Fault Lines

Today, Martha, Les, Amy, and Jess examine the latest flurry of diplomatic activity between Russia and Ukraine—amid headlines, handshakes, and very little real progress. Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul for the first time in years, while Putin refused to join. Trump’s recent refusal to endorse new sanctions on Russia– as the EU and UK ramp up pressure– is raising alarms among European allies and creating a problematic U.S.-European divide in NATO.  With the new Pope offering the Vatican as neutral ground and a bipartisan group of Senators pushing for tougher sanctions, the question remains: is Trump’s mixed approach—part engagement, part retreat—undermining the West’s leverage?  As Russia digs in and Ukraine holds the line, can diplomacy survive in a landscape shaped by war fatigue, nuclear risk, and fractured alliances?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/21/ukraine-war-briefing-pope-opens-vatican-door-to-peace-talks-says-melonihttps://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-trump-83979d718b73cb9bd655dd9aaa915573https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgddel17kvoFollow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@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/48WGmDLETXM  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Andy unpack weekend elections in Romania, Poland, and Portugal—where voters are navigating domestic frustrations, regional security fears, and the specter of Russian influence. In Romania, centrist Nicușor Dan defeated far-right nationalist George Simion with a pro-EU, anti-corruption message. Poland will head into a June presidential election runoff between centrist Rafal Trzaskowski and far-right challenger Karol Nawrocki, while in Portugal, a far-right party surged to 20%, shaking up the political landscape.Are these results driven by domestic political pressures—or do they reflect a broader European response to the war in Ukraine? Is European support for Ukraine holding strong, or is it increasingly tied to who’s in power in Washington? And how do concerns about ballot access and disinformation shape the future of European democracy?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions. https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c74q57kydgethttps://www.npr.org/2025/05/17/nx-s1-5400392/elections-in-poland-and-romania-could-shape-the-future-of-europe-and-ukrainehttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanians-vote-presidential-run-off-that-could-widen-eu-rifts-2025-05-17/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@morganlroach@AndyKeiserLike 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/dhrK5Za2OtU  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political shifts in Syria are unfolding as President Trump meets the new Syrian leader, raising questions about lifting sanctions. This move could stabilize the region while challenging Iranian and Russian influence. The discussion also dives into U.S. foreign strategy, examining the delicate balance of engaging Gulf partners for reconstruction and the ensuing geopolitical risks. Additionally, a change in U.S. national security approaches highlights a more consultative style, aiming for strategic pivots that could reshape the region's power dynamics.

Today, Morgan and Andy break down President Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East—his first foreign trip of the new administration. From lifting sanctions on Syria and announcing a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia to ongoing hostage negotiations and talks on Hamas, Iran, and regional security, the trip highlights Trump’s economic-first approach to diplomacy.What are the real implications of lifting sanctions on Syria—and can the new Syrian leadership be trusted? Is the U.S. abandoning maximum pressure on Iran, or doubling down? And as China courts Middle Eastern nations, what role should America be playing in the region it keeps returning to?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@AndyKeiserLike 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/HLyhAdYOdyo  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Martha, Morgan, and Jess unpack the volatile state of affairs between India and Pakistan following days of exchanged missiles, drones, and cross-border fire in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. A ceasefire has been declared and is tentatively holding, though reports of violations have already surfaced. While the Trump administration has claimed credit for brokering the truce, the extent of U.S. involvement remains unclear, as India continues to frame the conflict as a bilateral matter.What role, if any, did Washington truly play? How does the U.S. balance its growing partnership with India amid regional instability? And with Prime Minister Modi expected to address the nation, will India push for peace—or prepare for more pressure?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out these stories which helped shape our experts’ opinions.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-pakistan-ceasefire-shaken-overnight-clashes-kashmir/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/fragile-ceasefire-holds-between-india-pakistan-trump-offers-more-help-2025-05-11/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9d913v20o Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@morganlroach@NotTVJessJonesLike 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/cVGRwYk1vjk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Matt, and Algene break down the latest developments in U.S. trade policy. A new U.S.-UK agreement lowers tariffs on select British imports to 10%, including automobiles, aluminum, and steel. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are set to meet this weekend in Geneva to jumpstart trade talks aimed at easing escalating tensions, as President Trump recently declared on social media that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right.”Is the U.S.-UK trade deal a meaningful step forward, or a symbolic win? Can the upcoming U.S.-China talks ease economic pressure and provide relief for American businesses and consumers? What are the national security stakes in U.S.-China trade negotiations?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out these stories which helped shape our experts’ opinions.  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/china-agrees-to-trade-talks-with-the-u-s-and-rolls-out-more-stimulus-as-tariffs-hit-economyhttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-says-china-wants-negotiate-meet-right-time-2025-05-06/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/trump-us-uk-trade-announcementhttps://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ready-fresh-100-billion-counterstrike-donald-trump-tariffs/Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@WMattHayden@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/430xXMUN30I  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and Jess unpack the opening of the Papal Conclave, where 133 cardinals will vote to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis' death. As the Church prepares for a new era, the next pontiff will inherit a vast and diverse flock of 1.4 billion people—and a complex geopolitical role.What legacy does Pope Francis leave behind? How will the next pope shape global diplomacy, from China to Ukraine to Africa and Latin America? Will this be a time of renewed outreach or internal retrenchment—and how will growing Catholic populations across the world influence the direction of the Church for the next 25 years?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@lestermunson@WMattHayden@NotTVJessJonesLike 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/Y2fkorABorQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Martha, Andrew, and Matt unpack the latest developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations—from a newly signed mineral deal with financial provisions for reconstruction deal to reports of Ukrainian sea drones downing Russian fighter jets with U.S. tech, and the transfer of Patriot missile systems. With these moves, the U.S. is significantly increasing its support for Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.Is this a turning point in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine? What do these shifts mean for deterrence, reconstruction, and European defense? And with Zelensky and Trump’s Vatican meeting behind them, is the U.S.-Ukraine relationship entering a new phase of partnership?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped inform our experts today: https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukrainian-naval-drones-shoot-down-russian-jets-in-military-first-kyiv-says-bc0eaf08 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-patriot-systems.html Follow our experts on Twitter: @lestermunson@marthamillerdc@WMattHayden@AndrewBoreneLike 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/uYCo7qhquGM  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sudden shift in national security leadership raises eyebrows as Mike Waltz transitions to a UN role, sparking debate over his perceived demotion. With a more isolationist stance emerging, questions surface about the administration's approach to Iran and the implications for international relations. Meanwhile, Marco Rubio takes on multiple roles, creating a mix of consolidation and chaos. The discussion delves into loyalty dynamics, ideological divides, and the tumultuous environment surrounding U.S. foreign policy.

Today, Les, Martha, Morgan, and Jess take stock of President Trump’s first 101 days back in office. From sweeping global tariffs on “Liberation Day” to high-stakes negotiations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, the administration has taken an aggressive approach to foreign policy—with mixed results. Domestically, hardline immigration policies and sharp cuts to foreign aid have pleased the base, while chaos and concern continue around national security decision-making.Is the Trump administration delivering on its promises or generating more confusion than progress? Has its pressure on allies—from Canada to Greenland to Panama—strengthened U.S. leverage or isolated it further? And as Europe scrambles for cohesion, how would you grade the administration so far?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@lestermunson@morganlroach@NotTVJessJonesLike 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/_5PkcTRFDTM Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.