This week: ongoing coverage of the 3rd Army Corps eastern counteroffensive including new integrated drone tactics, Russia’s jet-powered drone strikes and the China-US summit.

Podcast Episode · Russian Roulette · 25 September · 43min

YouTube video by Frontline

News Commentary Podcast · Updated Weekly · Foreign policy and national security analysis from Eric Edelman and Eliot Cohen www.shieldoftherepublic.com

The U.S. has long misunderstood Beijing, and Trump’s mixed signals aren’t helping.

Exploring the possibility of increased authoritarian aggression during the forthcoming mid-term election period in America.

Doubling post-service commitment to strengthen defense reserves.

It is, unfortunately, the wrong question.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has three distinctive components.

In this week’s update: a progress update on Operation Vivaldi in eastern Ukraine, Russia’s escalating civilian train attacks, a new phase in the Ukraine War, and the Big Five reading recommendations.

Kyiv and Moscow are growing increasingly frustrated with the U.S.-mediated peace process — and with Washington's Envoy Steve Witkoff, people familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent. Witkof...

The Kremlin is conducting a coordinated series of kinetic campaigns targeting Europe and NATO states must design holistic responses.

An analysis of strategic leadership during the war in Ukraine, and the new Principles of Leadership issued by the new Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief.

Bettina Anderson characterized it as an "extremely generous wedding gift from a friend."

What Ukraine’s recent counteroffensives in the south and east tell us about the status of the war on the ground, and what they might mean for the trajectory of the conflict in 2026 and 2027.

In this week’s update: a new diplomatic push in Ukraine from the Trump administration, Drapatyi’s strategic guidance, deep strikes continue, and the Big Five recommended readings.

The Marine Corps should revive its traditional ethos, emphasizing professional competence, readiness, honor, courage, and commitment for the demands of modern warfare.

How do we shift from observing lessons from other peoples’ wars to absorbing them and improving our capacity to fight wars in the 21st century?

This week: a potential Russian offensive into northern Ukraine, Putin’s rejection of diplomacy, the ground and air wars, Pacific security developments and my Big 5 reading recommendations.

This week: a potential Russian offensive into northern Ukraine, Putin’s rejection of diplomacy, the ground and air wars, Pacific security developments and my Big 5 reading recommendations.

Could the war in Iran do even more damage to the US than Iraq?

The Ukraine war presents a profound learning opportunity for the Australian Army. It has barely begun to adopt the lessons.

Leaders in nations across the Pacific should read Trump’s edict about reducing training with South Korea as a clear signal to step up investment in defence.

This week: Ukraine is developing evolved doctrine for long-range strike, Russia’s challenge to European strategic depth, North Korean battlefield learning and my Big 5 reading recommendations.

An exploration of the recent Han Kuang whole-of-society exercise in Taiwan, and why Western nations should be watching and learning.

Why Washington still risks losing the tech race.

Discussions of “cognitive warfare” in Taiwan often take an overly sensitive stance without ever taking the lead in setting the agenda. Many Taiwanese fall back on simplistic apologetics and complacent...

His rage is driving him to make irrational policy choices.

YouTube video by War & Politics 24

Assessing Ukranian and Russian strategies for long-range attacks

Authoritarian collaboration since November 2025, and why Western strategists must urgently build and execute a strategy to confront it.

Ten people were reported injured as Russia launched ballistic missile attacks on cities across Ukraine overnight on Aug. 11.

This week: Ukrainian long range strikes, Russia's deadly missile barrages, Russia's military leadership reshuffle, Taiwan prepares for war, and my Big 5 reading recommendations.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt says attacks by foreign powers have become a constant threat to Germany. His remarks come just days after an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig airp...

Over the course of more than four years of full-scale war, Russian missiles, drones, and shells have left their mark …

Inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield gains, Taiwan is betting on drones to deter a potential Chinese invasion.

The president’s recent rant is a sign of serious dysfunction in the Oval Office.

This week: Ukrainian long range strikes, Russia's deadly missile barrages, Russia's military leadership reshuffle, Taiwan prepares for war, and my Big 5 reading recommendations.

The history of modern warfare suggests that leaders who are ruthless towards failing ministers and generals are best able to keep their armed forces innovative on the battlefield.

After years of technical and tactical innovation, as well collaboration between Ukrainian organisations and foreign agencies, Ukraine takes the next step in its long-range strike endeavours.

Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf have prompted U.S. intelligence analysts to investigate whether Russia assisted by providing targeting information or ​advanced drone technology, sa...

Putin sees little need to negotiate.