Fault Lines

Latest Episodes:

Episode 462: Hybrid Threats: Sabotage in Sweden Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Today, Jess, Martha, and Les discuss the news of a sabotage campaign in Sweden, where 32 telecommunications towers along the E-22 highway were deliberately targeted—cables cut, technical equipment destroyed. The attacks fit into a broader pattern of hybrid threats sweeping the Nordic region, widely attributed to Russian intelligence operations, with rising concerns about Chinese involvement as well.

Are we witnessing a new phase of grey-zone warfare or is it part of an existing pattern? As NATO launches its Baltic Sentry initiative to protect critical infrastructure, how prepared are our allies for these persistent, murky threats? And with the U.S. dismantling key national security structures, are we losing the ability to go on offense?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion:

https://www.nato.int/docu/review/articles/2024/04/26/russias-hybrid-war-against-the-west/index.html

https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2025-03/what-britain-can-learn-nordics-about-fighting-hybrid-threats

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/uk/sweden-probes-massive-sabotage-after-30-telecom-masts-attacked-in-what-officials-call-a-coordinated-strike/articleshow/121695420.cms

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@marthamillerdc

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

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Episode 461: The Art of the Call Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Today, Les, Morgan, Matt, and Jess unpack the high-stakes phone calls between President Trump and two of the world’s most powerful leaders: Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping. Trump’s first official call with Xi since taking office covered Taiwan, semiconductors, and student visas—but skipped over Russia, NATO, and North Korea. Meanwhile, a call earlier in the week with Putin followed Trump’s praise of Ukraine’s recent drone strike campaign, prompting warnings from Moscow and raising questions about U.S. positioning in the ongoing conflict.

Is the U.S. reclaiming its role at the center of international diplomacy—or just talking in circles? With no concrete deliverables yet, the question remains: what will actually come after the calls?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/05/politics/trump-xi-trade-call

https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-xi-tariffs-negotiations-trade-f2e4b48205001d7169ee34250089d8c1

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/politics/trump-putin-phone-call-ukraine-response

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qg23gqllwo

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

@NotTVJessJones

@WMattHayden

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/FuBAbFK6o2E

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Episode 460: Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine Strikes Back Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey unpack Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine’s long-planned and massive drone strike that targeted strategic bombers across multiple Russian airfields. With over 100 drones launched and no advance notice to the U.S., the attack caught Washington off guard and it showcased Ukraine’s growing operational autonomy.

What does Ukraine’s drone strike reveal about the future of asymmetric warfare? Does the Operation mark the beginning of a new phase in the conflict—one where Russia’s rear areas are no longer safe? How should the U.S. respond to being left out of the loop?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/jHhHTnbbl10

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Episode 459: Shangri-La Signals: the Future of Indo-Pacific Strategy Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Today, Morgan, Martha, and Jess unpack key takeaways from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the Indo-Pacific as a U.S. priority—but also told regional allies that they need to take more responsibility as America turns inward. Meanwhile, China continues its campaign of aggression, and Europe is slowly waking up to Beijing’s threat—with President Macron calling for alliances against “spheres of coercion.”

Can the U.S. credibly claim leadership in the Indo-Pacific without a coherent economic strategy? As allies grow wary of Trump’s tariff-first approach and the perception of the U.S. as a destabilizing force grows, will they begin shaping a regional architecture that leaves America behind?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/30/hegseth-warns-asia-allies-that-china-threat-is-imminent-00378700

https://www.axios.com/2025/05/31/rubio-trump-china-students-tariffs-rare-minerals

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@morganlroach

@marthamillerdc

@NotTVJessJones

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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/28BJTk4tG4E

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Episode 458: Russia-Ukraine: Deadlines, Delusions, and Delay May 30, 2025

Show notes

Today, Martha, Jess, Amy, and Matt unpack the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as President Trump issues a two-week ultimatum to Vladimir Putin—raising the question: does he really mean it? With no clear movement as talks have stalled, it seems increasingly clear that Russia is stress-testing the limits of U.S. and European patience.

Trump’s disillusioned tone marks a shift, but the administration still appears stuck between rhetoric and real leverage. Meanwhile, NATO’s northern allies are growing uneasy. Is this diplomacy, delay, or something worse? And what’s the cost of letting Putin hold the cards while Europe hesitates to get serious?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyn3vqex47o

https://www.wsj.com/world/north-korea-sent-missiles-and-other-arms-to-russia-in-violation-of-sanctions-u-s-and-allies-say-2ff4f55e?mod=world_lead_pos1

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-offensive.html

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/the-u-s-reinforces-europes-northern-front-fearing-war-with-russia-b499ef50?mod=world_feat5_europe_pos4

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/germany-to-step-up-ukraine-aid-as-europe-scrambles-to-replace-u-s-d0d4718b?mod=world_feat5_europe_pos2

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@marthamillerdc

@NotTVJessJones

@WMattHayden

@amykmitchell

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, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/hJLvAVr4690

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 457: Campus Crackdown: U.S. Innovation at Risk? May 28, 2025

Show notes

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Jeffrey unpack the Trump Administration’s pause on student visa interviews and its decision to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students—actions that have sparked lawsuits, global reactions, and a debate over the future of U.S. innovation and soft power. As the U.S. steps back, others step in: the EU is investing $500 million to attract top talent, and universities in places like Hong Kong are rolling out red carpets for displaced students.

What are the national security threats at play here? Can we enhance safeguards without undermining our most successful innovation engine—higher education? And what does it mean for America’s global influence when tomorrow’s world leaders are trained in Beijing or Brussels instead of Boston?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions.

https://fortune.com/article/trump-universities-international-students/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/18/us/international-students-universities-funding-trump

https://www.csis.org/analysis/innovation-lightbulb-not-just-attracting-retaining-international-stem-students

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/harvard-international-student-ban-trump-china-europe-rcna209044

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@morganlroach

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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/-KCF4dFHsxg

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 456: Crisis and Calculus—Israel, Iran, and a Region on Edge May 23, 2025

Show notes

Today, Morgan, Martha, Les, and Jess examine the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel has launched a renewed offensive in Gaza amid mounting international pressure to end hostilities and allow humanitarian aid into the territory. Meanwhile, the murder of two young Israeli embassy employees has shocked the world and further underscored the volatility on multiple fronts.

As Hamas remains active and Hezbollah and Houthi forces continue attacks—each backed by Iran—the Trump administration navigates complex terrain. With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks ongoing, and intelligence of a potential Israeli strike on Iranian facilities, questions loom: Will the administration’s posture embolden or restrain Israeli action? Can Trump’s hardline stance on Iran deliver results—or ignite broader conflict? And as Gaza remains in crisis and the region teeters, is Washington’s strategy up to the challenge?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@morganlroach

@marthamillerdc

@NotTVJessJones

@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/xDku2j9pwhQ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 455: Ukraine and a Diplomatic Dead End? May 21, 2025

Show notes

Today, Martha, Les, Amy, and Jess examine the latest flurry of diplomatic activity between Russia and Ukraine—amid headlines, handshakes, and very little real progress. Ukrainian and Russian officials met face-to-face in Istanbul for the first time in years, while Putin refused to join. Trump’s recent refusal to endorse new sanctions on Russia– as the EU and UK ramp up pressure– is raising alarms among European allies and creating a problematic U.S.-European divide in NATO.

With the new Pope offering the Vatican as neutral ground and a bipartisan group of Senators pushing for tougher sanctions, the question remains: is Trump’s mixed approach—part engagement, part retreat—undermining the West’s leverage? As Russia digs in and Ukraine holds the line, can diplomacy survive in a landscape shaped by war fatigue, nuclear risk, and fractured alliances?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/21/ukraine-war-briefing-pope-opens-vatican-door-to-peace-talks-says-meloni

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-peace-talks-trump-83979d718b73cb9bd655dd9aaa915573

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgddel17kvo

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@marthamillerdc

@NotTVJessJones

@lestermunson

@amykmitchell

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/48WGmDLETXM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 454: Weekend Ballot Results: Europe Votes Amid Russian Pressure May 19, 2025

Show notes

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Andy unpack weekend elections in Romania, Poland, and Portugal—where voters are navigating domestic frustrations, regional security fears, and the specter of Russian influence. In Romania, centrist Nicușor Dan defeated far-right nationalist George Simion with a pro-EU, anti-corruption message. Poland will head into a June presidential election runoff between centrist Rafal Trzaskowski and far-right challenger Karol Nawrocki, while in Portugal, a far-right party surged to 20%, shaking up the political landscape.

Are these results driven by domestic political pressures—or do they reflect a broader European response to the war in Ukraine? Is European support for Ukraine holding strong, or is it increasingly tied to who’s in power in Washington? And how do concerns about ballot access and disinformation shape the future of European democracy?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our experts’ opinions.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c74q57kydget

https://www.npr.org/2025/05/17/nx-s1-5400392/elections-in-poland-and-romania-could-shape-the-future-of-europe-and-ukraine

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanians-vote-presidential-run-off-that-could-widen-eu-rifts-2025-05-17/

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@morganlroach

@AndyKeiser

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/dhrK5Za2OtU

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Episode 453: Syria's New Chapter—Sanctions, Strategy, Strategic Risk May 16, 2025

Show notes

Today, Les, Martha, Jeffrey, and Matt break down major developments in Syria as President Trump meets with new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa—former leader of the extremist group HTS—and announces the suspension of U.S. sanctions. The Trump administration’s evolving, more direct approach to foreign policy, on display throughout his Middle East trip, raises new questions about oversight, regional alliances, and long-term strategy.

Can the U.S. trust this new Syrian leadership? Could loosening sanctions and engaging Gulf partners offer a rare opportunity to stabilize Syria, disrupt Iran’s regional ambitions, and counter the influence of Russia and extremist actors? With U.S. troops staying in place and a shifting diplomatic playbook, is this a strategic pivot that could finally reshape the balance of power in the region?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@WMattHayden

@marthamillerdc

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/mGi6DTq2P88

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.