H.R. McMaster, a retired Lieutenant General and former National Security Advisor, dives into the pressing challenges posed by a new alliance of authoritarian regimes like Russia and China. He discusses how these nations exploit perceptions of American weakness and the potential shift towards a multipolar world. The conversation highlights the need for innovative strategies against these aggressors and the importance of strategic empathy in understanding adversaries. McMaster also examines whether U.S. institutions are equipped to handle modern geopolitical tensions in an era of disinformation.
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insights INSIGHT
Axis of Aggressors
The current geopolitical landscape is characterized by an axis of aggressors.
These aggressors, led by China and Russia, aim to reshape international rules.
insights INSIGHT
Multipolar World Order
The world is shifting towards a multipolar dynamic, challenging the Western rules-based order.
This shift is driven by revanchist powers like China and Russia.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Countering Putin
Recognize Putin's grand ambitions beyond security concerns to restore a Russian empire.
He must be physically stopped by imposing costs exceeding his calculated risks.
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Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with General H.R. McMaster (ret.) about the emerging axis of aggressors—Russia, China, and others—and what their coordinated challenges mean for American power and global stability. They discuss how these regimes are pushing for a return to a multipolar world, exploiting perceptions of American weakness, and contesting U.S. leadership. He also examines whether America’s 20th-century institutions are equipped for today’s geopolitical competition and why strategic empathy is essential for understanding our adversaries.
What’s driving the alignment between authoritarian powers—and can the U.S. effectively counter it? Is Washington thinking creatively enough to both pressure and engage rivals like Russia and China? How should American institutions adapt to compete in an era of disinformation, proxy conflicts, and strategic influence? And as Europe takes greater responsibility for its own defense, could that shift unintentionally weaken transatlantic unity?
Check out today’s experts on Twitter:
@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC
@LTGHRMcMaster from @HooverInst, @FSIStanford, @FDD_CMPP, and @Hudsoninstitute
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