The Grumpy Strategists Trump's Asia Tour: replica-crowned with success, and stalemated. And 'Nuclear Submarines For EVERYONE!!!!'
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Nov 7, 2025 Hosts dive into the intriguing dynamics of Trump's Asia tour, questioning the significance of a replica crown gift. They ponder South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines and the surprising political motivations behind building them in the US. Discussions on the staggering $2.4 trillion cost of the US Golden Dome missile defense system raise eyebrows. The cozy atmosphere of the Indo-Pacific Arms Expo showcases a mix of serious defense strategies and entertaining moments, revealing the fine line between military preparedness and budgetary realities.
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Pause Not A Resolution
- The Trump-Xi meeting paused recent US-China escalations but produced no lasting deal.
- Marcus Hellyer and Michael Shoebridge say the meeting reset tensions to earlier levels rather than resolving structural issues.
Avoiding Disaster Isn't Success
- The hosts celebrated the absence of disaster as a low bar for success in current geopolitics.
- They argue surviving Trump-era risks is treated as achievement rather than proactive policy.
China Playing The Long Game
- Xi appears content to play a long game, matching and pausing US escalations without conceding.
- The hosts conclude China currently holds the advantage in the strategic rivalry.