Fault Lines

Today, Les, Jess, and special guest host NSI Senior Fellow and Senior Principal at Navigators Global Andy Keiser discuss the recent announcement that China’s population declined for the first time since 1961, when the country was wracked by famine as a direct result of horrendous economic planning. China also announced that its economy grew at only 3% last year, the lowest growth rate in history.How will these deep changes to China’s population and economy affect the Chinese Communist Party’s national security policy? Can Xi Jinping stay in power when the economic success of the past four decades that has sustained the Communist Party is at risk? Should the United States change its estimation of China as a peer competitor?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in less than 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-population-shrinks-first-time-since-1961-2023-01-17/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/world/asia/china-population-shrinking.html  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@AndyKeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the recent storming and occupation of Brazilian government buildings in the capital of Brasilia by thousands of supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian insurrection immediately drew comparisons to the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol two years ago. Is there a connection between the violence in Brazil and what happened in the U.S. two years ago? What are the differences and similarities between Jan. 6 and the Brazilian insurrection? Should we even see Brazil through the lens of U.S. politics? Hear our experts debate these issues and more in less than 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/world/americas/brazil-election-protests-bolsonaro.html https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/protesters-storm-brazils-congress-support-former-brazilian-president-j-rcna64816   Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the China’s new Foreign Minister’s first international trip: a weeklong tour of countries across the African continent. The new foreign minister is following in the footsteps of his predecessors, who have for more than three decades started each year with a trip to Africa. This is big news as the U.S. is currently battling China for influence in Africa – among many other regions across the globe.Does China view the continent differently than the U.S. does?  Did China beat the U.S. to identify and take advantage of strategic opportunities in Africa? And are current U.S. initiatives and commitments enough to counter Chinese influence in the region?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in less than 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://apnews.com/article/politics-china-africa-qin-gang-ethiopia-1132767663ac4a8f8951f07cba5a77de  https://www.politico.com//news/2022/12/12/biden-africa-summit-china-00073508  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, and special guest host Morgan Viña, NSI Fellow and JINSA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, discuss the Biden administration’s recent pivot away from retaliating against Saudi Arabia for oil-production cuts to focusing on increased regional security cooperation with Riyadh. Does the Biden administration’s pivot put the U.S. in a better position with the Saudis? How do the Senate and House differ in their approach to Saudi Arabia? How can the U.S. improve relations with Saudi Arabia while balancing defense, energy, and human rights issues?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in less than 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-saudi-tensions-ease-as-concerns-about-iran-grow-11672927633 https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/gregory-gause-kingdom-and-power-us-saudi-relationship  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 166: 11 Degrees of Kevin McCarthyToday, Les, Jamil, and special guest host Morgan Viña, NSI Fellow and JINSA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, discuss the current deadlock in the House of Representatives that is preventing Rep. Kevin McCarthy from becoming Speaker. This is the first time in 164 years such a battle for leadership has played out in Congress. How does this current House leadership battle affect national security? What should Kevin McCarthy’s next steps be, and will he be the next Speaker of the House? Is this a disaster, or is this democracy in action?   Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/speaker-deadlock-puts-house-gray-zone-national-security-issues-rcna64531 https://thehill.com/policy/international/3801194-state-dept-says-speaker-fight-likely-to-compound-national-security-concerns/ Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroach Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fault Lines is back! Happy New Year! Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss a recent headline you may of missed during the Winter break. Following the Taliban’s ban of female students from attending universities, the ruling force in Afghanistan recently issued a ban on women working at NGOs in the country. With aid programs supporting more than 28 million people in Afghanistan, this extreme measure has caused outrage. What should NGOs, the UN, and the U.S. do in response to these reactionary decisions? Should they cease NGO operations and humanitarian aid? Should their responses be different?Hear our experts debate this issues and the potential U.S. response in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/12/30/taliban-western-aid-misogyny-women-rights/?utm_source=PostUp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Brief%20OC&utm_term=63265&tpcc=Morning%20Brief%20OChttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/26/top-un-ngo-officials-to-meet-over-taliban-ban-on-women-staff Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in for Fault Lines’ special annual holiday episode, where some of our favorite panelists return to reflect on the most pressing national security issues of 2022, and what they expected will unfold in 2023. Join Jessica Jones, Jamil Jaffer, Morgan Viña, Martha Miller, Matthew Ferraro, Andy Keiser, and Matthew Heiman as they highlight their Hits and Misses of 2022, as well as take their Fault Lines Final Exam!What do our panelists think will happen to the Iranian regime? What do they think will be the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war? How do they think the Biden Administration is performing so far, and what do they expect of the Administration in 2023?  Find out if our experts passed their final exam, and hear our experts debate and reflect on 2022 and 2023 national security issues! Be sure to join Fault Lines again after the New Year as we resume our regular three-times-a-week schedule on Monday, January 2.Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the recent headline that the United States is nearing a decision to send PATRIOT air defense missile systems to Ukraine to help counter the barrage of Russian missiles and Iranian-made drones that have been hitting civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine for months. How aggressive should the U.S. be in supplying both offensive and defensive weapons to Ukraine? Will the PATRIOT systems be enough to support the Ukrainians to intercept attacks? Should the Biden Administration ramp up the delivery of U.S. provisions of military capabilities to Ukraine? Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/13/politics/us-patriot-missile-defense-system-ukraine/index.html https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/brittney-griner-back-us-release-russia-prisoner-swap-viktor-bout/  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison and return to America. Griner was traded for the release of notorious arms merchant Victor Bout. The freedom of Griner has been contrasted by some to former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan’s continued detention in Russia.Did Vladimir Putin intentionally give the Biden Administration a difficult choice in this prisoner exchange? Does the U.S. need a regularized process of freeing prisoners? Are prisoner releases overly politicized, or should they be even more politicized?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-freed-viktor-bout-swap-us-russia-ee51f5c14f35dc4d4cf21224a8e44eaa  https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/brittney-griner-back-us-release-russia-prisoner-swap-viktor-bout/  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, in our next "live from RNDF" series, NSI Deputy Executive Director Jessica Jones talks with former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky.How does Amb. Dobriansky see the growing Russia-Chinese partnership impacting geopolitics in the future?  How does she view current levels of U.S. support for Ukraine? What does she see being the biggest national security challenge of the upcoming year?Find out Ambassador Dobriansky’s expert insights on these questions and many more on this latest episode of Fault Lines!Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, in the third installment of our special interview series recorded live at the Reagan National Defense Forum, NSI Deputy Executive Director Jessica Jones talks with former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S), Ellen Lord!How does her former role as Secretary of Defense for A&S inform her view of national security and foreign policy challenges? What technologies will help diversify and strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base in the future? How can the DoD better leverage rapid innovation developments coming from industry?Find out Ellen Lord’s expert insights on these questions and many more on this latest episode of Fault Lines!Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, in the second installment of our special interview series recorded live at the Reagan National Defense Forum, NSI Deputy Executive Director Jessica Jones talks with former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, Dr. Nadia Schadlow!What is involved in creating a National Security Strategy (NSS)? How does the Biden Administration’s NSS compare and address the threats facing the U.S.? What are the national security challenges we are expecting to face in 2023?Find out Dr. Schadlow’s expert insights on these questions and many more on this latest episode of Fault Lines!Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, in the first installment of our special interview series recorded on the ground at the Reagan National Defense Forum, NSI Deputy Executive Director Jessica Jones talks with Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08).In what areas does Rep. Slotkin foresee China ramping up its competition with the U.S.? How does she see Russia’s invasion of Ukraine playing out? What does she think the U.S. government is getting right when it comes to ensuring that defense community gets the systems and parts it needs?Find out Rep. Slotkin’s expert insights on these questions and many more on this latest episode of Fault Lines!Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.Tune in again on Tuesday to hear our conversation with former Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy, Dr. Nadia Schadlow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the European Union, the United States, and the G7 negotiations surrounding modifications to the EU sanctions on Russian oil set to go in place early this month. The sanction modifications would set a price cap to limit the revenue Russia can make from its oil exports while also averting a global oil shortage.How can the EU, U.S., and G7 put economic pressure on Russia without causing a global oil supply shock? Will the creation of a price cap be effective? How should the Biden Administration strike a balance between cost-of-living increases and economic and military efforts in the ongoing war in Ukraine?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/12/01/russian-oil-sanctions-are-about-to-kick-in-and-they-could-disrupt-markets-in-a-big-way.html  https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the recent UN vote to condemn the U.S. embargo of Cuba for the 30th year in a row – only the U.S. and Israel voted against the resolution. There has been much debate about lifting of the embargo, which has arguably caused much hardship on the Cuban population – with anti-government protests sweeping the region over food and medicine shortages and the government’s response to the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. Should the U.S. lift the embargo against Cuba or ease tensions with Cuba to widen access to technology, medicine, affordable food, and other goods? Should the U.S. continue its embargo against Cuba on human rights grounds? Does Cuba still pose a threat, or has the 50-year policy reached its expiration date? Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.axios.com/2022/11/03/un-condemns-cuba-embargo  https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-business-cuba-israel-europe-bf38ea2b62324cbd9ed3ce10905883d8  Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the implications of Israel Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s return to power, making him the longest tenured prime minister in Israeli history. However, some of his incoming government's coalition partners are of stated concern to the Biden Administration, as they include ultra nationalist parties.How will Netanyahu’s reappearance on the world scene impact American Middle East policymaking? What will be the impact of the Biden Administration appointing a new -D.C. based- representative for Palestinian affairs?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.axios.com/2022/11/22/us-palestinian-upgrade-relations-hady-amr https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/us/politics/biden-netanyahu.html Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Violent gangs are sweeping the country of 11.54 million people and there are calls for a potential U.S. lead peacekeeping efforts.Why does Haiti matter to U.S. national security? Should the U.S. let Canada take the lead in directing a multinational force to support the Haitian government? Can we expect different results if the U.S. intervenes compared to previous U.S. led operations in Haiti?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in our latest Fault Lines!Also a reminder, this is the last episode of Fault Lines for this week as the team takes a break to enjoy Thanksgiving. We hope you all do as well!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-63661118.amphttps://www.reuters.com/world/canada-says-worried-by-haiti-violence-sends-delegation-2022-10-27/Follow our experts on Twitter:@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunsonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss the harrowing reports of the use of heavy weaponry by the Iranian government against protesters in the Iranian Kurdish city of Mahabad and the threats to other Kurdish areas in Iran.What does this targeting of Kurdish populations mean and should it change how the U.S. is responding? Is it time for the U.S. to actively encourage regime change in Iran?Hear our experts provide their analysis on our latest episode!Also a reminder, Fault Lines will only be coming to you today and Wednesday this week as the team takes a break to enjoy Thanksgiving. We hope you all do as well!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/security-forces-intensify-crackdown-irans-kurdish-area-four-killed-rights-group-2022-11-20/https://www.wsj.com/articles/irans-security-forces-crack-down-on-protest-movement-in-kurdish-region-11668950068Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss tensions on the Korean peninsula. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a continuous increase in the rate of North Korean missile drills and rhetoric.What should the U.S. do in response? Should the U.S. continue to press for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula? How does China play into U.S. policy vis-a-vis North Korea?Hear our experts provide their analysis on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/16/asia/north-korea-ballistic-missile-intl-hnk/index.htmlhttps://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/north-korea-nuclear-weapons-missile-tests-military-capabilitiesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss a moment that many may have missed at COP27 summit, and which has caused an uproar: photos of U.S. Climate Envoy and former Secretary of State John Kerry shaking hands with the disputed president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.Does this interaction at COP indicate a change in U.S. policy towards Venezuela? Why does the contested Venezuelan presidential election from 3 years ago matter? Is Congress doing enough to steer U.S. relations with Venezuela vis-a-vis Maduro? Hear our experts provide their analysis on our latest episode of Fault Lines!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-ease-venezuela-sanctions-enabling-chevron-to-pump-oil-11665005719https://www.npr.org/2022/11/03/1133615222/us-venezuela-diplomacy-oil-sanctions-negotiationsLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss what may come out of the highly anticipated meeting occurring today between President Biden and General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Chinese Community Party at the G20 summit. Given Xi Jinping’s recent consolidation of power, how should President Biden approach the relationship with China? Is the Biden Administration missing any opportunities to change Chinese behavior? Hear our experts debate a path forward for one of the most important bilateral relationships we have. Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-10/biden-to-meet-china-s-xi-nov-14-in-bid-to-buoy-strained-tieshttps://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/11/11/brittney-griner-russia-sentence-penal-colony-00066419Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess and Jamil discuss the news that Brittney Griner has been transferred to a Russian penal colony, where she will serve the rest of nine-and-a-half-year sentence for processing less than a gram of cannabis oil in a vape cartridge. Should the U.S. government do whatever it takes to bring her home? What role does the official U.S. hostage envoy have to play? If we don’t do anything, what message does this send to other U.S. citizens overseas currently being held against their will? Tune in to hear our experts discuss this multifaceted issue.Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.cbsnews.com/video/russia-moves-brittney-griner-to-penal-colony/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/11/11/brittney-griner-russia-sentence-penal-colony-00066419Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday was Election Day in America. In this episode Les, Jess, and Jamil debate foreign interference in American elections. Earlier this week, powerful Russian businessman and close Putin ally, Yevgeny Prigozhin, admitted that Russia interfered in previous U.S. elections and that it will interfere in American elections going forward.How concerned should Americans be about foreign interference in our elections? What should the U.S. reaction be to threats of election interference by foreign actors? Should we be doing more to secure our elections? Listen to hear our experts discuss!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.reuters.com/world/us/russias-prigozhin-admits-interfering-us-elections-2022-11-07/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/07/putin-ally-yevgeny-prigozhin-admits-interfering-in-us-electionsLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s badly timed visit to Beijing. While it is no secret that Germany’s economy is heavily dependent on China, Chancellor Scholz has been the only G7 leader to make the trip to China since COVID-19. Critics argue that Chancellor Scholz’s visit ignores President Xi Jinping’s increasingly authoritarian tactics.Is this visit indicative of a boarder German foreign policy shift towards China? How should the U.S. react when friends and allies “play footsies” with the Chinese? Is decoupling a viable option for Germany? Tune in to find out what our experts think!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/germanys-scholz-in-china-amid-trade-ukraine-rights-issues/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/03/olaf-scholz-china-trip-germanyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil debate what the U.S. response should be to Russia threatening to suspend support for grain exports through the Black Sea.Luckily, with the help of Turkey and the UN, Russia decided to restart its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative (which allows for exports of food and fertilizer through the Black Sea). However, this raises the question of what the U.S. should do if Russia pulls out of this agreement and institutes a naval blockade. Should we engage with our military assets? Should we rely on diplomacy? Should we do nothing? Tune in to find out what our experts think!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/02/world/europe/ukraine-russia-grain-black-sea.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/02/grain-deal-ukraine-turkey-russia/Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fault Lines is back!! Join us for our second episode after our break with a regular cast of characters to get you quickly up to speed three-times-a-week on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.Citizens have been protesting across Iran for nearly seven weeks, defying a deadly crackdown by security forces.Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil discuss these protests in light of the Iranian regime's increasingly strict crack down. Are these protests different than previous protests in Iran? Should the U.S. government be doing more? Are sanctions the answer? Should we be advocating for regime change in Iran? Tune in to find out!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-indicts-some-1000-people-tehran-over-unrest-tasnim-reports-2022-10-31/To listen to President Obama’s full podcast as referenced go here: https://crooked.com/podcast/between-barack-and-a-hard-place/Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fault Lines is back and revamped!Join us for our first episode in our new format, which gets you quickly up to speed three-times-a-week on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.Today, Les, Jess, and Jamil talk about the upcoming COP27 in Egypt. President Biden will be attending, and all eyes will be on Sharm El-Sheikh as this is the first major public interaction since President Xi Jinping’s power grab last week at the Chinese Communist Party's Congress. What is COP? Why is this something you should be tracking? Listen to find out!Want to learn more about this topic? Check out this article that our experts used to frame our discussion:https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-emissions-set-to-decline-but-global-pledges-fall-short-of-climate-goals-u-n-says-11666832112Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we take a deep dive into the Islamic Republic of Iran. What are Iran’s regional and internal ambitions? What is the political history of Iran and how does this explain its actions and intentions? Do human rights exist in Iran? Should the U.S. resurrect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)? Richard Goldberg is a Senior Advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Rich joins to answer and reflect on these questions. Rich has extensive experience on Iran and the boarder Middle East region from his time working on Capitol Hill as well as at the White House National Security Council.  This episode is the series finale of our summer series, “Breaking Chains: Fighting the New Global Repressors.” Thank you to those who joined us throughout the summer to dive into some of the most pressing human rights issues facing our world.  The Fault Lines team is taking a break in September but we look forward to more hard-hitting episodes - with a new look - in October! Until then! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks one year since the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan following its two-decade commitment to fighting terrorism in the country. One year on, we have a country ruled by the Taliban, thousands of Americans and allies stranded within its borders, and a rapidly deteriorating economic, humanitarian and regional security situation on the ground. How many American people and allies are still left in Taliban-governed Afghanistan? What does the future of U.S. commitment look like in the country? How has our withdrawal impacted the U.S. role in the world and its order? Today’s episode will feature France Hoang to help answer and reflect on these questions. France is the Chairman of the Board of Allied Airlift 21 and co-founder of the Afghanistan Departure Group (ADG). Both of these organizations were instrumental in assisting with the evacuation of Americans and our allies out of Afghanistan. Want to learn more about Allied Airlift 21 and how you can help? Please check out their website here! Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we discuss what life is like in North Korea for the average citizen and how the authoritarian government keeps order and control over the lives of ordinary North Koreans.  Do human rights even exist in North Korea? What motivates the North Korean government to perpetuate repression? What is the difference between operations and analysis at the Central Intelligence Agency, and what skills are they looking for in prospective intelligence analysts?Yong Lee is the former CIA Deputy Assistant Director for the Korea Mission Center and former Chief of the Korea Department. Yong has extensive experience in Korean Peninsula affairs. We are thrilled he could join Fault Lines to shed light on the notoriously isolated country of North Korea.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we discuss what organizations like the International Republican Institute are doing to help curb the malicious actions of states who repress their people.  What are the roles of interests and values in the context of America's foreign policy? What can democratic countries do to counter authoritarian regimes? What is the role of the U.S. Congress in shaping foreign policy, and how this arrangement uniquely American?  Dr. Daniel Twining is President of the International Republican Institute. Previously, Dr. Twining directed the German Marshall Fund’s Asia program, was a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff and served as a foreign policy advisor to the late U.S. Senator John McCain. We are thrilled to have him join to answer these questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we take a deep dive into the “hot spots” in the world for religious persecution including Nigeria, Burma and Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Samuel Brownback served as the Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom at the U.S. State Department under the Trump Administration. Prior to his service as Ambassador, he served as a Congressman, Senator and Governor of the great state of Kansas. He has a unique perspective of how religious freedom directly relates to our nation’s national security and we are thrilled to have him provide his insights on how religious persecution is often a key ingredient to global repression. He discusses how freedom of religion plays into U.S. foreign policy. What mechanisms does the U.S. government have at its disposal to curb religious persecution? What is the impact on U.S. bilateral relations with states who allow don’t allow freedom of religion within their borders? How does advocating for this fundamental human right impact our national security? This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence that some listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.  Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we discuss the tragic war crimes occurring against the Ukrainian people since Russia invaded the country. As we learn this week, this is a common trend when it comes to Russia, and this is not the first time they have repressed and abused their neighbors. How is this unprovoked war impacting the Ukrainian people on the ground? What is the international community doing to bring those who perpetrate these war crimes to justice?  Michael Sawkiw, Executive Vice President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, has spent years advocating for Ukrainians and has worked tirelessly to support the Ukrainian community in the United States. He has a deep knowledge of the human rights violations and atrocities occurring on the ground in Ukraine since the Russian invasion and we are thrilled to have him join us to share his insights. This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence that some listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.  Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illicit finance poses one of the key national security challenges facing the crypto industry. How do U.S. regulators and policymakers work with stakeholders to implement solutions that may be at odds with crypto’s underlying ethos of decentralization? Is crypto the driving factor behind increased ransomware activity or just a symptom? What lessons can the United States take from other governments, like the EU and the UK, in upgrading our anti-money laundering framework?  Ari Redbord, Head of Legal and Government Affairs at TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company, joins Fault Lines for a special episode to help assess some of the national security challenges facing the crypto industry.Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, to kick off our summer series on global repression, “Breaking Chains: Fighting the New Global Repressors,” we are taking a deep dive into the surveillance state in the People’s Republic of China, namely, the Xinjiang Province. What technology does the PRC have at its disposal? How has this technology furthered repression of the Uyghur minority group? Geoffrey Cain, author of “The Perfect Police State: An Undercover Odyssey into China's Terrifying Surveillance Dystopia of the Future” and award winning foreign correspondent has been on the ground in the region and shares his insights, reporting and assessment of what the future may hold.Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sri Lanka is set to choose a new president in the midst of a massive unrest and a catastrophic economic crisis. What does this mean for U.S. security interest in the region? How can Sri Lanka’s partners best assist in this situation? With Sri Lanka's economy shattered, food and fuel dangerously scarce, and massive international debts, is there any hope for Asia’s oldest democracy? Atul Keshap, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka from 2015 - 2018, joins Fault Lines in a special episode to help address these questions and more!   Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. **Fault Lines Update** Join us next week for our limited and special summer series “Breaking Chains: Fighting the Next Global Repressors.” Over the next month, we will highlight the many serious human rights violations we are witnessing across the globe - from war crimes in Ukraine to new information coming out on China's treatment of the Uyghurs. You don’t want to miss this! Note: This episode was recorded at 1:00 PM ET on July 18, 2022. Events on the ground in Sri Lanka have moved quickly since then! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Jane, Scott, and Sarah discuss President Biden’s articulation of the US policy in the event China invades Taiwan, the creation of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and the first Russian soldier convicted of war crimes. Was it truly a mistake on President Biden’s part when he says that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China were to invade? Will China engage in military activity against Taiwan in the next 2.5 years? Is IPEF significant? What are the implications of Ukraine convicting the first Russian solder of war crimes? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines! Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. **Fault Lines Update** Fault Lines is taking a break for the rest of June. Join us in July for our limited and special summer series that will highlight the many serious human rights violations we are witnessing across the globe - from war crimes in Ukraine to new information coming out on China's treatment of the Uyghur. You don’t want to miss this! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Western Ukraine, join NSI for a very important conversation with Fox News Correspondent Mike Tobin. Mike has been reporting on the war from Western Ukraine and has himself been impacted by Russian atrocities. How is this war different from other combat zones? How have Ukrainians strengthened their resolve to push back against Russia? These questions and more answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines. Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy has played a featured role in Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. What role has it historically played in the strategic calculations of nations? Can Europe eliminate dependence on Russia for gas? How has the U.S. shale revolution and the development liquified natural gas (LNG) reverberated globally? Are we truly able to transition away from hydrocarbons? Which new energy technologies will have the biggest strategic implications? Tune in as we discuss these questions and more with Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of S&P Global and the Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power.  Be sure to read more about energy and its implication in geopolitics in his latest book, The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations. You can purchase it here.  Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Matt, Rob, and Carmen discuss Finland and Sweden’s willingness to join NATO, the $40B assistance for Ukraine, and China’s intellectual property theft. Did President Putin misjudge NATO’s strength? Will the $40B assistance for Ukraine lead to a reordering of our domestic politics on national security issues? What does the intellectual property theft from Chinese government hackers have to say about China’s economy? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines!Be sure to join NSI for our next event with former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Thursday, May 26 at 5 PM ET. Secretary Pompeo will share his insights on how the U.S. can maintain its leadership in an every evolving world. You can register for this event here. Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America and the EU have avoided a direct military role in Ukraine. Instead, they have used economic measure to punish Russia. As we look at the sanctions in place, are there further actions America can take to limit Russia’s ability to finance their war? How can America and the EU make their sanctions more impactful? Why is it important for America to take an active role in reconstructing Ukraine after the war? Join us as we discuss these questions and more with Natalie Jaresko, former Minister of Finance for Ukraine, who breaks down the current economic crisis in Russia and Ukraine. As a special bonus, Natalie shared the many ways our listeners can get involved with helping Ukrainians deal with the effects of the invasion. Be sure to check out some of the resources she had listed below:https://www.boycottrussia.info/https://squeezingputin.com/https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/almost-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remainhttps://www.strongerthanever.com/https://ukraine.welcome.us/Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Sarah, Charles, and Heather discuss House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi’s visit with Ukraine’s President Zelensky, the $33B in aid that President Biden is requesting, and the new intelligence sharing agreement between New Zealand and Japan. What does it mean for Speaker Pelosi to visit President Zelensky? Will the $33B in aid sustain Ukraine? What does the agreement between New Zealand and Japan mean to the United States? Is it related to China's new friend, the Solomon Islands? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines! Join NSI for our next event on Tuesday, May 10 with former Congressman and CIA Officer, Will Hurd to discuss his new book, American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done. Will Hurd will share how his approach of “pragmatic idealism” can offer Americans a fresh start to a country mired in political divides and internal strife. You can register here.  Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attention quickly turned to India to determine whether it would condemn the attack and support western sanctions. This week, we are joined by Jeff Smith, a research fellow at Heritage’s Asian Studies Center with a focus on South Asia, for a deep dive on U.S.-India relationship in light of the war in Ukraine and China’s growing threat.  How did India develop its longstanding relationship with Russia? What does the war and the “no limits” partnership with China mean for that historical partnership? How can the U.S. continue to strengthen its relationship with India and how should the U.S. think about India’s position in the democratic world? These questions and more are addressed on this week’s episode of Fault Lines.  Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Scott, Andy, and Carmen discuss the possible use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and the draconian lockdowns happening in Shanghai. Would the U.S. become more involved in Ukraine if Russia use a tactical nuclear weapon? Is Biden’s administration usage of strategic ambiguity different from previous administrations? How do the lockdowns in Shanghai impact Xi’s upcoming election in the fall? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines! Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public Diplomacy has played a critical role in telling the truth and countering propaganda in today's global environment. As we look at Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, what can America learn from President Zelensky's amazing leadership? How can America balance its different means of communication through radio and social media? What can the State Department do to ensure the truth is being told to populations in nations whose governments suppress the truth? Join us as we discuss these questions and more with Heather Nauert, advisory board member of BGR Group, former journalist with Fox News and ABC News, as well as former State Department spokesperson and acting Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy at the State Department.As a special bonus, Heather shared with us the work she is doing to help get people out of Afghanistan who are at risk. If you would like to contribute, please check out Moral Compass Federation of America which is part of the Special Operations Association of America.Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Sarah, Harold, and Matthew discuss the most recent atrocities revealed in Ukraine, the warning from Biden’s administration on a potential cyber war, and the leaked agreement between Solomon Islands and China. Will the recent uncovered atrocities force China to take a stance against Russia’s invasion? How can the U.S. increase its cyber posture as a nation? Why is the Solomon Islands important to the U.S.? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines! Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, the far-fetched spaceship battles of sci-fi have become a much more likely reality. This week, we're joined by Collin Lee, Director, Frontiers at General Dynamics Mission Systems and VSI Visiting Fellow for a deep dive on the militarization of space.How do space and national security intersect? How has the US prepared for when space inevitably becomes a battlefield? Are we in a new space race? These questions and more are addressed on this week’s episode of Fault Lines.Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe for more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Carmen, Rob, and Megan continue their discussion on the ever developing situation on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Biden administration’s executive order on crypto. How is the war going for President Putin? Does the Russian people look favorable on President Putin? Does the executive order signify the importance of crypto? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines!Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Note: This episode was recorded at 1:00 PM ET on March 21, 2022. The National Security Institute acknowledges that the situation in Ukraine is rapidly changing and that some of the conversation held may no longer be accurate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crypto is having, as this week's guest puts it, a "moment of legitimacy". We're joined by Juan Zarate, Global Co-Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at K2 Integrity, Chair of the Center on Economic and Financial Power at FDD, and former Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for Combating Terrorism for a deep dive on cryptocurrency.What role does crypto play in Russia's war on Ukraine? Could Russia's increased use of cryptocurrencies pose a threat to financial stability? What can Congress be doing? These questions and more are addressed on this week’s episode of Fault Lines.Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe for more.For further reading on crypto, K2 Integrity, where Juan is the Global Co-Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, recently published a policy alert, found here, on the risk global markets may face as Russian actors use virtual currencies to bypass sanctions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Les, Martha, Sarah, and Matt continues to discuss the ever-developing Russian invasion of Ukraine. How have Ukrainians thwarted President’s Putin invasion? Should a no-fly zone be instituted? What are the implications of the ban on Russian oil imports? These questions and more are answered on the latest episode of Fault Lines!   Like this episode? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe for more. Note: This episode was recorded at 1:00 PM ET on March 8, 2022. The National Security Institute acknowledges that the situation is rapidly changing and that some of the conversation held may no longer be accurate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.