The Truth of the Matter

Emily Harding, VP of Defense and Security at CSIS, shares insights from her recent Ukraine visit. The discussion highlights the dramatic shift in warfare, blending traditional tactics with cutting-edge drone technology. Harding delves into the psychological effects of drone operations and the urgent need for international military support. The conversation also explores the complexities of Ukraine’s mineral wealth and American businesses' roles in fostering resilience and stability amid the conflict.

Phil Luck, Director of the economics program at CSIS and a former deputy economist at the State Department, discusses the U.S. national debt and its implications. He highlights the roles of government borrowing, fiscal policies, and the importance of a national dialogue on entitlement reform. Luck also explains how the dollar's global dominance affects borrowing costs and geopolitical power. The conversation touches on complex monetary policies post-COVID-19 and explores potential solutions, including the impact of cryptocurrencies on the debt crisis.

Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program at CSIS, shares his expertise on U.S. strategic interests in the Panama Canal amid rising Chinese influence. He delves into the historical context of the canal's construction and its economic significance for Panama. Ryan highlights national security concerns regarding foreign control and discusses the military and economic implications if the U.S. were to reclaim the canal. He also examines the delays in international deals affecting port security and the broader geopolitical dynamics of maritime power.

Josh Geltzer, former deputy White House counsel under President Biden and a legal advisor at the National Security Council, dives deep into the fierce competition between the U.S. and China in the AI race. He discusses the strategic impact of U.S. policy on tech innovation and the significance of safeguarding AI technology from adversaries. Geltzer compares the AI approaches of the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting the need for bipartisan cooperation in navigating national security concerns and managing high-stakes technological advancements.

In this insightful discussion, Scott Kennedy, a senior adviser at CSIS and expert in Chinese business and economics, delves into China's resilient economy in the face of U.S. tariffs. He explains how China is reducing its reliance on American exports while boosting investments in Southeast Asia. Kennedy also examines technological advancements that bolster China's financial strength and explores the complexities of U.S.-China economic decoupling, revealing potential national security risks reminiscent of Cold War tensions.

Monica Gorman, Special Assistant to President Biden for Manufacturing and the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing, discusses the potential upheaval in the auto industry caused by new tariffs. She highlights how these tariffs could lead to increased car prices and reduced choices for consumers, while also suggesting long-term benefits for U.S. manufacturing if managed correctly. Gorman also addresses the changing competitive landscape with electric vehicles and the broader implications of trade policies on business investments and supply chains.

Gracelin Baskaran, the Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS, dives into China's recent halt of critical minerals exports to the U.S. She highlights the strategic implications of this move for both consumer products and defense industries, emphasizing national security risks. The conversation also spotlights vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains and bipartisan efforts to reduce dependence on China. Baskaran further discusses how this affects global semiconductor markets and the automotive sector, revealing complex geopolitical tensions.

Rep. Bryan Steil, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, discusses the rise of digital assets in America. He delves into the STABLE Act, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection in the volatile stablecoin market. Steil emphasizes the necessity of bipartisan support for clear regulations to bolster U.S. dominance in digital finance. He advocates for transparency in regulation and the transformative potential of blockchain technology, while addressing the need for public understanding and engagement in this evolving landscape.

Bill Reinsch, a senior fellow at CSIS and expert in trade policy, along with Scott Miller, also from CSIS and co-host of The Trade Guys, discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s tariffs. They analyze how these trade strategies affect markets, trading partners, and consumers. Topics include the challenges of aligning international standards, the economic implications of tariffs, and the potential for job losses among lower-income individuals. They also highlight the political dynamics that influence these fiscal strategies and the future of U.S.-China trade relations.

Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell and veteran pollster, dives into his latest Harvard CAPS/Harris poll findings, revealing shifting public perceptions of the economy and political leaders, particularly Trump and Biden. He discusses the significance of working-class Hispanic voters and the ramifications of inflation on voter behavior. Penn also tackles the Democratic Party's struggles and suggests the need for a centrist pivot. Plus, he addresses the risks of media polarization and urges the industry to adopt innovative monetization strategies to ensure quality journalism.