“Artificial intelligence is the future… Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” — Vladimir PutinThe Russian president-for-life and neo-tzar waging a terrible war of conquest against Ukraine is evil but he’s not stupid, certainly not when it comes to artificial intelligence.Americans don’t want to rule the world. But neither do most of us want the world to be ruled from Moscow, Tehran, or Beijing. So, we have to get smart. We have to run an arms race — or maybe a brains race. What will that require?Host Cliff May asks his FDD colleagues Matt Pottinger and RADM (Ret) Mark Montgomery.

Just hours into the New Year, we were reminded that the Jihad against the West is not over. It’s not even taking a winter break.A man inspired by the Islamic State drove a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans, murdering at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Hours later in New York City, demonstrators chanted: “There is only one solution – intifada revolution!” and “No war on Iran!”Meanwhile, Iran’s ruler, Ali Khamenei must be pondering whether Hezbollah and Hamas, two of his proxy terrorist militias that have been decimated by Israel, can be built back better.Also on his mind: What it means that Syria, once his satrapy, is now under Turkey’s influence.Host Cliff May is joined by his FDD colleague Behnam Ben Taleblu to discuss these and related issues. 

Join Jonathan Schanzer, an expert on Middle East issues; Reuel Marc Gerecht, who provides deep analysis on regional affairs; and Michael Doran, a veteran of the Bush administration, as they dive into the implications of regime change in Syria. They discuss the rise of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the weakening of Iran and Russia’s influence, and how Turkey's Erdogan stands to gain. The conversation also touches on the complex sectarian dynamics and historical tensions in the region, making for an insightful and engaging discussion.

It seems a favorite pastime of leaders in Washington is telling us — Americans — what we believe and what we want. Such assertions by politicians are sometimes true, but they inevitably reflect the policy the politician is attempting to promulgate.   So what do Americans actually believe when it comes to key defense and foreign policy issues? We don’t have to guess, thanks to the Reagan National Defense Survey. The Washington Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Roger Zakheim, joins guest host Bradley Bowman to share the latest survey’s findings.

David Adesnik, FDD's vice president of research and a Syria expert, dives into the contentious Amnesty International report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, questioning its lack of evidence. He explores the complexities of the Gaza conflict, including the challenges posed by Hamas and biases in human rights reporting. Adesnik also analyzes the shifting political landscape in Syria, highlighting the weakening of Hezbollah and the strategic concerns regarding Kurdish groups and ISIS. His insights illuminate critical international relations dynamics and the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Last week, President Biden finally (belatedly) allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike military targets in Russia. This made Vladimir Putin very angry.Some argue that we should be careful not to anger or provoke Putin and that if he issues threats, then we had better back down. But such weakness only emboldens Putin and his axis of aggressors in Tehran, Beijing, and Pyongyang who are helping him wage his illegal war in Ukraine.In exchange for Russian weapons that can be used to target commercial shipping and U.S. Navy vessels, Tehran-backed Houthi rebels helped Putin recruit hundreds of Yemenis to fight in Ukraine; North Korea has provided Putin some 10,000 soldiers; and China’s communist rulers in Beijing are also supporting Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.Despite a bleak reality, FDD’s Mark Montgomery says in a new essay for a report published by the Vandenberg Coalition and the McCain Institute that “there is much the incoming administration can do to improve U.S. military capabilities to deter and, if necessary, defeat potential threats.”He joins host Cliff May to discuss.

The two most recent attacks on Israel did not take place in the Middle East. The first was in Turtle Bay at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The second was in The Hague where the International Criminal Court is located — and about 40 miles from Amsterdam where Israeli soccer fans were violently assaulted earlier this month. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The action comes as Israel continues to fight a war on seven other fronts against Tehran-backed enemies.Host Cliff May discusses with his FDD colleagues Orde Kittrie and Rich Goldberg.

Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council staff member and advisor to Senator Mark Kirk, shares insights on President-elect Trump's foreign policy team. They discuss the challenges posed by Iran, Russia, and China, emphasizing a 'peace through strength' approach. The conversation covers controversial cabinet appointments and the strategic implications for U.S. relations with authoritarian regimes. Goldberg also touches on energy security, potential shifts in U.S. policy towards Israel, and the need for reform in the UN to better address global threats.

Ilan Berman, Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council and author of "Navigating the Iranian Opposition," delves into the enduring challenges posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. He discusses the significance of Iran's diverse opposition movements, like the Women's Life Freedom Movement, and the complexities of shaping a future society. Berman highlights governance options post-revolution, including the role of youth in driving change and the urgent need for effective U.S. policies to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional stability.

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, an expert in operational planning and joint operations, recently returned from Ukraine, where he supported the general staff in military strategies. He discusses Russia’s illegal war, revealing the alarming collaboration with North Korean soldiers. Montgomery explores the complex geopolitical tensions, NATO aspirations for Ukraine, and the urgent need for increased military support. He also highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing conflict and the vital humanitarian efforts from U.S. nonprofits.