curiosity. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in leadership, military history, or the power of literature.
The Light That Failed
Why the West Is Losing the Fight for Democracy
Stephen Holmes
Ivan Krastev
In this book, Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes argue that the supposed end of communism marked the beginning of an age of autocracy. They contend that the drive for democracy in Eastern Europe after 1989 led to a bitter repudiation of liberalism due to the painful process of 'copycat Westernization.' This mimicry of Western institutions and values, especially after the Soviet era, resulted in a deep-seated resentment and a political backlash against liberalism. The authors also examine how this phenomenon is linked to the rise of populist and nationalist movements in both Eastern Europe and the United States, including the Trump presidency. They discuss the roles of Russia, China, and other global actors in this context and argue that Western defenders of liberal democracy need to offer a more realistic vision of world order[2][3][5].
Unit X
How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War
Christopher Kirchhoff
Raj Shah
This book provides an insider perspective on the transformation of how war is fought through the integration of advanced technologies from Silicon Valley into the US military. The authors, who co-founded Unit X, detail the bureaucratic challenges, cultural clashes, and institutional inertia they faced and overcame to bring innovations such as flying cars, AI-powered drones, and microsatellites into military operations. The book highlights the urgent need for the US to maintain technological parity with its adversaries and deter war through these advancements.
Starship Troopers
Robert A. Heinlein
In 'Starship Troopers,' Robert A. Heinlein explores a future society where citizenship and the right to vote are earned through military service. The story follows Juan 'Johnny' Rico as he joins the Terran Mobile Infantry and undergoes rigorous training and battles against an alien species known as the 'Bugs.' The novel delves into themes of citizenship, duty, and the philosophy of war, while also critiquing societal values and the implications of militarism. Through Rico's journey, Heinlein examines the psychological and moral aspects of war, the importance of discipline and sacrifice, and the complex relationships between comrades in a military context.
Today on the show, Fareed is joined by former NATO Supreme Allied Commander James Stavridis to discuss Ukraine’s stunning attacks on Russian airbases.
Next, Christopher Kirchhoff, a top military strategist, speaks with Fareed about the future of warfare, and how the US needs to adapt to changing military technology and move on from models stuck in the past.
Then, David Miliband, former British foreign secretary, has just returned from a trip to Syria where he met with the new President Al-Sharaa. He describes the challenges and the hope in the country as it emerges from more than five decades of repressive rule.
Finally, fellow for South Korea studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Darcie Draudt-Véjares joins the show to discuss the recent presidential election in South Korea and the impact of the country’s stark gender divide on its politics.
GUESTS: James Stavridis (@stavridisj), Christopher Kirchhoff (@chrismkirchhoff), David Miliband (@DMiliband), Darcie Draudt-Véjares (@darciedraudt)