In this insightful discussion, Tom Bowman, NPR's national security correspondent who extensively reported on the January 6th Capitol attack, and producer Lauren Hodges examine the troubling intersection of military service and political insurrection. They delve into the compelling case of Marine Sgt. Joshua Abate, who admits to participating in the Capitol riots before a polygraph test. The conversation uncovers the psychological aftermath of that day, the challenges of accountability, and the military's response to extremism among its ranks.

Political correspondent Susan Davis, defense correspondent Tom Bowman, and foreign correspondent Emily Feng discuss US interest in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan's involvement, historical significance of the US-Taiwan alliance against China, escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, bipartisan support for Taiwan, comparisons with Ukraine, and complexities of U.S.-Taiwan relations and South China Sea tensions.

As the US nears the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, this episode explores how military recruitment is adapting to a post-War on Terror landscape. Topics include the influence of 9/11 on politics and recruitment, reasons for joining the military, evolution of recruitment strategies, and challenges faced by military recruitment.

Susan Davis, a savvy political correspondent, joins Greg Myre, a keen national security expert, and Tom Bowman, a seasoned Pentagon reporter. Together, they dissect the intricate challenges facing the next U.S. president amidst the Israel and Ukraine conflicts. They explore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, military aid, and civilian impacts. The trio also discusses the Ukraine war's potential stalemate and surprise developments, along with the urgent need for negotiations and the differing strategies proposed by presidential candidates.

Tom Bowman, a seasoned Pentagon reporter, dives into the complexities of U.S. military aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. He discusses the pressing demand for long-range missiles and the potential risks involved, such as escalating tensions and direct U.S. involvement. Bowman highlights the delicate balance between aiding Ukraine and avoiding a broader war. The conversation also touches on recent military strategies and the implications of advanced weaponry within the global political landscape.

Tennessee House Republicans voted to expel Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson after they led a protest on the floor of the chamber in response to a recent deadly school shooting in Nashville.Rep. Gloria Johnson, who also participated in the protest, held on to her seat by a single vote and suggested that's because she is white. And the Biden administration released a report shifting blame for the chaotic final days of American troops in Afghanistan to the Trump administration. The document offered little information about what errors may have led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers amid a chaotic exit that left a number of Afghan allies stranded.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, Nashville Public Radio reporter Blaise Gainey, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman, and congressional reporter Barbara Sprunt.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It is edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Giveaway: npr.org/politicsplusgiveaway Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The move, announced by President Biden in a speech from the Roosevelt Room of the White House, is the latest in a continued escalation of military equipment headed to the country from the U.S. and its allies. It comes as somewhat of a surprise: as recently as last week, top Pentagon officials were insisting that they would not send tanks.This episode: White House correspondent Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Kenneth McKenzie testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee today about the Afghanistan withdrawal.Each said that, before the Taliban's swift takeover and subsequent evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan, they recommended American troops remain in the country. They also said they were caught by surprise at the speed with which the Afghan government collapsed.This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The withdrawal effort managed to evacuate 124,000 people before the last U.S. service member left Afghanistan on Monday, ending nearly two-decades of American military presence in the country after the September 11th attacks.Tuesday at the White House, President Biden fervently defended his decision not to "extend the forever war," though touted America's remote warfare capabilities and told terror group ISIS-K: "We're not done with you yet."This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, White House correspondent Scott Detrow, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In a speech at the White House Monday, President Biden forcefully defended his decision to withdrawal from Afghanistan — rebuking the Afghan government for being unwilling to fight the Taliban and emphasizing that spending more time and money in the country would not, in his view, have changed the outcome.The president devoted very little of the speech to criticism he has faced over how the withdrawal was conducted. He took no questions from reporters.It remains to be seen how many of tens of thousands of Afghans who aided the American war effort will be successfully evacuated. This episode: congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy