Ely Ratner

Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner discusses North Korean intentions, American military posture, South Korea-Japan cooperation, Chinese military modernization, corruption in the Chinese military, and deterring an attack on Taiwan.

Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, delve into the U.S. Department of Defense's 2024 China Military Power Report. They analyze advancements within the People’s Liberation Army, highlighting concerns over military spending and nuclear arsenal growth. The discussion also uncovers the impacts of corruption within the PLA and examines evolving Chinese military dynamics, notably regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea, and China-Russia military ties.

Ely Ratner joins to discuss his extensive experience in U.S.-China strategic competition and Indo-Pacific security. He highlights the urgent need for a more cohesive strategy in Washington as crises often spark necessary focus on national security. Ratner explores the increasing demands from allies for advanced capabilities, stressing the importance of a formal Pacific defense pact to deter China. He also addresses the implications of rising military spending among allies and the need for credible, cooperative deterrence strategies in the region.

Ely Ratner, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, discusses the rising tensions in US-China relations and the need for a Pacific defense pact. Ibram X. Kendi shares insights from his biography on Malcolm X, highlighting the enduring legacy of resilience and its relevance to today’s social justice movements. Ray Dalio emphasizes the importance of understanding economic debt cycles and bipartisan approaches to fiscal responsibility, stressing the potential impact on national stability.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Ely Ratner, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, advocates for a collective defense pact between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines to counter China's military rise. He underscores the necessity of moving away from outdated alliances and embracing a unified strategy. Ratner addresses concerns about Australia's commitment and emphasizes enhanced regional cooperation. The conversation delves into practical challenges and the evolving role of the Philippines as a crucial ally in this defense framework.