Sources & Methods

Deepa Shivaram, a White House correspondent for NPR covering East Asia, and Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, delve into U.S.-China relations and military operations. They discuss President Trump's mixed achievements during his Asia trip, the implications of de-escalating trade tensions, and the looming deadlines for U.S. naval operations targeting drug smugglers. The duo also explores the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding North Korea and how military funding may be affected by government shutdowns.

Eyder Peralta, an NPR international correspondent covering Latin America, and Greg Myre, NPR's national security correspondent in Tel Aviv, dive deep into pressing maritime and diplomatic issues. Eyder reveals how Trinidad's fishermen are living in fear of mistaken U.S. strikes amid suspicions that innocent lives may have been lost instead of drug smugglers. Meanwhile, Greg discusses the complexities of the Gaza ceasefire, U.S. diplomatic efforts, and the risks of overreaching claims. Both guests explore historical echoes of past U.S. interventions with a focus on current implications.

Rob Dannenberg, a former CIA officer and two-time station chief in Moscow, shares his deep insights into Vladimir Putin's tactics. He reveals how Putin's KGB training influences his dealings with President Trump, emphasizing the use of intelligence for manipulation. Dannenberg also discusses why Budapest serves as a cozy backdrop for Putin, given its alignment with Viktor Orban. Plus, in a fun twist, he connects cocktails with espionage, highlighting his journey from spy craft to co-authoring a cocktail tradecraft book.

Ryan Lucas and Tom Bowman join to discuss Trump's controversial plans for military strikes in Venezuela. Lucas explores the legal justifications, such as claims of self-defense against drug cartels. Bowman adds insights into the Pentagon press's mass walkout in protest of restrictive credentialing agreements, highlighting challenges in reporting without direct access. They consider the implications of shifting strikes from sea to land and whether the actions will truly impact drug trafficking or just serve broader geopolitical goals.

In this discussion, Greg Myre, an NPR correspondent in Tel Aviv, sheds light on the complex aftermath of the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting the interplay of local and international dynamics. Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, dives into the legalities of National Guard deployments and the implications for domestic security. They explore the challenges of disarming Hamas and the future governance of Gaza, along with the potential for federalizing National Guard troops amid civilian crises. Both guests provide a rich analysis of these pressing issues.

National security, unlocked. Each Thursday, host Mary Louise Kelly and a team of NPR correspondents discuss the biggest national security news of the week. With decades of reporting from battlefields and the halls of power, they bring you inside the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence community to help you understand America's shifting role in the world, and how events in faraway places matter here at home. Additional episodes feature interviews with power players from the NatSec world -- current and former military officials, intelligence experts, diplomatic leaders, and more. Email the show at sourcesandmethods@npr.org. NPR+ supporters hear every episode sponsor-free and can access our complete archive. Learn more and support public media at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy