The Truth of the Matter

Dive into the complex world of trade as new tariffs loom on the horizon. Discover how these policies could shake up consumer choices and investment trends, especially in the auto industry. A 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles could drive car prices up for Americans, raising eyebrows about the government's dual use of tariffs for industrial and foreign policy. Tune in for insights on navigating this unpredictable economic landscape!

Jane Perlez, a legendary journalist and former Beijing bureau chief for the New York Times, shares her insights on the perilous state of journalism in China today. She discusses the drastic decline in American journalists on the ground, now under tight surveillance by the Chinese government. Personal anecdotes reveal the innovative tactics reporters use amidst restrictions. Perlez also touches on the shifting dynamics between the U.S. and China and the implications for freedom of the press in an increasingly oppressive environment.

David Michel, a Senior Fellow at CSIS, explores the critical intersection of water security and global conflict. He highlights how water scarcity drives tensions in regions like Ethiopia and Egypt, and discusses its role as both a conflict trigger and a potential tool for cooperation. Michel also emphasizes the urgent need for innovative water management solutions to prevent violence and the significant investment required for global water security. The conversation reveals the broader implications of water issues on U.S. geopolitical and economic interests.

Seth Jones, president of the CSIS Defense and Security Department, sheds light on Russia's unconventional warfare tactics against the West. He delves into the alarming rise of sabotage operations and how Russia leverages local and global networks for espionage. With a detailed database of attacks, he reveals the kinetic impacts on military supply chains and the pervasive nature of misinformation campaigns designed to destabilize Western unity. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a reevaluation of NATO's strategies in response to these aggressive operations.

Former CIA Middle East expert Norman Roule joins the podcast to discuss President Trump’s muscular approach to the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Gaza.

“While AI is digital in nature, the binding constraint is physical.” While many think of the race for AI dominance as who can develop the best model, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Frontier models, data centers, leading-edge chips, energy sources, and digital networks all form the full stack of AI leadership—and any one of them could be a point of failure. CSIS’s Navin Girishankar, president of the CSIS Economic Security and Technology Department, and Joseph Majkut, director of the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change program, join the podcast to discuss their new research on how to secure U.S. full stack leadership in AI, especially expanding energy production to power future AI needs. Read CSIS’s latest research on full stack AI leadership here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/securing-full-stack-us-leadership-ai

The United States is experiencing the worst measles outbreak in 30 years and the highest rate of contraction in the past six years after nearly eradicating the disease. Cases have surged in communities with low immunization coverage, raising concerns about further transmission. Hospitals are reporting an increase in severe cases, particularly among young children and immunocompromised individuals. Experts urge immediate action, emphasizing that vaccination remains the most effective defense against the highly contagious virus. CSIS’s J. Stephen Morrison joins the podcast to discuss the outbreak and the risks associated with it.Events:Increasing Measles Vaccination Coverage to Improve Global Health Security

Following meetings with European diplomats in Brussels and Paris, CSIS’s Max Bergmann joins the podcast to discuss a possible United States divorce from our allies in Europe. As geopolitical tensions rise and Washington shifts its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific, European leaders question the long-term reliability of U.S. commitments to NATO and regional security. Economic disputes, defense spending disagreements, and differing approaches to Russia and China have further widened the gap between the transatlantic allies. Background Reading:Why It's Time to Reconsider a European ArmyEvents:U.S. Allies and Partners Under the Trump Administration

Seth Jones, Director of the CSIS Defense and Security Department, sheds light on the ramifications of halting U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. He discusses the potential impact on Ukraine’s military operations and explores whether European nations can fill the intelligence gap. The conversation also dives into the implications of the recent Trump-Zelensky meeting for minerals deals and U.S. security guarantees. Additionally, the episode touches on Russia's subversive tactics in Europe, including political manipulation and shocking assassination plots.

Matthew Pearl, director of the CSIS Strategic Technologies Program, is an expert on spectrum policy and its implications for national security and AI innovation. In this discussion, he highlights the complexities of spectrum management and its vital role in both commercial and defense sectors. Pearl explains how spectrum availability is crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in wireless technologies and the competitive edge against China. He also addresses workforce challenges and the need for bipartisan efforts to adapt policies that bolster both national security and economic growth.