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Tom Nichols

Political commentator and professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, author of books including The Death of Expertise; featured guest offering analysis on national security and politics.

Top 10 podcasts with Tom Nichols

Ranked by the Snipd community
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94 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 55min

Tom Nichols: Sinking Into the Mire of a Longer War?

Tom Nichols, political scientist and Naval War College professor emeritus known for national security commentary. He dissects recent Iran-war developments and whether US moves signal escalation. He worries about leadership failures, cognitive decline, and shrinking military and diplomatic capacity. He also explores how the conflict reshapes oil markets, benefits Russia, and strains homeland security.
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77 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 35min

18 Minutes From Nuclear Annihilation

Screenwriter Noah Oppenheim, known for "A House of Dynamite," and Tom Nichols, a national-security expert, dive into the nail-biting reality of nuclear command decisions. They discuss the terrifying 18-minute time frame for U.S. presidents in crises, emphasizing human fallibility amid rehearsed procedures. Nichols warns of irrational leaders exacerbating risks, while Oppenheim highlights the film's portrayal of rational decision-makers to showcase systemic flaws. They also touch on the current state of nuclear proliferation and the need for public engagement to reduce the threat.
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71 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 60min

Would U.S. Generals Obey Illegal Trump Orders?

In this discussion, Tom Nichols, a civil-military relations expert, analyzes the implications of militarizing American politics under Trump's administration. He talks about how the erosion of legal structures and the purging of Pentagon lawyers pressure military leaders into compliance with dubious orders. The conversation shifts to the risks of using the National Guard for political purposes and the potential chaos in national security decision-making. Nichols argues for the moral responsibility of military officials to resist illegal orders, highlighting a critical moment in U.S. democracy.
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71 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 60min

Tom Nichols: A Farce and a Sham

Tom Nichols, an author and political columnist for The Atlantic, joins Tim Miller for a lively discussion on the tumultuous political landscape. They dissect Trump's pardons for insurrectionists and the alarming normalizing of such actions. Nichols critiques the influence of tech moguls in politics, questioning the ties between wealth and leadership. They also touch on the emotional repercussions of recent immigration policy shifts and examine the fractured narratives affecting public trust in governance, all delivered with sharp wit and insight.
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60 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 53min

Tom Nichols: The Buzz Has Worn Off

Political commentator Tom Nichols, also a professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College, joins Tim Miller to dissect the current state of MAGA supporters as they navigate infighting and unmet promises. They critique Trump’s impractical 'golden fleet' of warships and explore the dangerous implications of nuclear arms on surface ships. The duo also dives into the Epstein controversy, reflecting on political consequences of past behaviors, while addressing the erosion of enthusiasm within Trump's base. A candid discussion on future GOP leadership wraps up their insights.
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53 snips
May 1, 2025 • 50min

S2 Ep1033: Tom Nichols: The Hollow Opportunists

Tom Nichols, Professor Emeritus at the Naval War College and a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the evolving foreign policy landscape under the Trump administration. He critiques figures like Marco Rubio and Pam Bondi, highlighting their transformation and complicity. The conversation also addresses the U.S.-Russia relations, implications of Ukraine's financial dealings, and the troubling trends in political communication. Nichols reflects on the complexities of patriotism in education and the absurdity of current political narratives, providing a thought-provoking analysis.
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48 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 20min

The Real Problem With Trump's Parade

Tom Nichols, a seasoned military analyst and staff writer for The Atlantic, explores the implications of a politically charged military parade. He discusses how Trump’s tactics might be shaping public perception of the military and the dangers of politicizing its role. Nichols addresses the complexities of deploying troops to LA during protests, unveiling the tensions in federal-state relations. The conversation also highlights how such crises may be engineered to influence civic engagement, urging the importance of active participation in democracy.
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38 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 52min

Cost of Iran War, Quiet Southern Border, and Anglican Church Split

Tom Nichols, national-security scholar and Atlantic writer, discusses military strategy and the costs of the Iran conflict. Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome, talks about how Christian women mobilize for compassionate immigration response and local ministry. Bonnie Kristian, deputy editor at Christianity Today, explores the global Anglican realignment and how Christians decide whether to stay in or leave a denomination.
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31 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 31min

Why Pick a Fight With Iran Now?

Tom Nichols, a foreign-policy analyst focused on strategy and military affairs, and Nancy Youssef, a national security reporter with Middle East on-the-ground expertise, discuss U.S. planning and posture toward Iran. They cover Geneva negotiation priorities, limits of strikes on nuclear programs, the scale and purpose of the U.S. military buildup, munitions and alliance constraints, and risks of escalation and regime-change aims.
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26 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 53min

A Mayor, a Military Pro and a Professor on Affluence, Grievance and Greed

Tom Nichols, author and former Naval War College professor, offers national-security and institutional critique. Eddie Glaude, Princeton professor, brings historical and moral analysis on race and democracy. Mitch Landrieu, former New Orleans mayor, speaks from rebuilding and civic leadership. They discuss elites' failures and courage, institutional decay, political grievance, and what to rebuild next.

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