Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Aug 29, ’25]
Aug 29, 2025
Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon Comptroller, Jim Townsend, ex-Pentagon Europe Chief, and Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair, dive into the intricacies of U.S.-Russia relations amidst the Ukraine war. They dissect a major Russian attack in Kyiv and discuss the implications of U.S. stakes in defense firms under the current administration. The conversation also touches on the shifting alliances in the Indo-Pacific, particularly the evolving U.S.-India relations and the role of Europe, while lamenting the loss of key intelligence expertise on Russia.
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U.S.-India Relations Need Higher-Level Focus
- Patrick says U.S.-India ties need higher-level engagement; recent meetings were lower-tier and insufficient.
- He warns sanctions over Russian oil purchases strain the relationship and risk strategic drift.
Allies Seek Flexibility Amid U.S. Mixed Signals
- Patrick explains Australia seeks flexible contingency planning in AUKUS talks while resisting mandatory 3.5% GDP defense targets.
- He notes GOP senators' Taiwan trip aims to reassure Taipei amid mixed U.S. signals on China.
Europe's Pacific Role Is Targeted Not Massive
- Jim says Europe's Indo-Pacific involvement reflects mixed signals and limited capacity; Britain and France will still act because they have regional interests.
- He suggests most other Europeans should prioritize Europe while contributing diplomatically or in niche areas.