Fault Lines

Today, Martha, Matt, Bishop, and Andrew break down the latest Russia-Ukraine developments, the growing pressure on Putin, and the rising costs of war. They examine the strength of the Western alliance, the effect of sanctions against Russia, the Nord Stream 2 fallout, and whether boosting U.S. energy production could curb Europe’s reliance on Russian oil. As modern warfare evolves, hybrid conflict, drone strikes, and Wagner’s war crimes are reshaping security far beyond Ukraine.Will Russia’s mounting losses force Putin to negotiate? How strong is the U.S. and European alliance as the war drags on? Could energy shifts change the geopolitical balance? And is modern conflict entering a dangerous new phase?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2000262/putin-russia-revolthttps://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/01/29/ukrainian-drones-flew-500-miles-and-in-a-single-strike-damaged-5-of-russias-oil-refining-capacity/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg84r5g8d0oFollow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@WMattHayden@AndrewBorene@BishopGarrisonLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/jsytDeH8kj0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bishop, Amy, Marc, and Algene discuss the chilling effect and confusion created by the Trump administration’s broad pause on federal programs, including those at State, USAID, and domestic initiatives funded through federal grants. With confusion over what can move forward and what funding is on hold, the uncertainty is rippling across the government.Given some of the uncertainty it’s created, could this move weaken America’s ability to respond to national security threats? How does cutting foreign aid impact U.S. leadership abroad? Will China and Russia step in to fill the void? And how will the freeze on domestic programs affect states and communities across the country?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/what-the-f-is-going-on-confusion-uncertainty-in-industry-as-army-contracts-seemingly-halted/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/us/politics/medicaid-freeze.html https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/dc-federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-plan-pause-federal-aid-spend-rcna189706 Follow our experts on Twitter: @BishopGarrison@amykmitchell@Washingtonflack@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/NkcFNU8w5HY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, Amy, and Matt dive into the weekend’s hot story regarding Colombia’s refusal to accept U.S. military planes carrying deported immigrants.  This refusal resulted in President Trump announcing tariffs and sanctions targeting the country, Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, and a late night statement from the White House indicating that Bogota had accepted all of President Trump’s terms and that flights would resume. How might this episode impact U.S.-Colombia relations moving forward? What would a trade war with Colombia have looked like?  How might Trump’s early diplomatic approach highlighted here affect long-term relationships with allies?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/01/26/trump-colombia-deportation-flights-migrants-tariffs/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/americas/colombia-us-deportation-flights.html https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombias-petro-will-not-allow-us-planes-return-migrants-2025-01-26/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@amykmitchell@NotTVJessJones @WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZMYKd4Jh6WE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Marc, and Amy discuss President Trump’s decision to revoke security clearances for officials who signed the Hunter Biden laptop letter and to withdraw protective details for former officials like Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, and John Bolton. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is reorganizing the National Security Council.What message do these actions send to allies, adversaries, and current national security officials? Is this a practical step to reshape the NSC or a risky precedent with far-reaching implications?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/us/politics/trump-pompeo-security-iran.htmlhttps://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/20/politics/trump-revokes-security-clearances-former-officials-hunter-biden-laptop-letter https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5098612-john-bolton-donald-trump-secret-service/amp/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/video/john-bolton-trump-pulls-secret-service-detail-tapper-digvid Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@lestermunson@amykmitchell@WashingtonflackLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/o90JiQRd-jg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Martha, Les, and Jes dive into the ongoing battle over TikTok. After Congress passed bipartisan legislation forcing TikTok to divest from ByteDance, the Supreme Court upheld the decision. However, President-elect Trump’s Day 1 Executive Order paused enforcement, proposing a 50% ownership deal with 72 days for review.Can TikTok operations truly be secured to address national security concerns? What does this proposed deal reveal about Trump’s approach to China, and how does the struggle between Congress and the Executive Branch shape this debate?Tune in to explore the answers and what this means for the millions of Americans on TikTok.Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-ban-da11df6d59c17e2c17eea40c4042386d https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-goes-dark-us-users-trump-says-save-tiktok-2025-01-19/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/19/donald-trump-tik-tok-ownership-united-states/77831835007/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/01/21/tiktok-ban-download-back/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@lestermunson@NotTVJessJones Like what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xXxdPyxH_kA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Martha, Morgan, and Algene discuss the Gaza-Israel ceasefire and hostage deal, marking a turning point 15 months into the conflict. Brokered with negotiators from both the Biden and Trump administrations, this agreement demonstrates rare unity across the political divide. With hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to be exchanged in phases, and Israeli forces withdrawing from key areas, the deal raises critical questions. Should President-elect Donald Trump be considered “the closer” on this deal? Can the U.S. and Israel ensure Iran remains isolated? And will this deal hold through its initial phase and beyond?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-quarrel-over-final-details-of-gaza-cease-fire-2fbb837b https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/16/israel-war-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-news-hamas/ https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-quarrel-over-final-details-of-gaza-cease-fire-2fbb837b Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@morganlroach@lestermunson@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/m2pSL8p4VSA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Martha, and Jess discuss this week’s national security nomination hearings, happening less than a week before Donald Trump is sworn in as president. This week, Pete Hegseth, nominee Secretary of Defense, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State; and John Ratcliffe for CIA Director, are all under the spotlight. Are Trump’s choices a sign of a cultural shift in the Pentagon, what are the national security implications and how does the Senate’s performance in vetting nominees stack up?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@marthamillerdc@morganlroach@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/e23HnQhuoR0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Martha, Morgan, and Amy delve into President-elect Trump’s recent comments on the strategic importance of Greenland and the Panama Canal to U.S. national security. His refusal to rule out the use of military force to secure these regions has raised eyebrows, ignited debate, and brought renewed attention to key geopolitical areas where the U.S. faces increasing competition from Russia and China.What do Trump’s remarks signal for U.S. security priorities, particularly as Russia and China expand their influence in the Arctic and Latin America? How can the U.S. deepen its relationship with Greenland, especially as it pursues independence?  What steps can the U.S. take to mitigate China’s growing leverage over the Panama Canal and its presence in the Western Hemisphere?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/12/trump-greenland-panama-canal-expansion/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/09/greenland-prime-minister-mute-egede-calm-unity-trump-comments-denmark https://www.npr.org/2025/01/11/nx-s1-5253910/donald-trump-greenland-panama-canal-canada https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/right-to-be-concerned-about-chinas-influence-over-the-panama-canal/  Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@marthamillerdc@morganlroach@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/JdGjrAhpWH8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Martha, Les, Jess, and Bishop discuss the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after nine years in office, leaving him as a caretaker PM until a new leader is selected. This leadership change raises questions about Canada’s future role on the global stage and its evolving relationship with the United States.Will Trudeau’s successor be ready to navigate challenges like Trump’s potential tariffs on Canadian imports, the housing and affordability crisis, and Canada’s role as a leading energy exporter to the U.S.?  Will this shift bring Canada closer to becoming “America’s 51st state”? Why is this happening now?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/justin-trudeau-canadian-prime-minister-why-he-resigned-1235227842/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-trudeaus-resignation-compounds-economic-uncertainty-ahead-of-possible/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-resignation-election-call/Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@marthamillerdc@lestermunson@BishopGarrisonLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mynaxu6iGeA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Martha, Les, Jess, Matt, and Morgan reflect on the most significant foreign policy event of 2024 and explore its potential impact on global affairs in 2025. From emerging power struggles to unexpected alliances, they share bold predictions that could shake up the international stage next year.What region or issue will dominate headlines in 2025? What’s their biggest wish for U.S. foreign policy moving forward? And which books, articles, or podcasts do they recommend for making sense of the complex year ahead?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@marthamillerdc@lestermunson@WMattHayden@morganlroachLike what we're doing here?  Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/fjRBdnRvjy0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.