Michèle Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy under President Obama, dives into the transformative plans of the Trump administration for the Pentagon. She discusses the significant implications of proposed budget cuts on U.S. defense strategy. The conversation also highlights the essential leadership qualities for the Secretary of Defense, the rise of online scams affecting national security, and the evolving role of women in combat. Flournoy emphasizes the necessity for experience and integrity in military leadership during turbulent political times.

Lawrence H. Summers, former US Treasury Secretary, discusses the alarmingly high VIX and potential SEC responses. David Bianco, CIO of DWS Americas, sees volatility as overreaction from investors. Harvard's Greg Mankiw warns about negative legacies for future generations. Michèle Flournoy highlights the intensifying AI arms race, while Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, argues for sophisticated quantitative AI models to benefit the economy. The conversation navigates market volatility, fiscal policies, and innovation in defense strategies against geopolitical tensions.

Michèle Flournoy, Co-Founder of WestExec Advisors and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shares her insights into national security and defense strategy. She discusses the ongoing U.S.-China competition in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the role of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and reputational deterrence. Flournoy highlights the need for enhanced military capabilities and strategic dialogues among allies, emphasizing collaboration with Japan and Australia. The conversation touches on agility and unity in responding to geopolitical challenges, including tensions in Sri Lanka.

Simon Bouvier, Paris bureau chief for Monocle, and Yair Zivan, an Israeli author and advisor, join Michèle Flournoy, a former US defense official, to discuss the precarious state of centrism. They dive into the challenges faced by centrists in a starkly polarized political landscape, especially in France under Macron. The conversation also touches on the tension between Trump’s foreign policy instincts and norms, the delicate balance in Gaza, and the essential role of compromise in navigating modern governance. This compelling dialogue reveals how pragmatism is crucial for a sustainable political future.

In a conversation fresh from the Freakonomics Radio Network’s podcast laboratory, Michèle Flournoy (one of the highest-ranking women in Defense Department history) speaks with Cecil Haney (one of the U.S. Navy’s first Black four-star admirals) about nuclear deterrence, smart leadership, and how to do inclusion right.