Shield of the Republic

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into a controversial double-tap strike on a drug boat off Venezuela, raising questions about potential war crimes. The pair analyze the resignation of Admiral Holsey and speculate on U.S. ambitions in Venezuela. They tackle the Defense Department's IG report on Signalgate, debunking claims of complete exoneration. The conversation shifts to the Witkoff-Kushner dealings in Russia, highlighting the complexities of negotiating with Putin and the ongoing corruption crisis in Ukraine amid a backdrop of political misjudgments.

Retired Brigadier General Ty Seidule, a historian and author, shares insights from his role on the Naming Commission, which aims to replace Confederate symbols with names reflecting American values. He discusses the process of renaming bases like Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, highlighting its significance for unity among troops. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding the Confederate legacy, the backlash against renaming efforts, and the need to confront historical narratives, especially regarding figures like Robert E. Lee, who are often romanticized despite their ties to slavery.

Michael Hunzeker, an associate professor and co-author of America's Taiwan Dilemma, shares deep insights on Taiwan's geopolitical landscape. He discusses the crucial role of U.S. credibility in deterring conflict and managing alliances in East Asia. The conversation delves into the implications of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, regional allies' perceptions, and the delicate balance of military posture. Hunzeker also highlights how the Ukraine conflict reshapes Asian security calculations and the potential impact of a more transactional U.S. foreign policy.

Laura Field, a nonresident fellow at Brookings and author of Furious Minds, dives deep into the MAGA intellectual ecosystem. She explores the Claremont Institute's roots and the influence of figures like Michael Anton and Leo Strauss. The conversation unpacks the rise of post-liberalism, theocratic ambitions of Christian nationalists, and how radical decline narratives fuel extremism. Field also links tech innovators like Peter Thiel to far-right ideologies and discusses the movement's incoherence as a strategic power grab, highlighting its implications for American democracy.

The hosts tackle the GOP's troubling ties to anti-Semitism and extremist elements. They debunk Trump's misleading claims about nuclear weapons while discussing the importance of managing international alliances. Insights from Canada reveal how Trump strained relations with allies, including the UK and France. They also scrutinize U.S. operations in Venezuela, questioning their legality and strategic coherence. Lastly, the potential consequences of intervention in Latin America by global powers like Russia and China are explored.

Eric and Eliot discuss appeasement and the striking similarities between Putin’s recent demands and Hitler’s insistence that the Czechs surrender the heavily fortified Sudetenland. They then turn to the latest idiocy coming from the administration, including Trump’s demolition of the East Wing, the Pentagon’s new exclusively right-wing press corps, and the live-fire Marine exercise that sent ordnance onto I-5 in California during a salute to Pete Hegseth and JD Vance. They also examine Putin’s phone call with Trump and the situation in Ukraine, along with Trump’s accelerating campaign of regime change in Venezuela. They end the week’s conversation with thoughts on the No Kings protests and the daunting prospects for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza. Show Notes: - Appeasement: Chamberlain, Hitler, Churchill, and the Road to War: https://a.co/d/awNtPTM - Eric & David Kramer’s latest on Ukraine: https://thedispatch.com/article/trump-putin-budapest-ukraine-tomahawks/ Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Bill Galston, a Senior Fellow at Brookings and author of 'Anger, Fear, Domination', dives into the dark passions driving politics today. He explains how liberal democrats often underestimate these forces and discusses the historical roots of illiberalism. The conversation touches on whether the left or right displays more illiberal tendencies, assessing the vulnerabilities of US democracy in a global context. Galston advocates for transformative rhetoric to restore public confidence and highlights potential threats to institutions and elections.

In this enlightening discussion, Barry Strauss, a military historian and author of *Jews vs. Rome*, delves into the Jewish revolts against Roman rule during 67-70 AD. He explores the geostrategic significance of Judea, the complex ethnic landscape, and the motivations behind the rebellions, including messianic beliefs. Strauss highlights the challenges Romans faced in governing the region and how archaeological findings, particularly from Masada, reshape our understanding of these historical events. He also discusses the revolts' impact on early Christianity and modern interpretations of ancient narratives.

Tim Bouverie, a historian and author of 'Allies at War', dives into the complex web of WWII diplomacy. He reveals the nuances of Churchill's leadership flaws and the evolution of the Churchill-Roosevelt dynamic. Bouverie discusses the impact of France's rapid defeat on Allied relations and the significance of smaller players like Turkey and Vichy France. He also critiques the myth surrounding Yalta and highlights essential lessons for modern alliance management, underscoring the need to understand adversaries and cherish alliances.

The hosts dissect Trump and Hegseth's troubling speeches to military leaders. They criticize Hegseth's insecure approach and Trump's incoherent, dangerous rhetoric. Topics include civil-military relations, leadership failures, and the risks of militarizing domestic issues. The discussion touches on historical misconceptions about military success and the implications of using 'wokeness' as a scapegoat. They highlight ongoing tensions within the military and warn against harmful policies while recognizing some reforms.