Battlegrounds With H.R. McMaster: International Perspectives

Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Special Envoy for children in Ukraine, joins H.R. McMaster to explore the U.S.-Iceland relationship and the significance of NATO. She sheds light on the plight of Ukrainian children amid the conflict, discussing trauma and accountability. The conversation touches on Iceland's role in Arctic security, its renewable energy potential for data centers, and the country’s appeal to travelers, all while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and resilience.

Petr Pavel, President of Czechia and retired army general, shares his insights on European security and transatlantic relations. He discusses the historical resilience of Czechia and its role in NATO, emphasizing the dangers of Russian aggression and the necessity of U.S. leadership. Pavel highlights the strategic responsibilities of Europe in a shifting geopolitical landscape and the importance of military collaboration. He also touches on the challenges posed by the Russia-China nexus and the need for democratic nations to unite for a secure future.

In a thought-provoking discussion, David Vigneault, former director of CSIS, dives into the evolving relationship between the US and Canada post-election. He analyzes Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory and President Trump’s controversial statements about Canada. Vigneault emphasizes collaboration on defense, intelligence, and energy security while addressing the challenges posed by Canada-India tensions and broader geopolitical issues, particularly regarding China's influence and the need for resilience in international norms.

Join The Right Honorable Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022, and Hoover Senior Fellow, H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the war in Ukraine, British and European politics, and the future of the transatlantic relationship. Reflecting on the special relationship between the US and UK, Johnson provides his thoughts on how the relationship is evolving and the importance of US-UK cooperation in tackling Chinese aggression, as well as the broad nature of geostrategic competition with the axis of aggressors of North Korea, China, Russia and Iran, the need for a strong coordinated international response to Russian aggression and why we should continue to care deeply about the war in Ukraine. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS The Right Honorable Boris Johnson served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022. Johnson first entered Parliament in 2001, representing Henley for the Conservative Party. He quickly rose to become Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party in 2003. In 2008, he was elected Mayor of London, a position he held for two terms, overseeing significant urban development and leading the city through the 2012 Olympics. Johnson returned to national politics in 2015 and served as Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018. In 2019, he became the leader of the Conservative Party and assumed the role of Prime Minister. Under his leadership, Britain formally left the European Union, fulfilling the referendum mandate of 2016. In 2022, he stepped down as Prime Minister and, in 2023, resigned from Parliament. Johnson published his memoir, Unleashed, in 2024. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the National Leader of Belarus and key figure in the fight for democratic reform, shares her journey after challenging the Lukashenko regime. She discusses the critical need for international support in opposing authoritarianism and the resilience of the Belarusian people. The conversation highlights her anti-war efforts against Belarus's involvement in Ukraine and the campaign for political prisoners' release. Tsikhanouskaya advocates for solidarity among democracies to counter global threats from regimes like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Bilal Bilici, a dynamic member of Türkiye's Grand National Assembly and former foreign policy advisor, joins H.R. McMaster for a compelling discussion. They explore Türkiye's critical geopolitical role, especially concerning its relationships with NATO and neighboring Russia. Bilici reflects on the turbulent political climate, including the arrest of Istanbul's mayor and the challenges to democracy. The duo also dives into the complexities of the Syrian conflict, Turkish-Greek relations, and the potential of Türkiye's youth to drive economic reform.

General Sir Nick Carter, former Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK, shares insights from his extensive military career. He discusses the complex landscape of modern warfare, specifically regarding Ukraine and Russia, and the impact of international diplomacy on conflict resolution. Carter explores the geopolitical dynamics in Africa influenced by various nations, and he addresses the interconnectedness of Middle Eastern conflicts. He also reflects on the evolving US-UK relationship, emphasizing the need for unity in facing global challenges.

Join Colombia’s former Minister of Defense and two-time Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Juan Carlos Pinzón, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss Colombia’s evolving security landscape, its relationship with the United States, Venezuela's central role in the issues facing the region, and international politics in the Western Hemisphere. Reflecting on the 2022 election of President Gustavo Petro, Pinzón provides an insight into the consequences of Colombia’s political shift to a far-left government, including increased lawlessness, territorial control and weakened security, how public sentiment is shifting ahead of the country’s 2026 presidential election, his views on Colombia as the key strategic player in guaranteeing the stability of Latin America, and how Colombia can build a path towards a better future. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Juan Carlos Pinzón is the former Minister of Defense of Colombia and a two-time Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. Pinzón served as Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2015. He was first appointed Ambassador to the United States in 2015 and later returned to Washington for a second term in 2021. Between his diplomatic posts, he served as President of ProBogotá, a private nonprofit dedicated to support economic progress in Bogotá. Pinzón has also held senior government roles, including Chief of Staff to the President of Colombia and Deputy Minister of Defense, and served as a senior adviser to the Executive Director at the World Bank. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a master’s in public policy from Princeton University, and an honorary degree in defense and national security from the Colombian National War College. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018. ​

Gilberto Teodoro, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, dives into the complex relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines, highlighting its significance as a strategic ally. He discusses the evolving defense cooperation amid Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and the broader geopolitical implications of that tension. Teodoro also examines the influence of Chinese technology on Philippine sovereignty and the crucial role of international law in navigating current challenges, emphasizing the vital alliance for future stability.

Join Lithuania’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis immediately following his departure from government, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss the outcome of the 2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election and the opportunities and challenges facing the new coalition governing the country. Amid growing geopolitical tensions, Landsbergis reflects on Russia’s sustained campaign against Europe and the Free World, the global threat from China, North Korea and Iran, the importance of sustained support for Ukraine and whether Ukraine can prevail, Lithuania’s role in countering authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, and the future of U.S.-Lithuanian relations. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Gabrielius Landsbergis most recently served as Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Landsbergis was elected Chairman of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats in 2015, a role he served in until October of 2024. In 2020, Landsbergis became the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė (see Battlegrounds Episode #42). Landsbergis previously held roles at the Lithuanian Embassies in Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as at the Office of the Government. Landsbergis has been a member of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania since 2016 and is actively involved in the European Council on Foreign Relations. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Vilnius University. H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He was the 25th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018.