Net Assessment

Chris, Zack, and Melanie sit down for a retrospective episode about the Biden administration’s foreign and defense policy. Using U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Foreign Affairs article “America’s Strategy of Renewal,” they ask if the United States is better off in terms of national security than it was four years ago. What are the most important accomplishments of the Biden team, and what have been its critical failures? Are our alliance relationships as strong as Blinken wants us to believe? What opportunities were missed, and which were seized? Zack and Melanie are amazed by what Elon Musk has done with SpaceX, and Chris is disappointed that the administration hasn’t shut the door on Ukraine joining NATO. This episode's reading.

A deep dive into the U.S. military's footprint in Europe raises critical questions about troop levels and regional security dynamics. The panel discusses the implications of the Ukraine conflict on defense strategies and NATO's readiness against Russian aggression. Critiques on political discourse highlight troubling naval incidents, while recent developments like the Chagos Islands sovereignty shift and a U.S.-South Korea cost-sharing agreement underscore changing alliances and cooperation. Overall, the conversation underscores the need for a reevaluation of military strategies amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.

Carter Malkasian, an expert on U.S. foreign policy and author of a pivotal article on America's crisis of deterrence, joins a lively discussion. They delve into the implications of U.S. strategies against rising powers like China and Russia, while also critiquing America's military approach in the Middle East. The conversation touches on the complexities of nuclear power, advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, and the evolving role of non-state actors in global conflicts, providing a rich analysis of modern deterrence challenges.

The discussion centers on America’s nuclear policy amid rising global tensions, particularly due to China's arsenal and Russia's threats. There’s a deep dive into whether the U.S. should adapt its nuclear strategy and how allies fit into this equation. The podcast also critiques the current administration’s mixed approach to military readiness and funding. Venezuela’s political crisis and recent U.S. steel investment decisions add another layer of complexity, showcasing the intersection of domestic and international policy challenges.

The discussion centers on redefining national security and the risks of a broad categorization. Hosts debate the balance between military spending and critical sectors like public health. They highlight bureaucratic issues affecting military readiness and the impact of political pressures on prioritizing threats. There's a focus on improving U.S.-India relations amidst the geopolitical landscape. Personal anecdotes add a light touch to their serious discussions about navigating today's complex security challenges.

Tyler Cowen, an influential economist, joins the discussion alongside insights from the Ukrainian military, known for their strategic resilience. They delve into the mismatched U.S. defense strategy and necessary resources, raising concerns about threats from China. A highlight is Cowen's commentary on innovative policy solutions, while the Ukrainian military's recent successes against Russia inspire a broader conversation on military priorities. With humor and critical analysis, they examine the challenges of military readiness and the implications for American defense initiatives.

As Africa is seeing a dramatic rise in violent conflict and elected governments there are falling to coups, Chris, Zack, and Melanie sat down to discuss US policy for the region. What are America’s national security and other critical interests in Africa? What should the United States do to protect those interests? Does it matter that Russia and China are exerting military and economic influence in the region? Is it possible to both safeguard our national security interests there while upholding our professed democratic values? Chris criticizes the failure of Army officials to properly deal with a mentally-ill reservist who killed 18 people at a bowling alley in Maine, Zack condemns the Maduro regime for refusing to publish honest results from Venezuela’s presidential election, and Melanie gives a send-off to friend of the show David Pappalardo, who has completed his term as air and space force attaché at the French Embassy in Washington.  

Melanie, Chris, and Zack discuss the steps that European countries can and should take to prepare for possible U.S. retrenchment from the continent. Can NATO survive a second Trump administration? Or should we be equally concerned about a second Biden administration for transatlantic relations? Grievances for Justin Trudeau and Canada’s meager defense budgets, to those who kept President Biden’s health problems a secret, and to the Pentagon for acquiescing to the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile's rising costs. Attas to the Secret Service agents who risked their lives to shield former President Trump, to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for his handling of the tragic death of a fellow Pennsylvanian during the assassination attempt on former President Trump, and to those members of Congress starting to ask hard questions about the F-35.   This episode's reading.

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.