Michael Herson

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.

Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller with ties to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins Michael Herson, a prominent figure at American Defense International, and Dr. Patrick Cronin, Asia Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute. They discuss the potential impacts of a newly passed reconciliation package that worries bond markets. The talk also covers President Trump’s ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative, challenges in U.S.-Iran relations, and North Korea’s recent naval setbacks amidst global tensions over nuclear deterrence.

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.

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.

Dr. Patrick Cronin, a security expert at the Hudson Institute, joins forces with lobbyist Michael Herson, former Pentagon chief Jim Townsend, and fiscal strategist Dr. Dov Zakheim. They dive into the U.S. government shutdown's impact and Trump's recent Asia trip, analyzing his meetings with key leaders. The group discusses the implications of Trump resuming nuclear tests and the delivery of advanced weaponry to Ukraine as Russia tests new missiles. They also explore evolving U.S. alliances in Asia and the Gaza ceasefire's fragile status.

Dr. Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, discusses the implications of the ongoing government shutdown on defense programs. Michael Herson provides insights into congressional dynamics and appropriations. Dr. Patrick Cronin analyzes tensions in U.S.-China relations and trade strategies ahead of a crucial summit, while Jim Townsend offers commentary on Russia's actions concerning Ukraine and the significance of Ukraine's Gripen fighter purchase. This lively roundtable covers a range of pressing international defense issues.