In Episode 264 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas publishes the contents of a call that he hosted on Twitter Spaces this past Tuesday evening only hours after Nancy Pelosi, the US Speaker of the House of Representatives arrived in Taiwan. The subject of the call concerns both the short and long-term consequences of Pelosi’s trip and whether or not the US is ready to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese naval blockade or invasion of the island by the People’s Liberation Army. Speakers Dmitri Alperovitch, Elbridge Colby, and Jamil N. Jaffer discuss how the US can prepare for this eventuality, the urgency of the task at hand, and the possibility and consequences of the US losing a war with China over Taiwan in the next few years. If you enjoyed listening to today’s episode of Hidden Forces you can help support the show by doing the following: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | CastBox | RSS Feed Write us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Subscribe to our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe & Support the Podcast at https://hiddenforces.io Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 08/02/2022

Elbridge Colby, a national security expert and author, shares his insights on navigating U.S. foreign policy with a focus on preventing World War III. He discusses critical actions Trump should take to avoid escalating tensions with Iran and Russia, emphasizing the need for strategic peace through strength. Colby critiques the pro-war establishment and calls for accountability within the CIA, advocating for a military prepared to face modern global challenges. His perspective aligns closely with Trump's approach, promising a thought-provoking discussion.

Experts discuss America's military strategy against China, TikTok's ownership debate, and Schumer's call for early Israeli elections. The podcast also explores geopolitical challenges, political interference in Israel, and the complexities of modern romance.

Dan Blumenthal, director of Asian studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and Elbridge Colby, founder of the Marathon Initiative think tank, discuss deterring China's expansion in the South China Sea and aggression towards Taiwan. They explore the potential consequences of China's dominance in the Pacific, military and economic coercion, relying on allies, parallels between the Cold War and US-China relations, and the challenges faced by the United States in navigating its role in the world.

Experts analyze the potential outbreak of World War III, including Europe's vulnerability and the need for military mobilization. They discuss UK's military resources and preparedness for war with Russia, concerns about a potential NATO conflict and European vulnerability, President Trump's possible military action in Asia, the risk of a war in Europe and American isolationism, and the importance of high technology in countering threats.

Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, discusses US strategic competition with China, focusing on the PRC military threat and the need to equip allies for military deterrence. He highlights debates within the Republican party on how much to focus on China and advocates prioritizing the PRC in force planning and relationships with allies. The podcast also explores China's preparation for conflict, concerns about the Biden administration's policy in Asia, and the importance of clear public statements and a military build-up to defend Taiwan.

Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, and Wajahat Ali, co-host of Democracy-Ish, join an insightful panel with journalist Aaron Maté and foreign policy expert Elbridge Colby. They dive into the potential impacts of Trump's foreign policy decisions while humorously debating political accountability. The group explores the challenges the Democratic Party faces in the 2024 elections and the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. With sharp critiques and lively banter, they provide a unique perspective on the shifting political landscape and the future direction of U.S. foreign relations.

Elbridge Colby, a former national security adviser to the Trump administration, argues that U.S. support for Ukraine is hampering America's focus on the rising threat from China over Taiwan. He believes Europe can manage its own security and urges a strategic pivot towards Asia. The conversation dives into the complexities of international alliances, military readiness, and the need for realistic defense strategies. Colby also discusses how shifting perceptions of Trump's foreign policy may reshape America's global stance in the upcoming years.

Elbridge Colby, co-founder of the Marathon Initiative, discusses the threat from China, Ukraine & Russia, Hamas-Israel conflict, economic strength of America, private sector impact, and actions America can take to improve its position.

The fate of Taiwan is uncertain. As a revanchist China builds up forces near the island, the Biden administration is warning Beijing against an invasion, bolstering its defense with the sale of military hardware. Beijing sees Taiwan as lost territory, which needs to be “reunified” with the mainland. The United States is now faced with a geopolitical quandary: Can the U.S. military defend Taiwan from Beijing, and should it? Or, is Taiwan indefensible? Arguing in favor of the motion is Lyle J. Goldstein of the Naval War College, with Charlie Glaser of George Washington University. Arguing against the motion is former deputy assistant secretary of defense Elbridge Colby, with Elizabeth Larus of the University of Mary Washington. Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices