Ideas

Ep. 11: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani; Former FBI Agent Clint Watts on Russian disinformation, fake news and more.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Policy

Donald Trump Didn’t Kill NATO, But…

Trump was on relatively good behavior, but NATO leaders acted more like salesmen than statesmen, defending the very existence of the alliance that protected the West for 70 years.

Science & Tech

China, Russia, and the US Are All Building Centers for Military AI

But their burgeoning approaches to state-sponsored research are divergent as the countries themselves.

Threats

Russian Special Forces Just Practiced Invading an Island Near Finland

It’s the latest in a series of military exercises that regional observers call provocative and intimidating.

Ideas

A No-Cost, No-Brainer of a Nuclear Deal

Extending New START would be an easy win out of the Trump-Putin summit.

Ideas

Don’t Give Russia the Gift of Extending New START

With Moscow’s recent behavior, there’s no need to rush on a treaty that still has nearly three years to run.

Ideas

What to Expect from Trump’s Marathon Week of Diplomacy

Allies are right to be worried.

Science & Tech

Russia Building Up Military Sites on Poland’s Border Before Trump-Putin Meeting

Satellite photos show new structures and other bunker improvements in the Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad made in the run-up to the NATO summit.

Threats

This is How Russia Could Test NATO, Warns Former US Army Europe Commander

Ben Hodges co-authors a new report that explores how Russia might engineer a military crisis on the Poland-Lithuania border.

Policy

Trump Not Planning to Threaten US Troop Withdrawal from Europe; Solo Putin Meeting Was His Idea

Previewing the NATO Summit and Putin meeting, officials say Trump has the facts on Russian meddling, wants Putin meeting to start "dialogue."

Ideas

For America, More War in Syria Is All Risk, No Reward

The recklessness of keeping U.S. soldiers in harm’s way is compounded by the fact that there are no vital American interests at stake.

Ideas

The Great Russian Disinformation Campaign

In a new book, Timothy Snyder explains how Russia revolutionized information warfare—and presages its consequences for democracies in Europe and the United States.

Ideas

Ep. 10: Molly O'Toole on US border security; NATO summit preview; See you in Helsinki, and more.

Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.

Ideas

The Trump-Putin Summit: What the Europeans Fear

A U.S. leader meeting a Russian one is not particularly unusual. The context is.

Ideas

Trump Backs Russia on Election Interference Ahead of NATO Summit

The president’s remarks came amid increasing anxiety among U.S. allies about next month’s meeting, which will be immediately followed by a one-on-one with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Ideas

As US Tightens Sanctions, Iran Seeks Leverage — and Russia May Win Either Way

Iran's recent relatively mild public statements belie the cards it might play in regional conflicts.

Ideas

There Is Now a Well-Documented Example of Cyber Deterrence

Unfortunately for the United States, it was executed by Russia.

Ideas

Russia Is Quietly Playing Three Roles in the Korean Drama

Though it rarely makes the news, Moscow has a critical part as a behind-the-scenes negotiator, spoiler, and unholy ally.

Ideas

What Europe Can Teach America About Russian Disinformation

“If we are serious about defending Western values, now is the time.”

Science & Tech

Russia, Too, Is Building a Giant War Cloud

It’s the latest improvement in the Russian military’s ability to operate off the rest of the world’s grid.