The Truth of the Matter

Aram Nirguizian, a senior associate at CSIS and an expert on the Levant, dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He discusses recent shifts in Hezbollah's leadership and military strategies, shedding light on the fragile power dynamics within Lebanese politics. The impact on civilians navigating daily life amid adversity is also explored, highlighting their resilience. Additionally, he examines Hezbollah's diminishing arsenal and the implications for Iran's strategic position in the region.

Gregory C. Allen, an expert in AI policy, sheds light on the recently released National Security Memorandum on AI. He discusses its implications for U.S. leadership in AI technologies and ties it to historical technological crises. The conversation navigates the balance between innovation and regulation, emphasizing governance to mitigate risks in national security. Allen also highlights the AI Safety Institute's role in establishing responsible practices and the potential effects of the upcoming U.S. elections on AI policies.

Suzanne Spaulding, director of the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions Project, brings her expertise in election security and disinformation to the discussion. She highlights the importance of protecting early voting and maintaining public trust amid foreign interference. The conversation delves into the intimidation faced by election workers and judges, stressing the need for trust in the legal system. As the 2024 elections approach, Suzanne emphasizes resilience in voting infrastructure and the vital role of officials in reassuring the public about election integrity.

Charles Edel, a CSIS Senior Adviser and former U.S. policy planner, and Kathryn Paik, Senior Fellow with the CSIS Australia Chair, dive into China's increasing influence in the Pacific. They discuss the urgency of U.S. engagement, revealing how Nauru's shift to recognize China highlights a diplomatic gap. The duo calls for better resources and cultural shifts in American foreign policy. They emphasize the need to tackle humanitarian issues and climate change while revitalizing America's presence through innovative initiatives, echoing JFK's vision for diplomacy.

Seth Jones, President of the CSIS Defense and Security Department and Harold Brown Chair in Strategy, joins the podcast to discuss the data on increasing violence between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran presented in a new CSIS publication.Latest CSIS analysis on escalating war between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran

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.