The Truth of the Matter

CSIS's Jon Alterman, director of the CSIS Middle East Program, joins the podcast to discuss Iran's missile strikes in Israel, Israel's entry into Lebanon, attacks on Hezbollah, and more as the conflict in the Middle East continues to expand.

Tim Shriver, the head of Special Olympics and a podcast host, emphasizes the urgency of lifting each other up in a polarized world. He shares inspiring stories of athletes making positive community impacts despite media negativity. Shriver discusses the healing power of spiritual practices and personal resilience in overcoming life's challenges. He also addresses the importance of dignity in political discourse, introducing the Dignity Index to foster respectful dialogue among differing viewpoints.

Norman Roule, a former CIA officer with 34 years of experience in Middle East programs, shares his insights on the escalating war between Israel and Hezbollah. He discusses Israel's military strategies aimed at countering rocket attacks and minimizing civilian casualties amidst failed diplomatic efforts. Roule delves into the historical techniques of disguised explosives, modern threats to U.S. infrastructure, and the intricacies of regional challenges including Hamas and Iranian influence. His expertise sheds light on the ramifications of U.S. military strategy in such a volatile environment.

Eliot Cohen, an expert in international conflicts and security issues, joins to dissect the latest in global warfare. He discusses Ukraine's strategic drone attacks and the evolving military tactics of Russia. Cohen sheds light on the deep leadership dynamics in Russia and the impact of casualties on ethnic groups, paralleling these insights with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also examines the humanitarian crises in Gaza amid urban warfare, Israel's internal divisions, and the geopolitical implications of these tumultuous relationships.

Navin Girishankar, director of the Economic Security and Technology Department at CSIS, brings a wealth of experience from the Department of Commerce, Bridgewater Associates, and the World Bank. He discusses the intersection of economic and national security, emphasizing the role of technology in tackling 21st-century threats. Girishankar highlights the need for bipartisan collaboration to manage economic security risks and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in U.S. tech initiatives. His insights reflect the critical nature of interdisciplinary approaches in fostering innovation and security.

Peter Bergen, Vice President at the New America Foundation and CNN national security analyst, dives into the foreign policy nuances of the 2024 presidential candidates. He contrasts Biden’s approach with Trump’s strategies, particularly regarding China, Taiwan, and Israel. The conversation uncovers the surprising continuity between the two administrations while addressing pressing issues like NATO, Gaza reconstruction, and immigration. Bergen also highlights Kamala Harris’s evolving stance and her appeal to younger voters, making for a compelling analysis of the current political landscape.

J. Stephen Morrison, a senior vice president and director of the CSIS Global Health Policy Center, delves into the latest Covid-19 surge and new variants. He discusses the KP3.1 variant and the challenges posed by declining vaccination rates and misinformation. Morrison highlights the need for effective public health communication amidst political polarization, especially with the 2024 election looming. He also addresses the effects of Covid fatigue on public perception and the importance of focusing on ongoing health threats beyond just Covid-19.

Ryan Berg, a specialist in electoral fraud and Venezuelan politics, joins to dissect Nicolas Maduro's controversial re-election claims. They uncover alarming irregularities highlighted by the opposition and the National Electoral Council. The conversation shifts to the international response, revealing divergent views on Venezuela’s election legitimacy. Berg also discusses Maduro’s waning power amid systemic corruption and citizen mobilization against repression. The episode emphasizes the delicate balance of pushing for democracy while navigating a complex political landscape.

J. Stephen Morrison, a senior vice president at the CSIS Global Health Policy Center, sheds light on the recent outbreak of a deadlier Mpox variant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He discusses the virus's origins and its mislabeling, delves into the challenges of public health responses amidst political hysteria, and outlines urgent interventions needed as cases rise in Africa. Morrison emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and international health coordination to combat this growing concern.

Seth Jones, a defense and national security expert, and Eric Edelman, a former U.S. Ambassador with rich experience in international relations, delve into vital national defense strategies. They discuss the recent bipartisan report to Congress and the pressing need to tackle threats from China and Russia. The duo emphasizes the importance of strengthening alliances and rethinking military procurement strategies to enhance U.S. capabilities. They also touch on the critical necessity for timely defense funding and greater awareness among lawmakers regarding national security issues.