Fault Lines

National Security Institute
  • 4.5 (38)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
Fault Lines

Fault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America. Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Deputy Executive Director Martha Miller, NSI Senior Fellows Lester Munson and Morgan Viña, and Director of the NSI CTC - Howard University Cybersecurity Clinic Jessica Jones.  Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 409: Tariff Turmoil: Trump’s Trade War and Its Global Fallout

    Episode 409: Tariff Turmoil: Trump’s Trade War and Its Global Fallout Today, Morgan, Martha, and Jess discuss President Trump’s latest move to impose sweeping tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing illegal migration and fentanyl as justification. The plan includes 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China, which has prompted retaliatory measures from U.S. trading partners. What are the unintended consequences for American taxpayers? If the U.S. retreats from the global economic stage, who steps in to fill the void? And with past tariffs failing to bring manufacturing back, will this strategy hurt the very voters who elected Trump? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70kn4676p4o  https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/02/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/us/politics/trump-tariffs-ieepa.html  https://www.reuters.com/business/trump-stretches-trade-law-boundaries-with-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-2025-02-02/  Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! Follow our experts on Twitter:  @morganlroach @marthamillerdc @NotTVJessJones  Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/iLb6rTb54is Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Episode 408: Russia’s War, Putin’s Problem

    Today, Martha, Matt, Bishop, and Andrew break down the latest Russia-Ukraine developments, the growing pressure on Putin, and the rising costs of war. They examine the strength of the Western alliance, the effect of sanctions against Russia, the Nord Stream 2 fallout, and whether boosting U.S. energy production could curb Europe’s reliance on Russian oil. As modern warfare evolves, hybrid conflict, drone strikes, and Wagner’s war crimes are reshaping security far beyond Ukraine. Will Russia’s mounting losses force Putin to negotiate? How strong is the U.S. and European alliance as the war drags on? Could energy shifts change the geopolitical balance? And is modern conflict entering a dangerous new phase? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2000262/putin-russia-revolt https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2025/01/29/ukrainian-drones-flew-500-miles-and-in-a-single-strike-damaged-5-of-russias-oil-refining-capacity/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg84r5g8d0o Follow our experts on Twitter:  @marthamillerdc @WMattHayden @AndrewBorene @BishopGarrison Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/jsytDeH8kj0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 407: Just Push Pause: Trump’s Halt on Federal Programs

    Today, Bishop, Amy, Marc, and Algene discuss the chilling effect and confusion created by the Trump administration’s broad pause on federal programs, including those at State, USAID, and domestic initiatives funded through federal grants. With confusion over what can move forward and what funding is on hold, the uncertainty is rippling across the government. Given some of the uncertainty it’s created, could this move weaken America’s ability to respond to national security threats? How does cutting foreign aid impact U.S. leadership abroad? Will China and Russia step in to fill the void? And how will the freeze on domestic programs affect states and communities across the country? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/what-the-f-is-going-on-confusion-uncertainty-in-industry-as-army-contracts-seemingly-halted/  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/us/politics/medicaid-freeze.html  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/dc-federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-plan-pause-federal-aid-spend-rcna189706  Follow our experts on Twitter:  @BishopGarrison @amykmitchell @Washingtonflack @AlgeneSajery Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/NkcFNU8w5HY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min

  4. JAN 27

    Episode 406: Trade Threats and Triumphs: Trump’s Colombia Deal

    Today, Jess, Morgan, Amy, and Matt dive into the weekend’s hot story regarding Colombia’s refusal to accept U.S. military planes carrying deported immigrants.  This refusal resulted in President Trump announcing tariffs and sanctions targeting the country, Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, and a late night statement from the White House indicating that Bogota had accepted all of President Trump’s terms and that flights would resume.  How might this episode impact U.S.-Colombia relations moving forward? What would a trade war with Colombia have looked like?  How might Trump’s early diplomatic approach highlighted here affect long-term relationships with allies? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/01/26/trump-colombia-deportation-flights-migrants-tariffs/  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/americas/colombia-us-deportation-flights.html  https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombias-petro-will-not-allow-us-planes-return-migrants-2025-01-26/  Follow our experts on Twitter:  @morganlroach @amykmitchell @NotTVJessJones  @WMattHayden Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/ZMYKd4Jh6WE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  5. JAN 24

    Episode 405: Full Steam Ahead: Trump’s Bold Moves on Clearances and Protection

    Today, Morgan, Les, Marc, and Amy discuss President Trump’s decision to revoke security clearances for officials who signed the Hunter Biden laptop letter and to withdraw protective details for former officials like Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, and John Bolton. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is reorganizing the National Security Council. What message do these actions send to allies, adversaries, and current national security officials? Is this a practical step to reshape the NSC or a risky precedent with far-reaching implications? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/us/politics/trump-pompeo-security-iran.html https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/20/politics/trump-revokes-security-clearances-former-officials-hunter-biden-laptop-letter  https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5098612-john-bolton-donald-trump-secret-service/amp/  https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/21/politics/video/john-bolton-trump-pulls-secret-service-detail-tapper-digvid  Follow our experts on Twitter:  @morganlroach @lestermunson @amykmitchell @Washingtonflack Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/o90JiQRd-jg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  6. JAN 22

    Episode 404: TikTok Tug-of-War: Divestment, Security, and Trump’s China Play

    Today, Martha, Les, and Jes dive into the ongoing battle over TikTok. After Congress passed bipartisan legislation forcing TikTok to divest from ByteDance, the Supreme Court upheld the decision. However, President-elect Trump’s Day 1 Executive Order paused enforcement, proposing a 50% ownership deal with 72 days for review. Can TikTok operations truly be secured to address national security concerns? What does this proposed deal reveal about Trump’s approach to China, and how does the struggle between Congress and the Executive Branch shape this debate? Tune in to explore the answers and what this means for the millions of Americans on TikTok. Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-ban-da11df6d59c17e2c17eea40c4042386d  https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-goes-dark-us-users-trump-says-save-tiktok-2025-01-19/  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/19/donald-trump-tik-tok-ownership-united-states/77831835007/  https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/01/21/tiktok-ban-download-back/  Follow our experts on Twitter:  @marthamillerdc @lestermunson @NotTVJessJones  Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xXxdPyxH_kA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  7. JAN 17

    Episode 403: Hostages, Politics, and Peace: Gaza's Fragile Ceasefire

    Today, Les, Martha, Morgan, and Algene discuss the Gaza-Israel ceasefire and hostage deal, marking a turning point 15 months into the conflict. Brokered with negotiators from both the Biden and Trump administrations, this agreement demonstrates rare unity across the political divide. With hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to be exchanged in phases, and Israeli forces withdrawing from key areas, the deal raises critical questions.   Should President-elect Donald Trump be considered “the closer” on this deal? Can the U.S. and Israel ensure Iran remains isolated? And will this deal hold through its initial phase and beyond? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion! https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-quarrel-over-final-details-of-gaza-cease-fire-2fbb837b  https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/16/israel-war-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-news-hamas/  https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-quarrel-over-final-details-of-gaza-cease-fire-2fbb837b  Follow our experts on Twitter:  @marthamillerdc @morganlroach @lestermunson @AlgeneSajery Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/m2pSL8p4VSA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  8. JAN 15

    Episode 402: Confirmations and Controversies: Breaking Down Trump’s Nominees

    Today, Morgan, Les, Martha, and Jess discuss this week’s national security nomination hearings, happening less than a week before Donald Trump is sworn in as president. This week, Pete Hegseth, nominee Secretary of Defense, Marco Rubio for Secretary of State; and John Ratcliffe for CIA Director, are all under the spotlight. Are Trump’s choices a sign of a cultural shift in the Pentagon, what are the national security implications and how does the Senate’s performance in vetting nominees stack up? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. Follow our experts on Twitter:  @NotTVJessJones @marthamillerdc @morganlroach @lestermunson Like what we're doing here?    Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.    And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/e23HnQhuoR0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
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4.5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Fault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America. Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Deputy Executive Director Martha Miller, NSI Senior Fellows Lester Munson and Morgan Viña, and Director of the NSI CTC - Howard University Cybersecurity Clinic Jessica Jones.  Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    National Security Institute
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    420
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © A National Security Institute Podcast
  • Show Website
    Fault Lines

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