NatSec Matters

Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China’s pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska. 

Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.

Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.

What does President Trump's plan for peace in Ukraine look like, and what could it cost Kyiv? Michael Allen talks with Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, about the high-stakes diplomacy under way right now. Peter unpacks the determined push for a ceasefire, the potential shift to offering Russia more 'carrots' than 'sticks,' and Ukraine's precarious calculations on manpower, aid, and future security. With US support hanging in the balance and European resolve tested, Michael and Peter explore if a lasting peace is even possible.

Eddie Fishman, a sanctions expert and author of 'Chokepoints', discusses the intricate dance of economic warfare wielded by the U.S. against countries like Russia and China. He highlights how sanctions are reshaping global dynamics, especially in energy markets. Delving into secondary sanctions, he explores their effectiveness and the geopolitical tug-of-war involving Iran, China, and Israel. Fishman warns about the risks of over-reliance on these economic tools, urging a reevaluation of strategies in this age of great power rivalry.

Jeremy Bash speaks with former Air Force Secretary LTC (Ret.) Frank Kendall about the future of U.S. air and space dominance amid rising threats from China and Russia. Mr. Kendall describes the Pentagon’s toughest modernization decisions, from next-generation fighter jets to autonomous combat aircraft. He also discusses the evolving role of the Space Force, the challenges of missile defense, and the urgent need to counter China’s rapid military advancements.

Michael Allen speaks with Arnold Sinisalu, former chief of Estonia’s Internal Security Service, about Estonia’s frontline role in countering Russian espionage and subversion. Arnold describes how Estonia tracks and disrupts Russian intelligence operations, from spy arrests to cyber defense. He also discusses Russia’s evolving sabotage tactics across Europe and the ongoing battle against disinformation. 

Nico Lange is a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, specializing in the Russian war in Ukraine and defense strategies. He delves into Germany’s recent elections, shedding light on the implications for transatlantic security and military readiness. Lange discusses Germany’s evolving defense strategy and its critical partnerships with the U.S. and Europe. He also emphasizes the complexities of achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine, advocating for a comprehensive framework involving NATO membership. His insights on the rise of the AFD party add a provocative layer to the current political landscape.

In a gripping discussion, Bojan Pancevski, Chief European Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, dives deep into Russia's newly established Department of Special Tasks. He reveals its covert operations targeting NATO, including sabotage and cyberattacks. Pancevski uncovers the historical motives fueling these actions and the reckless strategies reshaping Russian intelligence post-Ukraine conflict. He also highlights alarming incidents like the DHL plot and parallels to Cold War tactics, emphasizing the urgent need for Western unity against these threats.

Mark Montgomery, a retired Rear Admiral and Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares crucial insights on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He highlights Russia's tactical advantages and the challenges Ukraine is facing amid funding issues. The discussion dives into U.S. foreign policy dynamics, emphasizing the need for international alliances and support for Ukraine. Montgomery also addresses the rising geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, especially concerning Taiwan and China's military strategy, underscoring the necessity for collaborative defense efforts.