Fault Lines

Latest Episodes:

Episode 362: Pagers and Radios - a Call for Escalation? Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

Today, Martha, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey discuss this week's detonations of pagers, handheld radios, and solar panels alongside military strikes by Israel against Hezbollah that have rocked Lebanon and thrown ongoing ceasefire talks into disarray. Hezbollah has vowed retribution for these attacks and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed frustration that these attacks threaten to derail efforts to broker a cease-fire deal in Gaza.

What are the implications of these attacks on wider supply chain security? How did these attacks impact Hezbollah psychologically, and will it have any impact on the ground? Will Iran retaliate against Israel due to these attacks?

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/technology/2024/09/19/hezbollah-pager-attack-supply-chain/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/19/israel-lebanon-attack-explosions-hezbollah/

https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-exploding-devices-hezbollah-mideast-ab2436cf5bae5e2fe2dddb293671a0ac

https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-strikes-hezbollah-targets-lebanon-after-two-rounds-device-explosions

https://apnews.com/article/gaza-blinken-middle-east-pagers-israel-4d4234bfdac2e49d3bc7c70cfb82a585

https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-yemen-houthis-lebanon-hezbollah-2bf649b0127edfdc65d08e6b68aa3695

Follow our experts on Twitter:

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@NotTVJessJones

@marthamillerdc

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

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Episode 361: Trilateral Triennial Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Today, Morgan, Les, Martha, and Jeffrey discuss last Sunday’s marking of the third anniversary of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, also known as AUKUS. They discussed its inception and evolution over three years to accomplish its two pillars of providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines; and collaborative development of advanced capabilities in six technological areas such as AI and quantum computing.

After three years, what has gone well with AUKUS? What are the regulatory challenges to accomplishing Pillar II? How do our other allies in the Indo-Pacific feel about the impacts of AUKUS?

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.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/on-the-third-aukus-anniversary-a-toast-to-itar-reform-and-a-call-to-keep-going/

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/09/aukus-other-agreements-likely-having-galvanizing-effect-in-beijing-aussie-ambasador/

https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/AUKUS-needs-more-than-submarines-to-make-its-bold-vision-a-reality

https://www.csis.org/analysis/aukus-pillar-two-advancing-capabilities-united-states-united-kingdom-and-australia

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@morganlroach

@marthamillerdc

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/lzqw6_aBGY8

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Episode 360: Biden Treks for Tracks in Angola Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Jamil, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. President Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Angola, fulfilling an earlier promise that would make him the first U.S. head of state to visit sub-Saharan Africa since Barack Obama in 2015. Keen to counter China's massive investments in Africa, the U.S. has been supporting a project that links the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola's Lobito port by rail to bypass road congestion on the copper and cobalt route.

What impact, or lack thereof, does the election have on this trip? Is the United States pulling a play out of China’s playbook with the Lobito Corridor project? How can the U.S. offer a better deal than China in Africa?

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.reuters.com/world/biden-make-first-africa-visit-with-angola-trip-coming-weeks-sources-say-2024-09-13/

https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/lobito-corridor-connecting-democratic-republic-congo-and-zambia-global-markets-angola_en

https://www.usip.org/blog/2024/06/what-africas-lobito-corridor

https://afripoli.org/lobito-corridor-a-reality-check

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/09/joint-statement-from-the-united-states-and-the-european-union-on-support-for-angola-zambia-and-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congos-commitment-to-further-develop-the-lobito-corridor-and-the/

https://www.semafor.com/article/11/30/2023/bidens-plans-to-counter-china-run-through-angola

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer

@morganlroach

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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/3aWZOgauO7k

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Episode 359: Starmer Storm Shadow Missiles Provoke Russian Ire Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the upcoming meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden. They are expected to discuss whether to allow the UK to sell Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine to strike military targets deep inside Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that “if Ukraine did fire Western missiles deep into Russia, it would mean that Russia was at war with NATO.” Russia also expelled six British diplomats from Moscow accusing them of espionage.

Is this more saber-rattling from Russia, or a genuine redline? What is the impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on allowing long-range weapons to be used against Russia? Is the United States slow-rolling equipment to Ukraine or in step with European 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.npr.org/2024/09/11/nx-s1-5108698/secretary-of-state-blinken-in-kyiv-ukraine

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/us/politics/biden-ukraine-weapons.html

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/09/12/europe/putin-warns-nato-missiles-hnk-latam-intl

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/13/russia-putin-uk-missiles-diplomats/

https://www.foxnews.com/world/putin-says-he-backs-harris-over-trump-adds-hes-ready-talks-ukraine

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer

@morganlroach

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/cKs2XB0H3W8

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

Episode 358: NSI Reflects on 9/11 Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Today, Les, Jess, Amy, Matt, and Jeffrey reflect on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks that began the Global War on Terror and changed the course of American history. They discuss how these attacks still shape our national security and foreign policy and how, now over two decades removed from the attacks, newer generations reflect and remember this pivotal event.

Does the changing landscape of how we obtain and learn world events impact how we view world events? Do average Americans understand the threat we still face from global terror? How do we convey the necessity of leaning forward in the world to ensure our national security where both political parties espouse retrenchment?

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/sept-11-anniversary-ceremony-children-reading-names-ed7dcd42524dca1c5098b6b3364aca91

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/10/g-s1-21925/biden-harris-trump-911-ground-zero-world-trade-center-pentagon-shanksville-flight-93

https://www.911memorial.org/connect/commemoration/23rd-anniversary-commemoration

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@WMattHayden

@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/SGwdkxV7GvU

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

Episode 357: Iraq - Withdrawal Dejavu? Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

Today, Morgan, Jamil, Les, and Jess discuss reports that the Biden administration and the Government of Iraq have reached an understanding on plans for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq. The leaks suggest that we would see hundreds depart by September 2025, with the remaining departing by the end of 2026.

Is this withdrawal plan a sound foreign policy decision or an appeal to domestic politics? What are the regional implications of this potential withdrawal amidst the war against Hamas in Gaza and the looming threat of Iran? How will our allies and adversaries respond to this withdrawal?

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.reuters.com/world/us-iraq-deal-would-see-hundreds-troops-withdraw-first-year-sources-say-2024-09-06/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/08/21/biden-iraq-isis-war-end-danger-president/

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer

@morganlroach

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/2gVD9cvbtXs

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

Episode 356: Africa goes to Beijing - What Did We Learn? Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

Today, Les, Jess, Martha, and Jeffrey discuss the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which is held every three years, this time in Beijing. All African nations, except the Kingdom of Eswatini due to its recognition of Taiwan, participated in the forum. China is the African continent’s biggest trading partner and arms supplier.

How does the United States’ and China’s messaging impact the effectiveness of relations with Africa? How can the United States improve its engagement with Africa? How do China’s exploitive loan program and purchase of mainly commodities impact its relations with African nations?

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/2024/09/04/world/asia/china-africa-summit.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb&ngrp=mnn&pvid=F23603F0-AF7C-46B3-BAB5-2379E201F463

https://www.reuters.com/world/china-deepen-industrial-agricultural-trade-investment-ties-with-africa-2024-09-05/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx6d654556o

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/03/china/china-africa-summit-intl-hnk/index.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-africa-summit-us-xi-jinping-rcna169673

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3277371/china-vows-work-africa-nuclear-tech-satellites-and-space

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@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/JKD3atG4XpY

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

Episode 355: All is Not Quiet on the Eastern Front Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, Martha, and Morgan discuss the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, from Ukrainian forces going on the offensive in Russia and capturing 450+ square miles of Russian territory to the recent crash of a Western-provided F-16 jet and Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Mongolia, where he was not arrested despite his outstanding ICC arrest warrant.

How does Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive impact the wider war? What are the implications of Mongolia failing to uphold its ICC obligations? How might the F-16’s recent crash impact future aid efforts?

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/live/2024/09/03/world/ukraine-russia-missile-strike-poltava

https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-russia-arrest-icc-member-mongolia-prosecution-eu-ukraine/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/31/world/europe/ukraine-f16-pilot-crash.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-territory-seized-putin-kursk-rcna169280

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@morganlroach

@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/CV0JG1wuFuM

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

Episode 354: Ballot Boxes from Paris to Tehran Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Jeffrey discuss two pivotal elections - the French Parliamentary and the Iranian Presidential Election. French President Emmanuel Macron, after his party was trounced in the European Parliamentary elections, called for a snap election. In which after the first round of voting on Sunday saw Marine Le Pen’s right-wing National Rally party take first place with all eyes on the run-off on Sunday, July 9th. In Iran, elections were held in the wake of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. After the first round of voting, two candidates remain for the Presidency - with ostensible “reformer” Masoud Pezeshkian leading over Saeed Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator for Iran who is viewed as the more hawkish of the two, and with another round of voting to follow.

How does the French election impact support for Ukraine and the wider EU? What are the implications of Iranian elections on regional stability? How should the next President prepare for the outcome of these elections?

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/france-election-far-right-macron-193233ade08821a71731980d8a17eb4a

https://apnews.com/article/france-election-far-right-macron-f07061a929ed8eaad0e714e948159cab

https://www.politico.eu/article/france-legislative-election-marine-le-pen-emmanuel-macron-national-rally-jordan-bardella/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-presidential-election-pakeshkian-jalili/

https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/06/29/irans-supreme-leader-is-terrified-of-people-power

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/30/world/middleeast/iran-election-president-voters.html

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer

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/NicQDXSPF_M

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

Episode 353: Kenya - is the Beacon of Stability Flickering? Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Today, Jess, Les, Martha, and Matt discuss the recent violent protests in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi over a tax bill that would increase taxes on bread, fuel, and other necessities, which was aimed at alleviating the country’s massive debt burden. Protestors stormed the nation’s parliament building, setting parts ablaze, and clashes with police and military forces have left more than 300 injured and 22 dead. Kenyan President William Ruto has now abandoned the bill but vows to quash the continuing unrest “at whatever cost.”

With Kenya being recently announced as a U.S. major Non-NATO ally, how do these protests impact U.S.-Kenyan relations? What are the implications of these protests on the stability of the region and our ongoing counter-terrorism efforts? What does this unrest mean for the recently deployed Kenyan police mission to violence-stricken Haiti?

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.bbc.com/news/articles/c3gg30gm0x2o

https://apnews.com/article/kenya-finance-bill-taxes-protests-396382bdac0fc18dfec7cd3003ece35b

https://apnews.com/article/kenya-protests-finance-bill-33a20092285f1d663264f7b0d513e1da

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/25/world/africa/kenya-protests-tax-parliament.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/world/africa/kenya-protests-taxes-president-ruto.html

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@lestermunson

@NotTVJessJones

@marthamillerdc

@WMattHayden