Shield of the Republic

Eliot and Eric welcome Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber Affairs and currently the Payne Lecturer at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Center, to discuss her latest article in Foreign Affairs. They discuss Salt Typhoon, the Chinese hack of U.S. computer systems, and the fact that the Chinese sit astride key nodes of U.S. domestic infrastructure in the cyber realm and could inflict enormous damage on Americans in their everyday lives in the event of a crisis or conflict. China is Winning the Cyberwar: America Needs a New Strategy of Deterrence: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/china-winning-cyberwar-artificial-intelligence Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

The hosts delve into the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for political violence and online radicalization. They explore the alarming Russian drone incursions testing NATO’s defenses. Eliot provides firsthand insights on Israel's controversial strike in Qatar and the internal debates surrounding it. Additionally, the discussion turns to leaked National Defense Strategy documents suggesting a shift in focus back to the homeland. Throughout, they reflect on the challenges facing liberal democracy while maintaining a sense of hope.

Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and author specializing in Israeli security, delves into the systemic failures that led to Hamas's unexpected attack on October 7. He discusses how Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza created intelligence blind spots and critiques overreliance on technology like the Iron Dome. Katz also addresses the political dilemmas surrounding military objectives, the emotional trauma in the IDF, and the need for a more coherent strategy moving forward. His insights illuminate the complex interplay of military, political, and societal factors shaping Israel's current landscape.

Stephan Kieninger, a fellow at the American German Institute and author, joins the discussion to uncover Strobe Talbott's pivotal role in NATO's enlargement post-Cold War. They dive into Talbott's strategic negotiations, striking a balance between U.S. interests and Russia's voice in European security. The conversation touches on the Budapest Memorandum regarding Ukraine’s nuclear weapons, the impact of Kosovo on NATO-Russia relations, and the Clinton Administration's approach to Russian reforms during tumultuous events in the late 90s.

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Madison Policy Forum and a former U.S. Army officer, dives into the complexities of urban warfare. He explores the unique challenges of combat in city environments and compares historical battles from the U.S.-Mexican War to recent urban conflicts in Iraq and Gaza. Spencer debunks common myths about room-to-room fighting, reveals the impact of cognitive warfare, and illustrates how Israel grapples with Gaza’s vast tunnel systems and the implications for civilian populations. His insights on evolving tactics are both enlightening and eye-opening.

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.