Michael Herson

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.

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.

In this episode, a group of experts discuss various topics, including Trump's impact on a border-Ukraine aid deal, Hungary's hesitation on Sweden's NATO membership, China's weakened economy, North Korea's nuclear saber rattling, and Israel's rejection of peace efforts. They also highlight the importance of finding a compromise to save Ukraine and express concerns about the implications if Russia wins. The episode concludes with speculation about possible debates between Haley and Trump.

Experts discuss budget deal, Israel-Hamas war, NATO's support for Ukraine, Geert Wilders' win in Netherlands, US-India relations, Kissinger's legacy, and expectations from Reagan National Defense Forum. They also touch upon NDAA progress, ongoing negotiations in Israel-Hamas conflict, European elections, and complexity of decision-making in wartime.

Dr. Patrick Cronin, Michael Herson, Jim Townsend, and Dr. Dov Zakheim discuss topics including the bipartisan nature of the continuing resolution, Senate's solution for military promotions, House and Senate dysfunction leading to retirements, delayed Ukraine aid, Biden-Xi summit takeaways, Israel's campaign against Hamas, tensions in the West Bank, and US efforts to contain Iran's proxies.

This discussion features Michael Herson, a leading defense lobbyist, Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official, Patrick Cronin, an expert on Asia-Pacific security, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller. They delve into crucial topics like the U.S.-China tariff negotiations, rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and the urgent need for the U.S. debt ceiling to protect national defense funding. The panel also explores the geopolitical ramifications of President Trump's Middle East visits and the recent issues concerning undersea cable breaches near Taiwan.

Join experts Michael Herson, a leading defense lobbyist, Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, Jim Townsend, ex-Pentagon Europe chief, and Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security authority, as they dissect the intricacies of President Trump’s proposed $1 trillion defense budget. They delve into the potential cuts to military leadership and explore the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The conversation also touches on crucial geopolitical trade talks and highlights the complex international dynamics involving Russia, Ukraine, and Europe.