Mark Montgomery

Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, a national security expert, and Bradley Bowman, a former U.S. Army officer, dive deep into President Trump's national security agenda upon his return to the White House. They discuss the rising threats from authoritarian regimes and the urgent need for enhanced military capabilities and cyber defenses. The duo emphasizes the importance of increased defense spending, strategic alliances, and assertive policies to counter Iranian influence and address geopolitical complexities. Cybersecurity and missile strategies also take center stage in their compelling conversation.

Richard Goldberg, FDD Iran-policy expert; Danielle Pletka, AEI foreign policy strategist; Eli Lake, national security journalist; Amit Segal, Israeli reporter; Mark C. Montgomery, retired Navy admiral. They debate regional strike strategies, munitions and defense needs, intelligence-driven decapitation strikes, Israeli public sentiment and politics, and implications for China, alliances, and long-term missile defenses.

Mark Montgomery, retired Rear Admiral and naval security expert, explains what it takes to reopen the Straits of Hormuz and escort tankers. Clay Siegel, energy-security fellow, outlines how Hormuz disruptions could spike global oil and LNG markets. They discuss strikes on Kharg Island, convoy tactics, mine-clearance challenges, and how military and market moves shape the regional energy squeeze.

Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, a modern Middle East historian, and Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Rear Admiral and naval strategist, break down high-stakes diplomacy and military choices. They tackle Trump’s claimed talks and Tehran’s denials. They assess threats to the Strait of Hormuz, options to reopen shipping lanes, and what Iran might demand from any negotiations.

Mark Montgomery, retired Rear Admiral offering frontline military reporting from Ukraine, Lithuania, and Bulgaria. Daniel Vaynshteyn, congressional relations expert with personal ties to Ukraine. They discuss Russian hybrid warfare tactics, the current battlefront and Ukrainian resilience, weapons and funding needs, drone warfare lessons, Russia's internal dissent, and shifting international partnerships.

As the U.S. and Israel hit Iranian targets from the air, some Iranian Kurdish groups are reportedly discussing whether to launch an incursion from Iraq, potentially opening a new front in the conflict. Al-Monitor correspondent Amberin Zaman discusses the conversations happening behind the scenes. Then, retired Adm. Mark Montgomery supports the war but has concerns the Trump administration hasn't planned for what comes next. He tells us why. And, former Iranian news editor and Tehran resident Ali Safari talks about what the mood is in Iran's capital city during U.S. and Israeli bombardment. Last year, Safari told us bombings by the U.S. made some Iranians rally around the government.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Mark Montgomery, senior director at the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD, shares insights on Taiwan's defense amidst growing tensions. He discusses the necessity of a strategic military stance to counter China's aggression, emphasizing innovative resource prioritization. He shares lessons from naval service and the importance of missile defense. Montgomery critiques shortsighted military decisions while exploring advanced sensor technologies and their implications for U.S. readiness, stressing the urgent need for effective deterrence.

Mark Montgomery, Senior Director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, is on a mission to advance cybersecurity strategies through CSC 2.0. He shares insights into the evolution of the NIST cybersecurity framework and its role in enhancing organizational governance. The discussion also highlights cybersecurity as a potential economic enabler in the UK, shifting perceptions from its traditional view as a roadblock. Montgomery addresses the urgent need for improved protections for critical infrastructure and the complexities surrounding encryption policies.

Mark Montgomery, a retired Rear Admiral from the FDD and recent frontline observer in Ukraine, shares firsthand insights on the evolving military strategies in the conflict. He emphasizes the need for coordinated military support for Ukraine. John Hardie, co-author of an FDD Memo, discusses tactical sanctions that could pressure Russia diplomatically. Both guests explore the inadequacy of current peace negotiations and the significant resilience of the Russian economy while underscoring the importance of Western military aid in shifting battlefield dynamics.

Mark Montgomery, a retired Rear Admiral and Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares crucial insights on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He highlights Russia's tactical advantages and the challenges Ukraine is facing amid funding issues. The discussion dives into U.S. foreign policy dynamics, emphasizing the need for international alliances and support for Ukraine. Montgomery also addresses the rising geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, especially concerning Taiwan and China's military strategy, underscoring the necessity for collaborative defense efforts.