Horns of a Dilemma

Ryan Evans talks with Philip Zelikow about his recent article for TNSR, "Confronting Another Axis? History, Humility, and Wishful Thinking." Their wide-ranging and insightful conversation covers everything from Zelikow's career as a high-level foreign policy practitioner and as an historian, his experience directing the 9/11 Commission, his argument that we are in an exceptionally volatile time in global politics, and more.

Rick talks with TNSR author Joshua Byun about how American attempts to leave Europe during the first decade of the Cold War were thwarted by European concerns that German rearmament would trigger a Soviet attack.    

Rick sits down with Richard Maass, the author of "Salami Tactics: Faits Accomplis and International Expansion in the Shadow of Major War," to discuss how powerful countries can use repetitive, limited acts of aggression to expand influence while avoiding potential escalation.

Frank Gavin, chair of TNSR's editorial board, talks with Joseph Nye about his new memoir, "A Life in the American Century." This fascinating conversation covers a range of issues, including lessons from Nye's extensive experience as an influential analyst, policymaker, and scholar.

Marshall Kosloff talks with Luke Schumacher about his recent article in TNSR, "Franklin D. Roosevelt, World War II, and the Reality of Constitutional Statesmanship."

Marshall Kosloff talks with Ambassador Robert Blackwill and Richard Fontaine about their new book, "Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power."

Experts Katherine Elgin and Alexander Lanoszka discuss Sweden and Finland's considerations for NATO membership post-Russia's actions in Ukraine. They explore issues such as national identity, security partnerships, alliance decisions, and the implications of joining NATO while maintaining existing identities. The podcast also examines the efficiency of Sweden and Finland's NATO memberships without a formal plan, evaluating their cooperation levels and challenges posed by Russian provocations.

Gavin Wilde joined TNSR managing editor Rick Landgraf to discuss Gavin's recent article about the effects of foreign propaganda on U.S. domestic politics. They discuss how the fear that hostile foreign powers could subvert democracy by spreading misinformation may be exaggerated, as the relationship between people's beliefs and attitudes and their media consumption remains unclear. Policy interventions should therefore avoid needlessly intervening, lest they inadvertently imitate the authoritarian states they seek to combat.

Frank Gavin, Editorial Board Chair, discusses the ongoing importance of humanities in higher education, exploring how universities shape perspectives and backgrounds. Topics include the significance of humanities in addressing national security issues, the role of historical perspectives in shaping policies, and the promotion of inclusivity and intellectual engagement in universities.

Professor Xiaobing Li discusses the evolution of China's Navy, from its humble beginnings to becoming the second-largest navy globally. The podcast explores tensions with the US in the South China Sea, China's naval modernization goals, and strategic concerns over potential conflicts in the region. The conversation delves into historical transformations, naval reforms, and the role of key figures like Xi Jinping in shaping China's naval strategy and challenging the US-dominated security system.