The President’s Inbox

In this discussion, Jonathan Hillman, a senior fellow for geoeconomics at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives deep into U.S. economic security amid rising global challenges. He explores the vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19, particularly in supply chains for medical equipment and semiconductors. Hillman highlights the strategic stakes in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, discussing the risks of over-reliance on China. He urges practical steps like onshoring and strengthening data-center supply chains to bolster American innovation and security.

Hal Brands and Michael Kuiken share their insights on China's strategy to reshape global power dynamics. Brands highlights the coalition-building efforts of China and its implications for rival nations. Kuiken discusses China's military modernization, particularly regarding Taiwan, and the effects of leadership purges in the PLA. They elaborate on the 'axis of autocracies' and the material support China provides to Russia. Both guests emphasize the urgency for the U.S. to adapt its economic and security strategies in response to these shifting tides.

Chris McGuire, a senior fellow for China and emerging technologies at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into the intense U.S.-China chip competition. He discusses how advanced semiconductor chip denial might inadvertently boost Chinese innovation. The conversation touches on China’s strengths in areas like EVs and biotech, while emphasizing the critical role of AI in global power dynamics. McGuire also outlines the complexities of U.S. export controls, the need for allied coordination, and the pressing challenges in energy and talent that could shape future tech landscapes.

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