School of War

David Shedd, former acting director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and long-time CIA officer, discusses China’s Ministry of State Security and the rise of Bureau 18. He traces trade-era warning signs, explains MSS recruitment and culture, and outlines industrial espionage tactics and global operations. The conversation also covers China’s legal tools for intelligence collection and regional influence.

Walter Russell Mead, Wall Street Journal columnist and Alexander Hamilton Professor of Strategy and Statecraft, offers sharp takes on Davos, transatlantic power shifts, and Europe's realist turn. He dissects Trump’s Greenland fixation as media strategy and coalition management. Conversation also covers the limits of European influence and Zelenskyy’s role on the world stage.

Seth Jones, an expert on defense industrial policy and the Harold Brown Chair at CSIS, dives into America's defense industrial crisis. He explores historical lessons from World War II, including Roosevelt's efficient mobilization strategies and the pivotal role of companies like GM and Ford. Jones highlights the need for a cultural shift in defense procurement, urging for increased investment in skilled trades and workforce development. He warns against Chinese competition and makes a compelling case for raising defense spending to safeguard national security.

Michael Lurie, CEO and President of Rafael USA, dives into the future of missile defense with an emphasis on High Energy Lasers and the new Iron Beam system. He discusses the costs of traditional interceptors versus laser technology, which dramatically lowers operational expenses. Lurie also shares insights on the effectiveness of lasers against swarms of drones and how they integrate into existing defense systems. Plus, he reveals the importance of rapid adaptation in modern warfare and U.S.-Israel collaborations on laser systems.

Blake Seitz, a content strategist at Palantir and former policy advisor, teams up with Mike Watson, Executive Director of the Alexander Hamilton Society, to explore America's Founding Fathers and their foreign policy approach. They delve into the 18th-century geopolitical landscape, discussing Yorktown's significance and how diplomacy shaped early America’s global stance. The duo contrasts isolationist impulses with universalist ideals, while also drawing parallels between historical debates and today’s U.S.-China rivalry, ultimately emphasizing the enduring spirit of American exceptionalism.

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Iran policy, dives into the ongoing protests in Iran and potential U.S. and Israeli intervention. He discusses the implications of American strikes on the regime and argues that such actions could empower protesters. The episode also examines the rising influence of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, and how fragmentation among Iranian elites is shaking the regime. Dubowitz critiques the Western left’s hesitance to confront the Islamic Republic directly.

Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and senior director at FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, dives into Venezuela’s shadow fleet operations. He explores the complexities of tracking these vessels and the implications of sanctions on global oil trade. The conversation highlights the critical role of cyber capabilities in contemporary warfare, while also discussing operational risks and the future state of the U.S. Navy, including debates around modern battleship proposals. Montgomery provides a thought-provoking analysis of maritime strategy and readiness.

Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela and Iran, shares his expertise on the geopolitical landscape of Venezuela. He discusses the recent successful raid and the evolving role of the CIA, alongside Maduro’s reliance on Cuban bodyguards. Abrams highlights the challenges of oil recovery and the complexities of U.S. policy, cautioning about the risks for Chavista leaders. He also examines the precarious state of Cuba's economy and its implications for regional stability.

Mark Jones Jr., a former U.S. Air Force test pilot and special operations commander, shares his insights on air operations in this engaging discussion. He recounts the unique dynamics of special air operations and the pivotal role they played during Desert Storm. Jones also contrasts test piloting with remote operations and reflects on the emotional challenges faced during the Kabul withdrawal. With a focus on innovative tactics used to neutralize threats, he highlights how lessons from past missions inform modern air power strategies.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in Iran's missile and security programs, joins the discussion. He delves into Iran's missile advancements and the implications for U.S. and Israeli defense strategies. The conversation covers Iran's reliance on China for missile components, the risks posed by its ballistic missile capabilities, and the balancing act of regional power between Israel, Iran, and Turkey. Ben Taleblu also emphasizes the need for effective U.S. strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.