Shield of the Republic Eliot's Return & Schrodinger's Strait
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Apr 20, 2026 They break down the ambiguous status of the Strait of Hormuz and debates over a blockade and planning failures. The conversation examines China’s leverage in resolving the Iran conflict and regional ripple effects. They analyze Viktor Orban’s electoral defeat and its blow to the European and MAGA right. They cover Ukraine’s shifting battlefield dynamics, waning U.S. support, and strains on transatlantic alliances.
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Cohen's Spain Visit And Semana Santa Observations
- Eliot Cohen returned from Spain with family news and cultural observations about Spanish politics and Semana Santa.
- He described Pedro Sánchez as politically embattled and joked about mistaken Klan-like imagery in processions.
Challenge Religious Posturing By Public Officials
- Call out public officials who impose sectarian religious views in official settings, because it excludes non-adherents and violates norms.
- Hold figures like Pete Hegseth publicly accountable for mixing personal evangelical messages with duty.
Political Interference Erodes Military Norms
- Firing Army Chief Randy George without cause undermines civil-military norms and risks politicizing senior promotions.
- Holding up promotion lists for diversity reasons masks misogyny and racism and could corrupt the officer corps over time.
