Fault Lines

Today, Jess, Les, John, and Andrew cover a busy news cycle spanning the skies over Moscow to the streets of America. Ukrainian drones — produced domestically and flying hundreds of miles — are hammering Russian energy infrastructure and forcing Putin to publicly acknowledge fuel shortages across the country for the first time, as air defenses are redeployed from Crimea to protect the capital. Can Ukraine's drone campaign sustain enough pressure to meaningfully shift the strategic calculus for Putin? What does Russia's fuel crisis reveal about the durability of its war machine? ⁨Can the U.S. men’s soccer teams advance to the round of 16 by defeating World War instigators Bosnia and Herzegovina?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@johnclipsey@andrewboreneLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/-SZp5rCIkAc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, John, Andrew, and Andy examine the devastating earthquake that has killed more than 1,500 people in Venezuela, a number expected to climb, and what the U.S. response reveals about American humanitarian leadership in the Trump era. Washington has committed $150 million in aid flowing through UN agencies and NGOs, with DART teams and fire and rescue units from across the country, including Los Angeles and Fairfax County, already on the ground.But the response raises harder questions than it answers. With USAID largely dismantled, who actually leads American disaster response now, and what does that mean for U.S. soft power on the world stage? Now that the U.S. has removed Maduro and installed a friendly government in Caracas, the response carries an unavoidable optic: is Washington showing up for Venezuela because lives are at stake, or because this is now its ally? And if the U.S. is only willing to show up for countries already in its corner, what does that say about the credibility of American humanitarian commitments when the next crisis hits in less friendly territory?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@andykeiser@johnclipsey@andrewboreneLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/2_k_PBIlp48 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Algene, John, and Andrew discuss reports that the Trump administration is considering major defense sales to Turkey, despite bipartisan opposition in Congress. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russia's S-400 air defense system, but as alliance leaders gather in Turkey next month for the NATO Summit, supporters cite its strategic importance to the alliance and recent efforts to distance itself from Moscow.Does Turkey's recent westward drift justify relaxing the restrictions imposed after the S-400 purchase? What are real security risks if Russian-made air defense systems and F-35 engines end up in the same arsenal? Can the administration move forward with major defense sales to Turkey on its own, or does Congress have the authority to block the deal?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@algenesajery@johnclipsey@andrewboreneLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/f3ux1hHjHFE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Algene, and John dig into two closely contested elections that could reshape Latin American politics. In Colombia, right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella holds a narrow lead in the presidential runoff, and in Peru, Keiko Fujimori also maintains a razor-thin advantage over leftist Roberto Sánchez as electoral authorities continue reviewing disputed ballots. The team examines what these elections say about security, anti-incumbent sentiment, and the region's broader political trajectory. Plus, John provides an update on the NBA Draft and what it could mean for the Washington Wizards - and the world.Is Latin America's rightward shift a reaction to failed incumbents or a true ideological realignment? How does the Trump administration's Monroe Doctrine revival affect the sovereignty and democratic health of these nations?  Will the Wizards’ draft of a star player mean a new era of DC sports?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@algenesajery@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/cYQ23Sbe7HU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, John, Andrew, Matt, and Amy dig into the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations playing out in Switzerland, where a publicly snubbed Vice President and a shifting cast of regional brokers — Qatar and Pakistan prominent among them — signal just how little control Washington holds over the process. The Strait of Hormuz remains a pressure point, with the southern half open only under U.S. military escort and proxy attacks continuing even as diplomats talk. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer's resignation in the UK and a contentious Colombian election add to an already turbulent international backdrop.Does the current negotiating posture amount to the U.S. practically begging Iran for a deal, and what does that say about American leverage? With the MOU still existing in multiple competing versions and Iran pressing for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as a condition, what would a deal the President can actually enforce even look like? If last July's strikes on Iran's nuclear program were meant to be decisive, why does the situation feel like it hasn't moved at all? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@amykmitchell@andrewborene@JohnCLipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/WzLCd6MsFHk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Amy, John, and Andrew dig into the alleged 14-point memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. The deal's broad outlines would have Iran maintain the status quo of its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, with a 300-billion-dollar economic development commitment and a 60-day window to negotiate a final agreement. Critics see it as an economic lifeline for a weakened regime — not a genuine constraint on Iranian ambitions or its network of proxies.Can the IRGC be trusted to honor its commitments, or is this a foil to buy time? How does this MOU compare to the JCPOA, and does the changed regional landscape, including Arab mediation and a diminished Iranian military, alter the calculus? Does the deal represent a national security win, or is it a politically convenient off-ramp that trades away American leverage for optics?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@amykmitchell@andrewborene@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/MHxgZ8L3rOI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Jess, and John break down the emerging agreement between Washington and Tehran, set to be signed Friday in Geneva under Pakistani auspices. The framework would open 60 days of formal negotiations, with the U.S. lifting its naval blockade in exchange for limitations on Iranian uranium enrichment — though the full text of the MOU has yet to be released. Trump personally called New York Times reporter David Sanger to declare the deal superior to Obama's JCPOA, while praising Xi and Putin for holding the blockade line and publicly pressuring Netanyahu to ease off.Can an agreement that reportedly allows limited enrichment after an initial freeze actually improve on the JCPOA's fatal flaw? With JD Vance heading to the signing and figures like Rubio potentially skeptical, how united is the administration behind this deal? Will Iran follow through on opening the Strait of Hormuz when it refused to do so in previous negotiations? And does American willingness to strike Iranian nuclear facilities change the strategic calculus enough to make this deal stick? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@nottvjessjones@JohnCLipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xzs49CVDZy0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, John, Les, and Amy examine the fate of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as it tumbles towards its’ first lapse since 2008. Both chambers have stalled on reauthorization amid disputes over acting DNI Bill Pulte's nomination and a broader debate over whether existing reforms are sufficient to prevent the authority from being turned against American citizens.Are the reforms currently on the books enough to protect civil liberties while preserving the counterterrorism capabilities that 702 provides? Is this standoff really about surveillance reform, or is it a proxy fight over personnel and political trust? What do our hosts make of Team USA’s chances in the group stage of the World Cup?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@johnclipsey@lestermunson@amykmitchellBe sure to check out NSI Founder and Executive Director Jamil Jaffer’s coauthored Op-Ed discussing Section 702 here: https://rollcall.com/2026/06/11/turning-down-the-lights-on-us-surveillance-authorities-at-a-time-of-peril/ Like what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/LR_imrA7nfM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, John, and Andy take stock of a North Korea that has used Western distraction to significantly expand its strategic position. Pyongyang reportedly plans to exponentially increase its’ nuclear enrichment capacity with the construction of the new Yongbyon nuclear facility and is undertaking a housing construction boom that allegedly rivals major American cities. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping's recent visit to Pyongyang, which focused heavily on trade rather than denuclearization, signals that Beijing has effectively taken pressure off Kim Jong Un to roll back his weapons program.Is the economic development inside North Korea real, and what does it mean for Kim's grip on power? With China sidelining denuclearization and ignoring UN sanctions, how does the U.S. compete against a four-power bloc of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea? Do Moscow and Beijing's deepening friendships with North Korea create friction over who calls the shots in Pyongyang? And with North Korea's missile capabilities increasingly capable of reaching American soil, is now the right moment for Washington to engage, or will U.S. regional partnerships be enough to hold the line?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@johnclipsey@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/jVLazDheT9A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, and John break down the latest from the Iran conflict, now nearly 100 days old with no clear end in sight. This weekend Iran launched strikes against Israel following Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Israel struck back overnight — all while a ceasefire nominally remains in place. Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stays suppressed, Iran continues to absorb the economic pain of a U.S. blockade, and Beirut's government grows increasingly hostile to Hezbollah's presence.Does Trump have enough influence to prevent military escalation from overwhelming diplomacy? What does a deal over the Strait look like — and how realistic is it? What does a durable U.S.-Iran deal actually look like, and would Israel accept it?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jaffer@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/afTXQKm2mg4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Algene, and Matt examine the Trump administration's latest tariffs on imports from 60 countries, including China, the EU, Canada, and the UK, imposed under a new legal framework targeting failures to combat forced labor in global supply chains. The move follows the Supreme Court's rejection of the administration's earlier tariffs, which were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and raises broader questions about the intersection of trade policy, national security, and strategic competition with China.How does the administration's new tariff authority differ from the IEEPA-based approach rejected by the Supreme Court? Does the administration's new forced-labor rationale represent a legitimate trade concern or a more durable legal pathway for maintaining tariffs? Can the U.S. pressure China economically without alienating its allies?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@algenesajery@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/gN9NH0Fmbt0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, John, Andy, Andrew, and Matt break down the new AI Executive Order, which dropped yesterday after weeks of interagency debate and a last-minute halt before its original signing ceremony. The order tasks DHS with facilitating AI tool access for federal and state agencies, puts Treasury in charge of a new AI clearinghouse, and establishes a 30-day federal review window before models are released to selected partners — a framework that effectively brings AI companies into a formal government assessment process for the first time. This comes on the heels of Anthropic's Mythos model release and early discussions about a potential AI dialogue between the United States and China.Is the framework voluntary in name only? What does it mean that Treasury, rather than DHS or CISA alone, is at the center of this? How does the U.S. approach compare to the tiered review frameworks already in place across Five Eyes partners like the UK and Australia? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@johnclipsey@andykeiser@andrewborene@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/r-JLI9kup0E Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, John, Amy, Algene, and Andy break down Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where he outlined the administration's strategy for the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth struck a softer tone than last year, framing U.S. alliances around shared interests rather than shared values, emphasizing hard power deterrence along the island chain, and calling for greater burden sharing among partners, while declining to mention Taiwan by name. Does the speech signal a potentially dramatic shift in how Washington approaches Beijing, with some analysts warning it cedes significant ground after years of a tougher posture?Does reframing alliances around interests rather than values weaken the credibility of U.S. commitments in the region? Is Japan's nascent domestic intelligence agency an indication that the burden-sharing message is landing with partners? With a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan reportedly being used as a bargaining chip with Xi, what does Hegseth’s emphasis on hard power and ally burden sharing fall flat? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@johnclipsey@andykeiser@amykmitchell@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/pfnnvW3T0mA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Algene, and John dig into the murky details of a reported Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. and Iran— a document that Iran refutes, hasn't been signed by Trump, and hasn't actually been seen by the public. A controlled leak to Axios attempting to outline the MOU's terms — including sanctions waivers, a 60-day ceasefire, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days — quickly unraveled, with Rubio, multiple news outlets, and Iranian officials all offering contradictory versions. Meanwhile, the White House communications operation is visibly struggling, leaving the impression that Tehran, not Washington, is controlling the narrative.What is actually in this MOU, and does anyone in a position of authority on either side truly know? If the JCPOA took two years to negotiate under the Obama administration, is it an indicator of success that this admin is producing framework agreements after just two months? Would reopening the Strait of Hormuz constitute a genuine strategic victory, or does it paper over a war that has drifted without clear objectives or an exit strategy? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@algenesajery@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/t-EyP5czv1U Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Algene, Andy, and John mark Fault Lines' 600th episode by returning to one of the show's defining subjects — Iran — as a proposed deal reportedly nears completion even as the two countries exchange fire. The Trump administration wants out of the conflict, and while Iran's missile and nuclear programs have been degraded, the Supreme Leader is publicly committed to perpetual conflict with Israel and the United States. From Jimmy Carter to today, Tehran has confounded nearly every American president who has tried to manage it.Is a deal worth striking if the underlying strategic problem of Iran’s uranium enrichment problem remains unresolved? With Iran's missile threat still constraining U.S. freedom of operation in the region, are American allies any safer than they were before the strikes began? Does a 60-day extension simply give Iran the breathing room it needs to reconstitute? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@algenesajery@andykeiser@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/WMD2ZmgnWUE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Morgan break down the latest developments in Iran as diplomatic and political pressure mounts on multiple fronts. Netanyahu has reportedly expressed frustration with Trump's negotiating tactics, while the administration may have been weighing a role for deeply unpopular former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a post-strike political transition. With oil shortages already hitting American wallets, the economic and political costs of the midterms are proving impossible to separate.Can any diplomatic framework that leaves Iran's nuclear program intact actually hold, given Tehran's track record of defying agreements? With midterm elections on the horizon and no clear endgame in sight, will domestic political pressure change Trump's calculus? Iran is not Venezuela, so why does it seem like Washington is running the same playbook, and how long can Tehran afford to wait the U.S. out? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/GrVYNhi1PW4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Algene, Matt, and Marc examine the rapidly escalating Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, where a rare strain has already killed an estimated 131 people across roughly 500 suspected cases. The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency, and unlike previous Ebola outbreaks, this Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. The outbreak is unfolding in a volatile region marked by conflict, weak healthcare infrastructure, and extensive cross-border movement, while the CDC has already begun enhanced airport screening amid fears the outbreak could spread further.Why are Ebola outbreaks now viewed not just as humanitarian crises, but as national security events? Can the United States mount the kind of coordinated global response that helped contain prior outbreaks? And what does this crisis reveal about the growing intersection of biosecurity, geopolitics, and global instability?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@wmatthayden@algenesajery@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/grv78ZSIvXE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Amy dig into the political turbulence rattling the United Kingdom and Europe's broader leadership landscape. Rumors over the weekend that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would resign proved unfounded — he has confirmed he is staying — but the episode surrounding his potential departure exposed deep fractures in British politics. Labour suffered significant losses in local elections to the Greens, the Conservatives were hammered by Reform, and a large Unite the Kingdom rally highlighted simmering discontent over immigration, the economy, and the direction of the country.Is Starmer's grip on power strong enough to survive until 2029, or is the denial of resignation simply delaying the inevitable? What do the electoral surges of Reform and the Greens reveal about the fracturing of Britain's traditional political coalitions? How much of Europe's economic stagnation can be traced to structural choices in social spending and labor policy and will leaders finally be forced to reckon with that?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/08Qnhk_Pr54 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, John, Amy, and Matt break down President Trump's travel to China and what it signals about the trajectory of the world's most consequential bilateral relationship. The visit produced visible wins on trade, including Chinese commitments to purchase American oil and an agreement that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open but Chinese state media has been conspicuously silent on the deals Trump has touted publicly. Xi's invocation of the Thucydides Trap, referencing the Peloponnesian War and competing powers in the context of Taiwan, set a striking backdrop for a visit the administration framed primarily around economic cooperation.Was this a diplomatic breakthrough or a carefully managed photo opportunity that Beijing will leverage as it sees fit? How should we interpret the gap between Trump's transactional framing and Xi's pointed messaging about regional stability and power transitions? Are the national security gains from this trip real, or are they downstream consequences of economic agreements that haven't fully materialized yet?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@wmatthayden@amykmitchell@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/r0__U8Iheig Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Algene, and Andy discuss the latest developments in the Iran conflict, including reports that Iran has restored access to 30 of its 33 launch sites and growing scrutiny following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Capitol Hill testimony on the roughly $29 billion cost of Operation Epic Fury. Meanwhile, nuclear negotiations continue as reports indicate that UAE has begun launching its own strikes on Iran, signaling a potential realignment of regional actors.Should President Trump restart the bombing campaign or move to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Will the continually increasing financial costs of the conflict impact voter sentiment ahead of the midterms? And does the UAE’s direct involvement mark the emergence of a new regional order that leaves Iran increasingly isolated?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jaffer@andykeiser@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/27tk8-CWqF0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Morgan, Matt, and Marc examine what to expect — and what to be skeptical of — as President Trump travels to China this week for a face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping on Thursday. The summit follows their last encounter in the fall, but this time on Chinese soil, with trade and economic tensions dominating the agenda even as flashpoint issues like Taiwan and Iran linger at the margins. Expectations in Washington are deliberately low, and the pattern of Beijing treating agreements as temporary pauses rather than binding commitments remains a live concern.Will Xi use the meeting to press Trump on ending the Iran conflict to protect China's oil supplies, and how does that square with Beijing's simultaneous support for Iran's nuclear program? Will national security issues get serious airtime or be quietly traded away for economic wins? Given China's track record of opacity and broken promises, from trade deals to the Spratly Islands, how should the Trump administration distinguish genuine progress from the appearance of it? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@washingtonflack@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/5Gw6BfCWaDA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, John, and Matt take stock of a Russia that looks increasingly beleaguered on multiple fronts. With Victory Day tomorrow, Putin is reportedly anxious enough to have called Trump requesting a ceasefire — due to Ukrainian threats to Moscow, military vehicles and troops for the parade are expected to be scaled back, and Putin has ordered an internet blackout. Meanwhile, Russian casualties in Ukraine may now exceed one million, recruits are dying faster than they can be replaced, and Moscow's sphere of influence is contracting from Syria to Mali to Venezuela.Is Putin's obsession with the Victory Day spectacle a sign that his grip on power is slipping? How has Ukraine managed to turn the window created by Middle East instability into new weapons deals, Gulf investment, and fresh diplomatic momentum? With coup rumors circulating and opposition figures being targeted, how real is the threat to Putin's hold on the Kremlin? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@johnclipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/EXRhYZmudJk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Algene take stock of a rapidly shifting standoff with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that Operation Epic Fury has concluded, with the U.S. moving to a more defensive posture. At the same time, Operation Freedom—aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and escorting commercial shipping—was launched and then paused within roughly a day, as reports emerged that the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan may be nearing a one-page framework for a broader deal.What do we actually know about the emerging one-page deal framework? Why hasn't Congress forced a War Powers vote after the 60-day deadline—and what does that say about political incentives on both sides? Is there still a window to shape a deal that improves conditions for the Iranian people?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson  @algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/8ZG9MMAkr0o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Jess, and Andy examine the growing strategic competition unfolding above the Earth's atmosphere. President Trump's nomination of Douglas Schiess to lead Space Force, combined with the Golden Dome initiative, signals a renewed push to assert American dominance in a domain now crowded with adversaries; China operates at least ten confirmed surveillance satellites and recently launched autonomous space planes, while debris-choked low Earth orbit poses growing risks to the military assets the U.S. depends on daily.Can the U.S. translate its investment in space into genuine strategic dominance, or is Washington further behind than it appears? How serious are the threats posed by China's expanding space capabilities, and what does American vulnerability in orbit mean for national security on the ground? Will the innovation generated by Golden Dome and Space Force spin off the kind of private-sector breakthroughs that reshape the competitive landscape? And does the renewed public interest in UAPs and potential government disclosures carry any real national security implications? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@nottvjessjones@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/z12Uliipk4U Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, John, Matt, and Algene dig into the latest transatlantic flashpoint after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the United States is being humiliated by Iran and the IRGC — prompting Trump to threaten withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany. It's not the first time: Trump issued a similar warning in 2020 over Germany's failure to meet NATO funding targets. The stakes are high given Germany's role as a critical logistics hub for medical evacuations and command operations.Is Merz's sharp rhetoric a response to mounting domestic opposition to the Iran war, after he was one of the few European leaders to voice early support? What would a U.S. troop withdrawal from Germany actually mean for NATO's operational capacity in the region? As Europe bears the lion’s share of the war's economic costs, is a new transatlantic consensus on security architecture possible — or is the alliance fracturing in real time? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@wmatthayden@johnclipsey@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/z9xCgjppm8Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and John examine the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC, the oil cartel that has shaped global energy markets for decades. The announcement signals mounting strain within OPEC, fueled by Abu Dhabi’s frustration with production limits and rising competition with Riyadh, at a time when tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and historic U.S. energy output are shifting the geopolitical foundations of the global oil order.What does the UAE's exit mean for OPEC's long-term viability as a coordinating force in energy markets? Can the UAE actually capitalize on increased production if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed? How has Washington's posture toward Gulf oil producers — and its own energy dominance — influenced this fracture? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@johnclipseyLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mGvns6BJtpw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Amy and Algene examine the alarming incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner, where a 31-year-old teacher fired shots before being tackled by Secret Service agents at the Washington Hilton. The dinner, held annually since 1921 to celebrate the First Amendment and the press, took on heightened stakes this year as President Trump chose to attend for the first time. The incident has since reignited debate over presidential security protocols and prompted the Justice Department to pressure the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its lawsuit against the planned White House ballroom construction.Does this incident reveal meaningful gaps in the protection of American leaders, or did the Secret Service handle the situation as well as could be expected? Should Americans expect — or accept — higher security measures for high-profile events, and what would that cost in terms of civil liberties and normalcy? What does the political response to this incident say about how America chooses to confront gun violence more broadly?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@jamil_n_jaffer@amykmitchell@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/eRg_QgGvbqs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and John examine China's deepening covert support for Iran, even as Beijing publicly positions itself as a neutral actor. Chinese satellite companies have entered business relationships with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and China is providing intelligence, drones, and missiles that directly enable Iranian-backed threats — while the United States has seized a ship delivering Chinese goods to Iran.What does China's satellite and intelligence support for the IRGC reveal about the true nature of Sino-Iranian ties? If China is so dependent on Iranian oil, why would it risk the destabilization a Strait of Hormuz closure would cause? How will Xi's domestic vulnerabilities — military purges, a weakening economy, and ambitions for a fourth term — shape his calculus heading into talks with Trump? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@johnclipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/LQIH5eIE_Cg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Andy, Morgan, and John dig into the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran standoff following Trump's declaration of a ceasefire with no defined end and the collapse of talks that were expected to take place in Pakistan. American strikes have severely degraded Iran's nuclear capabilities and wounded its proxy network, yet a durable resolution remains elusive. Tehran has blocked itself in by refusing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the administration now acknowledges it is negotiating with multiple Iranian factions — including an IRGC that has little appetite for a deal.With so much leverage in hand, why is the President pursuing a negotiated agreement rather than declaring victory and walking away? How does the administration manage divided interlocutors on the Iranian side, especially a Revolutionary Guard that wants to run out the clock? If Tehran calculates that Washington needs a win before the midterms, does urgency become a liability at the bargaining table? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@johnclipsey@andykeiser@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/GAJkwKJ1ybY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and Algene dig into the uncertain end of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire—and whether it functioned as a true ceasefire at all. With the agreement set to expire Wednesday, the past several days have seen a series of developments: the opening and closing of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. seizure of an Iranian-linked vessel, and growing questions about decision-making inside Tehran. Both sides have taken enforcement actions at sea while accusing the other of violating the terms of the deal.What is actually happening with the ceasefire and the blockade right now Who is making decisions in Tehran right now, and how does that affect the prospects for negotiation? If Iran does not return to talks, what  options does Washington have when the ceasefire expires on Wednesday?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@algenesajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZKGVxGaMhYg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Marc examine the tensions between President Trump and newly elected Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff made remarks about the war in Iran that drew a sharp public rebuke from the President and Vice President. The clash highlights a conflict as old as Western civilization itself — secular rulers and the Catholic Church have contested authority and influence since at least the Investiture Controversy of 1075. Two figures with genuinely global reach and fundamentally different sources of legitimacy are now squaring off on the world stage.What does it mean for a sitting president to publicly clash with a religious leader who answers to no electorate? How does the Pope's unique standing — unbeholden to voters or donors — shape the dynamics of this confrontation in ways that differ from any ordinary diplomatic dispute? What negotiating leverage, if any, does Trump actually hold against the Vatican? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/8VFM8CMUSv4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Matthew, and Andy examine the first direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in more than 30 years. The talks come in the aftermath of Israel’s military offensive against Hezbollah, which has left more than 2,000 people dead and placed the Iran-backed group under sustained military pressure in southern Lebanon. With Hezbollah functioning as Tehran’s powerful proxy on Israel’s northern border, the stakes extend far beyond Lebanon itself.What can these talks realistically achieve — a ceasefire, clearer rules along the border, or something else? How much of this negotiation is really about Lebanon, and how much is about containing Iran’s influence in the region? Could this moment become the first step toward broader normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/_Vu2TkRtaEo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Andy, and Amy discuss a major political shift in Hungary, where longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was voted out after 16 years in office. His defeat opens the door for Péter Magyar, a former ally turned challenger, to take the reins. While prime minister, Orbán became a defining figure in European politics—closely aligned with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, frequently clashing with the European Union, and cultivating a populist leadership style. Magyar’s victory signals a potential recalibration in Hungary’s posture toward NATO, the EU and the war in Ukraine.What does Orbán’s loss say about the durability of right-wing populism in Europe and the influence of U.S. political figures abroad? How much change should we expect from Hungary’s new leadership, particularly on relations with Brussels and support for Ukraine? And while this election may mark a win for democratic processes, is it a broader signal for Europe or a uniquely Hungarian political moment?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@AndyKeiser@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/lFBfd0sVe9M Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Morgan, Algene, and Marc examine China's accelerating base construction in the South China Sea, with new activity at Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands drawing fresh scrutiny. Beijing has been building artificial islands since launching a major dredging campaign in 2013, insisting the infrastructure is civilian while expanding its military footprint across waterways that carry roughly 30% of global oil trade. International courts have ruled against China's claims, but Beijing has largely ignored those rulings — and few are pressing the point.Is China's construction at Antelope Reef part of a deliberate strategy to deny the U.S. the ability to come to Taiwan's aid? With the U.S. already depleting munitions and military assets at a significant rate, how dangerous is a moment of softening toward Beijing? What investments must the United States make now to restore deterrence before China's position becomes unassailable?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@algenesajery@washingtonflackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/yuiNj-goMoY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Jamie, and Algene break down a dizzying week in U.S.-Iran policy — from the President threatening to "end Iranian civilization" to declaring a two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has signaled new conditions for ships passing through the strait, as both sides trade proposals during the ceasefire. The White House is calling it a historic military operation but critics argue Iran may be gaining leverage over one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.What has the United States actually gained from the last six weeks of operations? Is this ceasefire just the start of negotiations — and where could those negotiations realistically lead? And if Iran’s military capability has been degraded, is there any opportunity for real change inside the country?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@algenesajery@msjamiejacksonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/_hJjYyOXdw8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jess, Les, Jamil, and John discuss the dramatic recovery of an F-15 airman who was shot down over southwestern Iran, evaded enemy forces, and was ultimately rescued in a complex operation that included a last-minute aircraft failure and on-the-ground improvisation. While the mission marks a rare good news story in the ongoing conflict, it also raises serious questions about Iran’s ability to target advanced U.S. aircraft, with both an F-15 and an A-10 reportedly hit in the same day.What does this incident reveal about Iran’s air defense capabilities, and who or what might be supporting them? As the financial costs of the conflict mount and the Pentagon eyes a massive defense budget, how sustainable is this level of engagement? And with the possibility of escalation growing, are Americans prepared for the risks that come with a larger and longer war?@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@johnclipsey@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/24VXiSOaWyQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Matthew, and Algene discuss Artemis 2's launch this week, sending four astronauts on a ten-day trip around the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972 — built with allied partners in Canada and Europe, and costing a fraction of what the original moonshots ran.But while Americans are glued to the launch, China and Russia are quietly teaming up on their own lunar ambitions, with Beijing eyeing a base near the Moon's south pole. Can the U.S. and its allies out-innovate and out-invest a coordinated rival space program? As commercial launch costs plummet and private sector involvement grows, what does the future of allied cooperation in space actually look like? What does it take to inspire the next generation of explorers?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/qFl1UTQp3v4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and Morgan unpack how the war with Iran is reshaping global energy markets and giving Russia an unexpected boost. As supplies tighten, the  demand for Russian oil has surged and the U.S. has temporarily eased restrictions on certain Russian shipments. At the same time, tensions with NATO and coordination with European partners remain uneven. Is this a temporary stabilization measure or a longer term policy? How does easing restrictions affect the war in Ukraine and Moscow’s broader leverage? What other options  did the administration have to address the energy crunch?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@morganlroach@lestermunson@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/URtPIjRWvo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Les, and Andy examine Russia's deepening involvement with Iran as Moscow's list of reliable partners shrinks. With Assad ousted from Syria, Maduro sidelined, and Cuba caught in an American vice grip, Russia is losing friends fast. Russia and Iran have exchanged weapons, intelligence, and military technology — including Iranian drones now being built in Russia and provided back to Iran. Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly positioned itself for short-term economic gains in Iran's energy sector, even as the war with Ukraine grinds on.How sustainable is America's strategy of isolating Russia? Can Russia be trusted as an ally to anyone, given its pattern of abandoning partners when it becomes inconvenient? Is Russia's relationship with Iran a genuine strategic alignment or simply a marriage of convenience that will fracture under pressure?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@andykeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/bLxROWvvkd4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, Amy, and Jamie unpack Pakistan’s reemergence on the global stage as a potential intermediary in the U.S.–Iran conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken an active role in negotiations, with President Trump appearing open to Islamabad playing a larger diplomatic role. The outreach includes high-level engagement between U.S. officials and Pakistan’s military leadership, signaling a possible reset after years in which U.S. ties with India sidelined the relationship. Pakistan has also joined the Board of Peace initiative and is leaning into a dealmaking approach that aligns with the administration’s style, even as it maintains strong economic ties with China and a history of balancing between competing powers.Is Pakistan a credible broker in the Iran conflict, or simply playing both sides as it has in the past? What does this renewed engagement mean for U.S. relationships with traditional partners like India? Why is Washington turning to nontraditional partners at this stage of the conflict? And should Congress demand greater clarity on what, exactly, the administration is offering Islamabad in return for its role?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@amykmitchell@msjamiejacksonLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/pcyV-osM-5o Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Matthew, and Matt unpack the growing uncertainty in Iran as the United States prepares to deploy up to 3,000 additional troops while President Trump advances a 15-point peace plan. At the center of this moment is a fragile leadership picture, with Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly in power but sidelined by injury and inexperience, and figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emerging as potential intermediaries—or future power brokers.Who is actually speaking for the U.S. in these talks, and is there a credible counterpart on the Iranian side? As a coalition forms to secure global energy flows, does this mark a turning point in allied coordination? With rapid advances in defense technology underway, is this conflict reshaping not just the region, but the future of warfare?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/iZvcp5MHLq4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, Jess, and Matt examine Iran's latest escalation after Tehran launched two intermediate-range missiles at Diego Garcia, a US-UK joint base on Friday. This morning, President Trump announced a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, claiming weekend progress in talks with Iran. The announcement comes as Iran demonstrates it can now hold more than just the Middle East hostage, with its longer-range capabilities potentially dragging Europe directly into the conflict.                                           Is Trump's pause a genuine diplomatic opening or a negotiation tactic? With Iran's longer-range capabilities in play and the Strait of Hormuz increasingly unstable, will European capitals finally be compelled to act? What does this mean for U.S. marines deploying to the region?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/3I3w-gcbrlQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jess, and Amy examine the Trump administration's rumored $200 billion supplemental appropriations request for operations in Iran — a figure that would exceed every previous wartime funding request. The request comes alongside whispers of a $1.5 trillion defense budget, a staggering 50 percent increase over last year. Both the House and Senate declined to disapprove military action in Iran, even as questions mount about what the funds will actually cover and whether this signals a prolonged conflict ahead.Is this request a bridge to permanently higher defense spending, or a temporary surge tied to specific operational needs? How does a $200 billion ask square with the administration's repeated claims about military readiness and stockpile health? If Congress can't muster the votes for standalone authorization, could they push this through budget reconciliation instead? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@amykmitchellLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/cRhG08wn9eQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, Andy, and Algene unpack rising tensions between the Trump administration and NATO, as European allies show little appetite for joining a U.S.-led mission tied to Iran—even as they face rising economic stakes. President Trump’s frustration has been clear, underscoring a growing divide despite longstanding alliance ties.Are the U.S. and NATO still aligned, or drifting toward something closer to a “frenemy” relationship? Is Europe reverting to a more cautious posture toward Iran—or just being consistent? And with regional partners backing the U.S., can Washington move forward without NATO—or does sidelining it weaken the strategy?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@nottvjessjones@lestermunson@AlgeneSajery@AndyKeiserLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mP-FW5XqIp0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Jamil, Morgan, and Jess examine what the Trump administration’s next move on Cuba might look like. Reports suggest Raúl Castro’s grandson may be quietly engaging with U.S. officials, including Marco Rubio. Some proposals envision allowing Cuban-Americans to invest in the island, though questions remain about whether meaningful economic engagement is possible without major political change.What does the administration hope to achieve in Cuba, and would regime change bring lasting reform? Would Cuban-Americans be willing to invest in the island without clear property rights and the rule of law? Are the Cuban leadership’s reported outreach efforts genuine—or simply another stalling tactic? And as unrest grows inside the country, what might finally become the tipping point for real change on the island?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjones@jamil_n_jafferLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/qdXmBD6CKO0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Les break down a clash between the Pentagon and Anthropic, a leading AI company. The dispute arose after Anthropic said it does not want its technology used for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons systems, while the Department of Defense insists its tools must remain available for any lawful purpose. When the two sides couldn’t agree, the Pentagon ordered Anthropic’s Claude AI removed from Defense Department networks and Anthropic sued.Who ultimately sets the terms when private technology meets national security? Could this sweeping ban disrupt defense contracts and supply chains that increasingly rely on AI? And at a time of escalation in the Middle East, does sidelining a major AI provider strengthen U.S. security — or risk slowing innovation when it matters most?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xMBSoKtRW1I Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Les, and Jess preview the upcoming Trump–Xi summit scheduled for March 31 in Beijing. Despite the significance of a meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest powers, preparations appear unusually thin. Major head-of-state visits typically involve months of diplomatic groundwork, detailed agendas, and large business delegations, but reports suggest that planning for this summit remains unclear, with few policy objectives publicly identified. What should the United States be aiming to achieve from this meeting? Is the administration missing an opportunity to shape the U.S.–China relationship at a critical moment, or is a quieter, less theatrical summit the strategy? And with China seeking stability and the U.S. balancing global crises from the Middle East to Europe, could this meeting quietly reset expectations between Washington and Beijing?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@lestermunson@nottvjessjonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/cVYcWn6nCoM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Les, and Andy take stock of the war with Iran as the conflict enters its second week. Tehran has continued missile and drone attacks across the region, including strikes toward Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, even as Iran’s president publicly apologized for some of the attacks. Meanwhile, Israel struck major fuel infrastructure inside Iran, and reports indicate the regime has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, as the country’s new Supreme Leader, raising questions about a potentially more hardline and hereditary turn in Iran’s leadership.What does the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei mean for the future of the Iranian regime and its relationship with the United States? Is this a moment Washington could use to pressure the regime as its command-and-control structure shows signs of strain? And with conflicting statements emerging from Iran’s political and military leadership, are we witnessing the fog of war or deeper fractures within the regime itself?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out these sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/irans-foreign-minister-rejects-calls-ceasefire-continue-fighting-rcna262291https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/07/offer-from-irans-president-to-not-attack-neighbours-provokes-internal-backlashhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/world/middleeast/israel-iran-oil-strikes.html?unlocked_article_code=1.RlA.7y5K.rylKW2rO5YJs&smid=nytcore-ios-share @jamil_n_jaffer@lestermunson@andykeiser@WashingtonFlackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZKEBLbNgWdg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Les, Morgan, Joshua, and Algene revisit the war with Iran as the conflict enters its seventh day. Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles across the region, including strikes toward Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cyprus, and several Sunni Arab states, in what appears to be an effort to widen the conflict. Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia is providing targeting intelligence to Iran, while Ukraine has offered assistance to the U.S. and Israel based on its battlefield experience countering drones and missiles.Where does the conflict go from here? Will Iran’s efforts to broaden the war draw in new actors or continue to push regional states closer to Washington? What role might partners like Ukraine or private defense companies play as the demand for missile and drone defense grows? And as Congress narrowly votes down resolutions opposing the war under the War Powers Resolution, does that effectively amount to legislative approval of the President’s actions?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@morganlroach@joshuachuminski @AlgeneSajeryLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/-zyJzSLc78Q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Morgan, Andy, Jess, and Marc provide an update on the escalating conflict with Iran following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. The joint U.S.–Israeli campaign is still underway, with strikes targeting Iranian missile and naval capabilities while Tehran and its proxies retaliate against U.S. interests in the region. What began as a decapitation strike has quickly expanded into a broader military effort, raising questions about how far the United States intends to go.Is this still a limited operation, or the start of a longer regional conflict? How long can the United States realistically sustain a campaign of this scale? And as Congress debates war powers and funding while global shipping, energy markets, and U.S. force posture come under pressure, what are the wider consequences of this campaign?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@morganlroach@andykeiser@nottvjessjones@WashingtonFlackLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/FZlIW8T9R6g Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.