Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Feb 20, ’26 Washington Roundtable]
Feb 20, 2026
Jim Townsend, former DoD Europe chief and transatlantic security expert; Dr. Dov Zakheim, ex-Pentagon comptroller and defense budget specialist; Dr. Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific strategist focused on U.S.-China ties. They debate the Supreme Court tariff ruling and allied credibility. They parse Russia-Ukraine prospects, China’s alleged nuclear testing, Taiwan arms politics, Japan/South Korea investment in the U.S., Iran tensions, and UK base access.
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Court Decision Undermines Tariff Leverage
- The Supreme Court ruled the president's broad use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs illegal, cutting presidential leverage.
- Allies may lose confidence and businesses face added investment uncertainty as the White House seeks alternative authorities.
Stalemate Persists In Ukraine Talks
- Five years into the Ukraine war there is little progress toward peace because Putin hasn't signaled willingness to concede.
- European funding and intelligence have lessened U.S. leverage while Moscow plays parties off each other.
Foreign Policy Through A Business Lens
- Trump views major foreign relationships through a transactional, business-oriented lens that Moscow and Beijing notice.
- Russia seeks deals to lure U.S. focus away from Ukraine while China aims for tangible summit outcomes with economic sweeteners.