Shield of the Republic

Michael Weiss, an investigative journalist and editor at The Insider, dives into pressing global issues like U.S. military prospects in Iran and recent Venezuelan operations. He discusses the cyclical nature of diplomacy in Ukraine, revealing how Russian proposals have influenced U.S. strategies. Weiss also sheds light on the troubling connections between the GRU and Havana Syndrome incidents, detailing the challenges faced by victims and the institutional failures in response. His insights underscore the complexities of American foreign policy and the lingering threats abroad.

Eric and Eliot discuss serious threats that Trump continues to make against Denmark and the possibility that the administration might use military force to seize Greenland. They also examine the seizure of the ghost fleet tanker Bella, the risks of inadvertent conflict with Russia, and ongoing negotiations in Paris over the future of the war in Ukraine. The conversation explores the odds that Russia can continue fighting in 2026 given immense battlefield losses, the country’s cratering economy, and shifts in Ukrainian domestic politics. Finally, they turn to the intensifying protests in Iran, contrasting them with earlier waves of public revulsion against the regime in the late 1990s, 2009, 2017–18, and 2022–23, and discuss what indicators might suggest the regime is truly coming apart at the seams.Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Eric and Eliot dive into the controversial raid in Caracas aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro. They explore the operation's military execution and its implications for future governance in Venezuela. The hosts discuss Trump's comments and the fallout, alongside the lack of a post-raid plan. They analyze Maduro’s connections to Cuba and Russia, while questioning the legal justifications for such interventions. The muted public response and potential global repercussions for authoritarian regimes add another layer of complexity to this high-stakes situation.

Eric welcomes Council on Foreign Relations President Mike Froman to discuss CFR's latest task force report on U.S. economic security. They explore the importance of AI, quantum computing and biotechnology as foundational technologies in today's strategic competition, the effort that China is investing in these technologies, and the market failures that have led the U.S. to underinvest in quantum and biotech. The conversation also covers supply chain vulnerabilities, human capital shortfalls in key areas of technology, and the tension in the Trump administration's effort to address China's growing technological dominance while simultaneously cutting funding for basic research at the NSF, NIH, and other institutions.U.S. Economic Security: Winning the Race for Tomorrow's Technologies:https://www.cfr.org/task-force-report/us-economic-securityMike Froman on Substack:https://mikefroman.substack.com/Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Jim Himes, U.S. Representative from Connecticut and ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, joins the conversation to dissect pressing policy concerns. He raises critical legal and moral questions about September's double-tap strikes and discusses the intelligence value lost by repatriating captured individuals. Himes emphasizes the significance of regional partnerships against escalating drug boat operations while cautioning about the risks of military conflict in Venezuela. He underscores the need for Congress to reassert authority in foreign policy decisions.

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.