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Nation States with Yates

Nation States with Yates is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign policy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. Hosted by Steve Yates, a former White House national security official, each episode delivers concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.

Latest Episodes:

Nation States: Eight Lessons From the Iran Conflict of 2026 Nov 13, 2026

Show notes

A year after the Iran conflict reshaped headlines, shipping lanes, and political debate, Steve Yates reviews what actually happened and what Americans should learn from it. Looking back at each stage of the campaign, he examines military operations, economic pressure, the Strait of Hormuz, information warfare, War Powers debates, and whether a strategy between invasion and appeasement achieved its goals. The focus is on separating perception from results and understanding the challenges that remain.

What lessons should guide U.S. policy going forward? Steve outlines eight key takeaways and the questions every voter should be asking elected leaders as a new Congress prepares to take office.

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

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Nation States: Xi Jinping’s Rise and China’s Hidden Weaknesses Nov 11, 2026

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Understanding Xi Jinping is key to understanding the future of U.S.-China relations. Steve Yates examines how China's leader rose to power, how he consolidated authority after sidelining rivals, and whether more centralized control has actually made China stronger. Looking at China's economy, military leadership, and a new Communist Party rulebook, Yates explores the warning signs beneath the image of strength and what they could mean for America.

ubscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation about the issues shaping America's future.

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Nation States Update: Trump's China Summits: Who Is Xi Jinping? Plus the Iran War Reckoning Nov 09, 2026

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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet five times in roughly one year—an extraordinary stretch of U.S.-China diplomacy. But how much do Americans really know about the powerful Chinese leader sitting across the negotiating table?

In this Nation States with Yates update, Steve Yates previews Tuesday's deep dive into Xi Jinping's rise to power, the downfall of political rival Bo Xilai, and the Communist Party's transformation under Xi's leadership. Does a more powerful Xi mean a stronger China, or does his leadership create new vulnerabilities Washington can exploit?

Then, Thursday's episode examines the Iran war, its major turning points, and the lessons emerging after the 2026 midterm elections. Did America's military strategy achieve its objectives, and what did the conflict ultimately accomplish?

From Trump-Xi summits and Chinese Communist Party politics to Iran and American national security, Steve Yates breaks down the global challenges shaping America's future.

New episodes Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM Eastern. Subscribe, follow, and share Nation States with Yates.

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Nation States Update: Nation States with Yates Hits 1 Million Downloads! China, Iran & What's Next Nov 08, 2026

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Nation States with Yates celebrates a major milestone: 1 million podcast downloads since launching in May 2026, including nearly 400,000 downloads in October alone! Steve Yates thanks listeners for their incredible support and highlights recent episodes examining America's post-election China strategy and President Trump's upcoming Asia visit. Plus, a preview of next week's deep dives into China's internal political struggles, Iran, U.S. foreign policy, and the strategic lessons of 2026. Subscribe, share, and stay informed on the global challenges shaping America's future.

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Nation States: Trump’s Asia Trip and the Taiwan Test Nov 06, 2026

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As President Trump prepares for back-to-back summits in Manila and Shenzhen, the real story may be playing out around Taiwan. Steve Yates explains how Chinese military flights, coast guard pressure, and diplomatic signaling are all connected to a high-stakes round of U.S.-China engagement. The question is whether Washington can maintain deterrence, support allies, and protect American interests while managing a fragile trade truce with Beijing.

Listen for a practical look at what success would actually mean for Main Street America and what signals to watch as the summit unfolds.

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Nation States: Why China Became an Election-Year Kitchen Table Issue Nov 04, 2026

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China may not be listed on the ballot, but its impact on American land, jobs, energy, agriculture, trade, and fentanyl remains front and center. Steve Yates explains how China emerged as a key issue in races across Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, why voters connect Beijing to everyday concerns, and how the next Congress will shape policy on trade, advanced technology, Taiwan, and national security.

Listen for a practical look at what happens after Election Day and why the decisions made in Washington could affect communities across America for years to come.

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Nation States Update: China on the Ballot: 2026 Midterms, Trump's Asia Showdown & Taiwan Nov 02, 2026

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China is on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Steve Yates examines how the Chinese Communist Party, fentanyl, farmland ownership, and U.S.-China trade are shaping critical congressional races from Texas to Ohio to Iowa.

With Election Day approaching, Steve previews two major Nation States episodes: Tuesday's breakdown of China's influence on the midterms and the challenges facing the next Congress, followed by Thursday's examination of President Trump's high-stakes Asia meetings, Beijing's growing pressure on Taiwan, and why U.S. arms sales to Taiwan must never become a bargaining chip.

Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for sharp analysis of China, American national security, foreign policy, and the geopolitical battles shaping America's future.

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Nation States Update: 2026 Midterms: Affordability, Muslim Brotherhood & Global Security Oct 30, 2026

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With the November 3rd midterm elections approaching, Steve Yates examines the critical issues shaping America's future. From the affordability debate and the Muslim Brotherhood's relevance to American politics to border security, energy independence, and technology, what's really at stake for voters? Plus, a look ahead at major global developments involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Brazil. What happens after Election Day, and how will America's choices impact national security and the world? Find out on Nation States with Yates.

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Nation States: The Muslim Brotherhood From Egypt to Michigan Oct 29, 2026

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The Muslim Brotherhood has moved from foreign policy debates into the center of a major U.S. Senate race. Steve Yates examines the movement’s origins in Egypt, its political ideology, its record across the Middle East, and why multiple governments have labeled or restricted it. He also breaks down the competing claims surrounding Michigan's 2026 Senate contest and explores what voters should consider when questions arise about international political movements and American public life.

Listen now for a fact-based look at the history, influence, and controversies surrounding one of the most debated Islamist political movements of the last century.

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Nation States: The Real Affordability Debate Beyond Prices Oct 27, 2026

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Affordability is usually framed around gas prices, groceries, and housing costs. Steve Yates argues that voters should ask a different question: can America afford to reverse the policies shaping border security, energy production, technology investment, and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere? Looking at inflation, fuel prices, migration trends, and industrial growth, he compares recent history with today's policy choices and examines what those choices could mean for families and businesses.

Listen now and decide whether affordability should be measured by today's prices alone or by the long-term costs of changing course.

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