Jim Townsend

Join experts Michael Herson, Jim Townsend, Dr. Dov Zakheim, and Dr. Patrick Cronin as they dissect the looming government shutdown and its political fallout. Herson highlights the unprecedented OMB guidance, while Townsend analyzes Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine. They also delve into Europe's resolve against Russian provocations and how Japan's NATO deployment signals a strategic shift in the Indo-Pacific. Cronin warns of China's opportunism in global instability and the broader implications for defense strategy in a rapidly changing world.

Michael Herson, head of American Defense International, discusses the looming budget crisis affecting defense funding. Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe chief, highlights the tensions between U.S. and European defense strategies. Dov Zakheim, ex-Pentagon comptroller, analyzes the implications of Trump's tariffs on international relations. Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security expert, explores U.S. commitments in Asia and the challenges posed by China. The conversation dives into the political turmoil surrounding Israel and debates on military actions against Iran.

Michael Herson, a top lobbyist at American Defense International, joins former Pentagon Comptroller Dov Zakheim, Asia-Pacific Security expert Patrick Cronin, and ex-Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend. They tackle the complex legislative hurdles in U.S. defense appropriations and the tensions surrounding military modernization amid inflation. The discussion dives into fragile U.S.-China trade agreements and the geopolitical effects of the Ukraine conflict, as well as NATO's air defense needs and the intricacies of military accountability.

Dr. Patrick Cronin, a defense expert, joins Michael Herson from American Defense International, former Pentagon chief Jim Townsend, and ex-Pentagon Comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim to discuss pressing global issues. They delve into a complex hostage exchange with Russia and escalating Middle East tensions following Israel's actions against Hamas and Hezbollah. The group also analyzes rising military expenditures, the U.S. response to China's hacking, and potential candidates for Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in the upcoming elections.

Experts Dr. Cronin, Herson, Townsend, and Zakheim discuss Senate boost in defense spending, White House support for Ukraine, Putin's visits, Russia's nuclear space plans, NATO's new Secretary General, China-Philippines tensions, Netanyahu's weapon accusations, and IDF disagreements on the Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast.

Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon Europe chief, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, delve into the implications of U.S. appropriations on national security and potential shutdown risks. They analyze recent Senate votes affecting war powers, the geopolitical significance of Greenland, and NATO's evolving role. Townsend discusses the legacy of the Cold War in the Arctic and the shifting European security landscape. Zakheim assesses Iran's internal turmoil and U.S. diplomatic strategies, emphasizing the need for allied cooperation in a competitive global arena.

Michael Herson, a defense lobbyist, discusses congressional dynamics and recent appropriations, while Dr. Dov Zakheim critiques defense spending inefficiencies. Dr. Patrick Cronin analyzes China's reactions to U.S. actions regarding Venezuela and the implications for Taiwan. Jim Townsend raises concerns about NATO's trust amid Greenland discussions. The panel also explores geopolitical implications of U.S. policy changes, the evolving situation in Ukraine, and regional tensions in the Middle East, offering a comprehensive assessment of current defense and security challenges.

This roundtable features Michael Herson, a defense policy commentator, Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, an expert on European security, and Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific strategist. They dive into congressional turmoil over the NDAA, a controversial Ukraine peace plan, and the implications of redistricting for Republicans. Discussions also cover China's increasing pressure on Taiwan, hybrid warfare tactics inspired by Russia, and the geopolitical ramifications of recent U.S. arms sales and international engagements.

This week features Michael Herson, a former Capitol Hill staffer; Dr. Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller; Jim Townsend, a transatlantic security expert; and Dr. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific strategy authority. They dive into the implications of the US government shutdown and upcoming appropriations, while also analyzing the complexities of designating 'Antifa' as terrorist organizations. The guests discuss rising tensions over Taiwan, the evolving battlefield in Ukraine, and the significance of the new Australia-Indonesia defense treaty.

Michael Herson, President of American Defense International, shares insights on the recent election dynamics influencing the longest U.S. government shutdown. Dr. Dov Zakheim highlights the Pentagon's budgeting challenges amid the shutdown and discusses potential military actions in Venezuela and Nigeria. Dr. Patrick Cronin analyzes Defense Secretary Hegseth's impactful Asia trip and its implications on U.S. defense diplomacy. Jim Townsend provides an update on Russian advances in Ukraine and European security concerns, emphasizing NATO's strategic posture.