Colin Kahl

Colin Kahl, U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy, joins to discuss recent leaks, U.S. strategy in Ukraine and China. Topics include enhanced Ukraine air defense, addressing anger and strengthening security measures, strategic changes and prioritization of aid to Ukraine, analyzing potential spring offensive in Ukraine, China's intent to challenge the status quo, maintaining strong deterrence against China, and the Biden administration's approach to Iran and deterrence.

In this conversation, guests Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Mira Rapp-Hooper from the National Security Council; and Derek Chollet, Counselor of the State Department, reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Robert Jervis, their mentor. They share insights on Jervis's unique mentorship that combined psychological insights with policy analysis. The discussion touches on his approach to humility in scholarship, the importance of recognizing cognitive biases in leadership, and his influential theories on signaling in international relations.

Colin Kahl, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shares insights on the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing fight against ISIS in Iraq. He emphasizes lessons learned from Ukraine's conflict. Vera Bergengruen, a Senior Correspondent for TIME, discusses Latin America's right-wing populism, focusing on leaders like Nayib Bukele and Javier Milei, and dives into Russian influence operations aimed at U.S. conservatives. Their conversation reveals connections between global conflicts and domestic political narratives.