
The Truth of the Matter
A weekly analysis of the complex policy issues driving the news.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 19min
China Weathers the Storm of U.S. Tariffs
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.

12 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 23min
Auto Tariffs Threaten to Drive Up Prices
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.

12 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 20min
China’s Halt of Critical Minerals
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.

7 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 23min
Rep. Bryan Steil on STABLE Act
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.

12 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 31min
Liberation Day Fallout and What Comes Next
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.

7 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 23min
Mark Penn Polls and the Future of News
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.

8 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 7min
South Korea’s Quiet Crisis and Trade with the U.S.
Victor Cha, Korea chair at CSIS, dives into South Korea's political turmoil following President Yoon's impeachment. He explores how this leadership vacuum could affect the upcoming elections and the country's democratic integrity. Cha also highlights the challenges posed by new U.S. trade tariffs implemented during Trump's presidency, complicating economic relations. With a significant leadership transition on the horizon, the public's perception of these tariff negotiations could play a crucial role in shaping South Korea's future.

18 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 24min
Reciprocal Tariff Reactions
Bill Reinsch, a contributor to The Trade Guys podcast and a trade policy expert, dives into the complexities of recent U.S. tariff announcements. He discusses how new economic policies could threaten competition and raise burdens on low-income households. Reinsch highlights the stark tariff differences between nations like China and Mexico, revealing potential inflation and job losses for Americans. Additionally, he explores the challenges of automation in manufacturing, including workforce transitions and the urgent need for reskilling workers.

14 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 11min
Brief: Trump's Tariff Plan
Navin Girishankar, President of the economic security and technology department at CSIS, dives into the ramifications of President Trump's tariff plan. He explains how the tariffs might impact the U.S. economy, highlighting concerns from Wall Street about inflation and growth. The discussion unveils the complexities of tariffs on manufacturing and global markets while addressing strategic miscalculations that could threaten alliances and technology chains. Girishankar emphasizes the need for a more balanced trade approach, questioning the effectiveness of tariffs against innovation.

12 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 17min
Drones and AI on the Ukrainian Battlefield
Kateryna Bondar, a fellow at the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center and expert in military AI, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of warfare in Ukraine. She illustrates how the conflict has turned the country into a testing ground for AI-driven unmanned systems, enhancing combat effectiveness while reducing direct soldier involvement. Bondar discusses the vital role of civilian tech contributions, the ethical considerations of integrating AI in warfare, and the future potential of swarming drone technologies alongside human operators.