Net Assessment

Upcoming elections could pull France to the right and the United Kingdom to the left, so the Net Assessment team discusses how this might alter policies in Paris and London. They discuss articles by Ulrike Franke and David Lammy, which sketch out the implications for French and British policy, respectively. In particular, what would it mean for the European Union and NATO if London doubles down on Europe just as France pulls away? Chris questions the value of Congressionally-required unfunded priorities lists, Melanie applauds Kaja Kallas's selection as the European Union’s chief diplomat, and Zack commends progress made to host nuclear-powered submarines in Perth, Australia.   This episode's reading.

In the first Net Assessment recorded before a live audience, Chris, Zack, and Melanie discuss the U.S.-Turkish relationship. Has America “lost” Turkey? What are the benefits and limitations of transactional relationships, rather than alliances? How should NATO manage alliance members whose interests and behavior seem to be at odds with alliance purposes? They then take questions from participants in The Fund for American Studies programs. Chris has a grievance for a Pentagon program to discredit the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, Zack condemns China’s ongoing aggression against the Philippines, and Melanie has an attaboy for Bill Gates’s effort to build smaller and safer nuclear reactors.   This episode's readong.

Discussing China's increasing presence in the Middle East, the podcast delves into potential concerns for the US. They analyze China's influence, nuclear proliferation challenges, and recent developments in the region. Criticisms are raised on Senator Wicker's call for higher Pentagon budgets and Canada's parliamentarians being accused of foreign influence.

Debater Melanie questions condolences for 'Butcher of Tehran', Chris cautions against major security deal with Saudi Arabia, Zack praises Tsai Ing-wen's leadership on cross-Strait issues. They debate Biden's China policy approach and ponder if US needs final objective in dealing with China.

Discussing the impact of American aid on the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukraine's negotiation strategies, and Russia's vulnerabilities. Critiques on protest effectiveness and Greenpeace's actions. Conversation includes celebration of son's graduation, doubts on protest location choice, and criticism of Greenpeace's risky initiative.

Chris, Melanie, and Zack discuss Gavin Wilde’s recent article in the Texas National Security Review on foreign media manipulation. How vulnerable are citizens of democracies to manipulation through social media? Is a more open and less hierarchical media space a national security threat? And what, if anything, should policymakers in democracies do about this issue? Grievances for China blocking popular apps, Marjorie Taylor Green for her shenanigans surrounding the foreign aid vote, and to the F-35, the gift that keeps on giving (to the tune of $2 trillion); Attas for Samuel Charap and Sergey Radchenko for an important article on Ukraine, to Mike Johnson for taking a principled stand on the foreign aid bill, and to the first Australian officers to participate in AUKUS nuclear submarine training. This episode's reading.

Chris, Melanie, and Zack assess the warning signs for the US in Southeast Asia, discuss American shipbuilding concerns, and critique American and Japanese leaders' announcements. They explore shifting perceptions in Southeast Asia towards the US, analyze the effectiveness of the US-led Indo-Pacific Framework, and navigate challenges in navy shipbuilding and economic alliances. The dialogue also covers defense policy reform and US-Japan cooperation announcements.

Explore the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment focusing on major threats to the US. From fentanyl threat to China's space program ambitions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the podcast debates implications of migration, classified briefings, and global terrorism concerns. Intriguing insights on China's influence, geopolitical tensions, and congressional actions add depth to the discussion.

Exploring neglected US-Latin America ties, competing with China, and addressing immigration effects. Discussing historic neglect, strategic investments, and countering China's influence. Highlighting global issues like Haiti crisis, TikTok saga, and European security disputes. Calling for a new Truman Commission to address war profiteering and analyzing budgetary challenges. Reflecting on conference participation and upcoming collaborations in East Asia.

The podcast discusses the concept of unbalanced multipolarity and explores the potential repercussions of the US pulling back from its leadership role in Europe. Topics include the formation of regional power blocks, lack of progress on funding agreements, criticisms of the New York Times decisions, and debates on defense industry shortfalls.