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.

Topics discussed include Congress averting a government shutdown, Ukraine supplemental funding outlook, Putin's growing confidence, European rejection of troop deployment to Ukraine, concerns over Russia's nuclear threats, frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, Australian intelligence revelations, and conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.

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.

Dr. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert, discusses the complexities of U.S.-China relations and APEC's significance. Dr. Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon comptroller, shares insights on the implications of the ongoing government shutdown and funding strategies. Michael Herson highlights congressional dynamics and the potential for sanctions against Russia, while Jim Townsend analyzes NATO's response to Ukraine-Russia tensions. The group also debates the ramifications of President Trump's foreign policy moves on European alliances and regional stability.

This roundtable features Michael Herson, a defense lobbyist; Dr. Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller; Dr. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert; and Jim Townsend, a transatlantic security consultant. They discuss the implications of the U.S. government shutdown on defense funding and military confirmations. The guests analyze Secretary Hegseth's controversial meeting on military culture, Russia's drone threats in Europe, and China's gray-zone warfare tactics, highlighting the complex dynamics shaping modern defense strategies.