The President’s Inbox

Jessica Brandt, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and expert in AI and national security, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of cyber operations and influence campaigns. She highlights the dual nature of AI as both a risk and a benefit, particularly regarding public safety and geopolitical dynamics. Brandt delves into how AI enhances cyber threats and intelligence gathering while posing unique challenges for democracies. She also warns about the implications of AI-driven influence operations and calls for a whole-of-society response to foreign malign influence.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Horowitz, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania and expert on military technology, delves into how AI and emerging weaponry are transforming warfare. He highlights the concept of 'precise mass' and why adapting to these technologies is crucial for the Pentagon. Horowitz explains the historical context of military innovations, the importance of organizational capital, and how AI is set to revolutionize logistics and decision-making on the battlefield. He also raises concerns about human control in an era of increased autonomy.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer and founder of Archer Strategic Consulting, shares insights on military readiness in an evolving global landscape. He explores how China’s potential military strategies toward Taiwan could challenge U.S. deterrence efforts. Shugart advocates for enhanced naval capabilities and the hardening of airbases to combat contemporary threats, including the use of unmanned systems. He warns about the vulnerability of critical assets and stresses the need for a proactive defense strategy.

Rush Doshi, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the high-stakes U.S.-China rivalry. He discusses the competition over international order and China's strategic goals, emphasizing its industrial dominance in critical sectors. Doshi outlines Taiwan's unique military challenges and how U.S. interests are intertwined with its defense. He advocates for bolstering domestic industrial capabilities and strengthening allied supply chains to counterbalance China's growing influence in the global landscape.

Kori Schake, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of *The State and the Soldier*, delves into civil-military relations during the Trump administration. She explains the historical aversion to military coups in the U.S. and discusses the importance of civilian control, referencing George Washington's foundational role. Schake warns against politicization risks and highlights how public perception of the military can be compromised by partisan displays. Additionally, she examines the implications of domestic troop deployment and the impact of retired officers' political commentary on public trust.

Elliott Abrams, senior fellow for Middle East studies and the Council, and Ed Husain, senior fellow at the Council, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the state of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks and whether President Donald Trump's twenty-point peace plan will produce a lasting ceasefire.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Elliott Abrams, "The Teaching of Hate in Jordan," CFR.org   Naftali Bendavid, Scott Clement, and Emily Guskin, "Many American Jews Sharply Critical of Israel on Gaza, Post Poll Finds," Washington Post   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/two-years-since-october-7-elliott-abrams-ed-husain

Matt Waxman, adjunct senior fellow for law and foreign policy and Liviu Librescu Professor of Law at Columbia University sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the legality of the Trump administration's military strikes against drug traffickers and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.   Mentioned on the Episode:   James Madison, “Federalist No. 51,” The Federalist Papers   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/legality-trumps-drug-boat-strikes-matthew-waxman

Liana Fix, a Senior Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, offers her expertise on European security and the nuances of the NATO-Russia dynamic. She analyzes the recent drone incursions into Polish airspace, emphasizing their implications for the Ukraine war. The conversation delves into Moscow's testing of NATO's resolve, Poland's invocation of Article 4 for consultations, and the challenges of establishing a no-fly zone. Liana also discusses European concerns regarding U.S. reliability and the complexities of countering drone warfare.

Todd Harrison, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the complexities of the proposed Golden Dome Missile Defense System. He discusses its multi-layered approach and the feasibility of innovative space-based interceptors. With comparisons to Israel's Iron Dome, Todd reveals critical differences in defense strategies. The conversation also highlights geopolitical implications, especially with nations like Russia and China. Additionally, Todd addresses emerging threats, including drones, underscoring the need for advanced national defense strategies.

Michelle Gavin, Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies, dives into the transformational impact of urban youth on African politics. She discusses how urbanization and a vibrant youth demographic are reshaping political expectations and reform. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by entrenched leadership and the necessity for youth engagement in addressing economic issues. Gavin also critiques U.S. foreign policy, shedding light on the urgent need to align it with the realities facing African nations and the implications of job creation and migration.