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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 Update: Trump's Ukraine Peace Push, Diesel Prices Surge & Houthis Threaten Middle East Stability Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

President Donald Trump faces mounting foreign policy challenges as efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine encounter new disagreements, diesel fuel prices put pressure on American families, and Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia threaten further instability across the Middle East.

In this edition of Nation States with Yates, Steve Yates examines the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the political and economic consequences of energy prices during a contentious election season, and growing concerns over regional security and global oil markets. He also revisits two major speeches exploring Western civilization, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address in Athens, Greece, and Taiwan's president's National Day remarks.

Plus, Steve previews upcoming deep dives into the history of Yemen's Houthis, their role in Middle East geopolitics, and a special series examining America's fentanyl crisis and its consequences for national security and American families.

Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for expert analysis of U.S. foreign policy, international relations, national security, China, Taiwan, Russia, Ukraine, and the geopolitical challenges shaping America's future.

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Nation States: Taiwan’s National Day Message to the Free World Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Taiwan’s National Day address was about far more than cross-strait relations. Speaking in Taipei, President William Lai framed Taiwan as a free society rooted in self-government, faith, responsibility, and democratic values. Steve Yates explains why that message matters for Americans, how it contrasts with the Chinese Communist Party’s vision, and why Taiwan’s future is tied to larger questions about freedom, deterrence, history, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. Listen now and consider how Taiwan’s story fits into America’s broader strategic interests and relationships with democratic partners around the world.

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: Rubio’s Athens Speech and the Case for a Strong West Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech in Athens offered more than a foreign policy message. It framed a broader argument about national strength, Western civilization, secure borders, strong allies, and why many Americans see these priorities as common sense rather than controversy. Steve Yates examines Rubio’s remarks, the reaction from critics, and what a more confident Europe could mean for American security and prosperity.

Listen as Steve connects the strategic stakes behind today's debates over defense, manufacturing, energy, and national identity. 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nation States Update: Marco Rubio's Warning to Europe, Taiwan's Message to China & Trump's Russia Oil Deal Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Steve Yates previews a consequential week in global affairs as President Trump explores a potential Russia oil deal to ease diesel prices, negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war remain uncertain, and tensions with Iran continue under maximum pressure. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia threaten further instability across the Middle East.

On Nation States with Yates, Steve also previews two major speeches shaping the future of international relations: Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address in Athens, Greece, on reviving Western civilization and strengthening America's European partnerships, and Taiwan's president's National Day address outlining a message with profound implications for China, U.S.-Taiwan relations, and everyday Americans. Why do these speeches matter for America's future, and what do they reveal about the changing global order? Steve explains what's ahead this week.

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Nation States: Pete Hegseth’s Vision for America’s Future Force Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

A headline-grabbing speech at Quantico was about far more than culture wars. Steve Yates examines Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s first State of the Force address, focusing on the long-term initiatives that could reshape how America recruits, equips, powers, and deploys its military. From autonomous warfare and future battlefield technologies to resilient military infrastructure and domestic base expansion, the speech offered a roadmap aimed at preparing the United States for the next generation of strategic competition.

Listen and decide which ideas are likely to endure long after the headlines fade.

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Nation States: The 2026 Midterm Checklist for America Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Four years can change the direction of a country. Steve Yates compares where the United States stood heading into the 2022 midterms versus the landscape facing voters in 2026, focusing on four issues that shape America's future: border security, energy, technology, and the Western Hemisphere. Rather than telling listeners how to vote, he offers a framework for evaluating candidates and asking better questions about national priorities, security, economic strength, and America's strategic position.

Listen, compare the trends, and decide which questions matter most before casting your vote.

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Nation States Update: FlyDubai Red Flags, B-1 Bombers Leave UK & Chinese Spy Arrested at LAX Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Steve Yates breaks down the major national security and geopolitical stories shaping the week, including new details surrounding the FlyDubai hijacker and troubling questions about radicalization, vetting, and international intelligence sharing.

Steve also examines the departure of U.S. B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns in the United Kingdom and a separate Iran-related spy scandal raising questions about the state of the U.S.-UK alliance.

Plus, Brazil heads toward an October runoff following a major election result as Steve examines the broader political shift taking place across Latin America. And in the United States, an alleged Chinese spy is arrested at LAX amid accusations involving surveillance of the Taiwanese president’s son and communications with Chinese Communist Party handlers.

Steve also previews two upcoming Nation States deep dives: a midterm election checklist one month out and an examination of Pete Hegseth’s State of the Force address and what it could mean for Main Street America.

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Nation States Update: Iran Terror Threats, America’s AI Edge & the China Challenge Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Steve Yates delivers a Nation States weekend update on the major national security and geopolitical developments shaping the U.S. competition with Iran and China.

Steve examines the attempted attack aboard a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel and developments in the United Kingdom, and discusses what they could mean for Iran, the IRGC, and the possibility of further military action. The FlyDubai investigation remains ongoing; President Trump has suggested a possible Iranian connection and threatened a strong response if one is established, while officials have cautioned that the motive and any connection to Tehran have not yet been confirmed.

Then, Steve turns to the global AI race with China, U.S. energy security, the Strait of Hormuz, and the strategic importance of Alaska and Greenland. He explains his view of how expanded American energy production, access to rare earth minerals, and cooperation with allies could reduce China's leverage over critical supply chains.

Plus, Steve assesses the proposed South Korean investment in Alaska energy infrastructure and what it could mean for U.S. energy dominance and America's allies in the Indo-Pacific. Trump announced plans involving a $54 billion South Korean investment in an Alaska natural-gas project, although South Korean officials have indicated that participation remains subject to commercial considerations.

From Iran and the IRGC to China, AI, energy, rare earths, Alaska, and the Strait of Hormuz, Steve Yates breaks down the stories to watch heading into the weekend.

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Nation States: Grading the Trump-Xi Summit After Washington Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

A state dinner and red-carpet diplomacy made headlines, but Steve Yates focuses on the real scorecard after Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington. From the temporary trade truce and AI competition to Taiwan deterrence, Iran’s oil lifeline, and the case of Jimmy Lai, he examines what Beijing gained, what Washington held firm on, and where key questions remain unresolved. The central test is not symbolism, but implementation.

Listen now and decide whether this summit delivered progress or simply bought time before the next round of negotiations.

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Nation States: Why Trump Rejected Iran’s Seven-Day Hormuz Deal Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Iran offered a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the price was steep: sanctions relief, unfrozen assets, and an end to economic pressure before any lasting agreement. Steve Yates explains why President Trump rejected the proposal, how leverage shapes nation-state negotiations, and what the decision could mean for energy markets, China, the Revolutionary Guard, and American consumers facing higher fuel costs.

Listen for a clear breakdown of the bargaining strategy behind the headlines and the real-world impact on Main Street.

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