Shield of the Republic

Eliot and Eric welcome John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project and author of numerous articles and studies of urban and subterranean warfare. They discuss the unique characteristics of urban warfare, the traditional U.S. military approach to urban warfare as well as historical examples from the U.S.-Mexican War in the 19th Century to more recent examples like the Battle of Aachen in World War II and the Battles of Baghdad, Fallujah, and Sadr City during the Iraq War. Based on Spencer's multiple trips to Israel and Gaza, they also discuss how the Israeli Defense Forces have attempted to deal with the even more difficult urban warfare conditions in Gaza including the more than 400 miles of tunnels that created enormously complicated problems for Israeli forces attempting to destroy Hamas's 24 battalions of some 30 to 40 thousand fighters and the inevitable impact that has on civilian populations. They also discuss the information or cognitive warfare dimension of fighting on urban terrain and the difficulties Israel has had in that regard. Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Eliot and Eric are joined by Juan Carlos Pinzón, former Colombian Minister of Defense and two-time Ambassador to the U.S. They discuss the success of former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe's counterinsurgency efforts against FARC and narco-trafficking, the subsequent domestic developments in Colombia that have led to significant backsliding on narco-trafficking, as well as the current prosecution of the former President in Colombia's courts of law. They also discuss the revival of leftism in the Western Hemisphere and the Trump Administration's initial diplomatic undertakings in the region. 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 discuss Secretary Hegseth's restoration of the '"Reunion" memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, the President's nationalizing of the DC National Guard to engage in law enforcement in the nation's capital, and the diplomatic pratfalls of Steve Witkoff whose misinterpretation of President Putin has resulted in the misbegotten forthcoming summit in Alaska between Trump and Putin. To distract themselves from the administration's ongoing idiocy Eric and Eliot discuss their summer reading including Toby Wilkinson's A World Beneath the Sands, H. Ridder Haggard's She, and Daniel Silva's An Inside Job among others.

Fred Starr, former President of Oberlin University and a central figure at the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, dives into Russia's military struggles and staggering losses. He sheds light on the myriad challenges facing Russian forces and the complexities of public opinion in the country. The discussion spans the rich resources and political landscapes of Central Asia, addressing how Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are navigating post-communist governance. Starr also touches on the renewed interest in avoiding Moscow's influence among former Soviet states.

The hosts tackle the latest Pentagon antics, blending humor with serious political critique. They dive into the tumultuous U.S.-Russia relations and analyze Trump's shifting stance on Putin. A deep discussion on Gaza examines the complex truths behind the humanitarian crisis. The Captagon drug trade's ramifications on regional violence are explored, alongside the intricacies of governance in Lebanon and Syria. The podcast also highlights the challenges facing higher education amid political influences and offers a hopeful perspective on fostering academic diversity.

Karen Elliott House, a former Wall Street Journal correspondent and author, delves into the remarkable rise of Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS). She discusses how MBS has spearheaded social reforms and cultural shifts in Saudi Arabia while grappling with political repression. The conversation touches on his ambitious projects like The Line city, the rise of women in the workforce, and the delicate balance between modernization and tradition. House also explores Saudi Arabia's role as a 'middle power' in global geopolitics, navigating complex relationships with nations like Iran and China.

Rebecca Friedman Lissner is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, while Mira Rapp-Hooper is a partner at the Asia Group and a former senior director for East Asia at the NSC. They delve into the implications of Trump's policies on the international order, discussing how these changes may lead to lasting disruptions. The conversation highlights the emergence of a multipolar world and the challenges America faces from rising powers like China. They also explore the vital intersection of technology and foreign policy, emphasizing the necessity for a coherent strategy in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Delve into the chaos at the Pentagon as military aid to Ukraine faces obstacles. Discover the shifting dynamics of Trump’s defense policies and the confusion surrounding his stance on foreign relations. Explore the complexities of U.S. relationships with Russia, China, and Iran amid regional conflicts. A light-hearted interlude brings literary discussions into the fray, linking classic tales to contemporary dilemmas. Get insights into media cuts affecting global journalism amidst rising tensions, reflecting on the vital role of truthful reporting.

Eric and Eliot host a special Shield of the Republic episode to discuss the Iranian response to Trump's strike on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. They assess the largely symbolic Iranian attack on al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as an attempt to take an off ramp from further escalation as they did in the aftermath of the Soleimani strike in 2020. They also touch on why Trump did it, the difficulties of bomb damage assessment, what happened to the HEU and are there other Iranian facilities, the Israeli intelligence brief, the cracks in MAGA, Trump's sudden endorsement of regime change and the hypocrisy of those calling for a Congressional vote to legitimize the actions given their prior support for Obama's operation in Libya and Clinton's campaigns in Bosnia and Kosovo all of which took place without a vote. Eliot's Latest in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/06/trump-iran/683287/ Eric (with Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh) in Foreign Affairs: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/right-path-regime-change-iran Where Does Iran Go Now? (The New York Times): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/opinion/iran-iranians-regime.html Inside the spy dossier that led Israel to war (The Economist): https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/06/18/inside-the-spy-dossier-that-led-israel-to-war Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

In a gripping discussion, military strategies in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict take center stage, revealing the complexities of intelligence gathering and potential outcomes. The hosts delve into the implications of U.S. military intervention and the internal splits within Trump's coalition regarding foreign policy. Historical parallels and the cultural influences on decision-making in Israel versus the U.S. are explored, highlighting the challenges of national security leadership amidst shifting geopolitical tensions.