Fault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.
Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Deputy Executive Director Martha Miller, NSI Senior Fellows Lester Munson and Morgan Viña, and Director of the NSI CTC - Howard University Cybersecurity Clinic Jessica Jones.
Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fault Lines, the National Security Institute’s flagship podcast, gets you quickly up to speed, three-times-a-week, on the national security and foreign policy debates shaking up America.
Our regular cast of foreign policy experts includes NSI Deputy Executive Director Martha Miller, NSI Senior Fellows Lester Munson and Morgan Viña, and Director of the NSI CTC - Howard University Cybersecurity Clinic Jessica Jones.
Tune in to learn more about the issues dominating headlines and the news stories you may have missed.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, Martha, Les, and Morgan discuss the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, now entering its sixth day with historic implications. The immediate trigger was a rare IAEA censure of Iran for non-compliance with nuclear safeguards—the first since 2005—but Iran and its proxy groups like Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis have been attacking Israel for years leading up to this point. President Trump has ordered a large-scale U.S. military buildup in the region and demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender, even as Tehran warns of severe retaliation.
Is this the beginning of a full-scale regional war—and will U.S. forces inevitably be drawn in? How will Tehran respond to the unprecedented damage to its nuclear program and military infrastructure? Will this mark a turning point in re-establishing American deterrence?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@marthamillerdc
@lestermunson
@morganlroach
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/2k7BlOYABh4
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Today, Jess, Martha, Les and Jeffrey unpack comments and messaging shared by Tulsi Gabard, Director of National Intelligence. In a recent video, Gabbard warned that “warmongers and political elites” are pushing the U.S. toward nuclear war, while her congressional testimony downplayed Iran’s nuclear threat. At the same time, Gabbard has introduced a more centralized review process for intelligence reports, drawing some concern within the intelligence community.
Does Gabbard’s nuclear rhetoric echo broader narratives—like Russian disinformation—designed to stoke fear of nuclear war? Is Gabbard’s direct message to the public common for the ODNI? How might the new intelligence reporting oversight affect the objectivity and credibility of the assessments?
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.axios.com/2025/06/11/tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-leaks-deep-state
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5215194-iran-nuclear-weapons/
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@NotTVJessJones
@marthamillerdc
@lestermunson
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/0MHSi_A5J-s
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Today, Morgan, Martha, Les, and Jess discuss Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion—a sweeping strike against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, long-range missile sites, air defenses, and senior IRGC leadership. As the U.S. pulled personnel from the region, raising questions about prior coordination, President Trump claimed he had warned Iran of the consequences of refusing a deal. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. was not involved, calling the Israeli strikes a unilateral action.
With the situation still unfolding, is the region now on the brink of a broader war? What does this strike mean for U.S. influence in the Middle East—and for the safety of American personnel on the ground? And has diplomacy with Iran reached a final breaking point, or is there still time to pull back from escalation?
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://time.com/7293392/us-embassy-iraq-iran/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/06/11/us-israel-iran-attack-fears/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c629yk5z07vo
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@morganlroach
@marthamillerdc
@lestermunson
@NotTVJessJones
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Today, Les, Matt, Jeffrey, and Joshua examine the growing instability in West Africa as jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) expands its control across Burkina Faso and the Sahel. With the U.S. and France reducing their regional footprint, local governments are struggling to respond to the spread of terrorism, and Russia—through the Africa Corps—has stepped into the vacuum left behind.
How are terrorist groups like JNIM funding their operations, and what role does illicit finance play in undermining global sanctions? Can the U.S. afford to keep pulling back, especially with key diplomatic and aid positions still unfilled? And with natural resources fueling violence and extremism, are we ignoring an urgent front in global security that could soon come knocking on our own door?
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.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/08/jnim-militants-west-africa-sahel-terrorism/
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@lestermunson
@WMattHayden
@joshuachuminski
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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
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@marthamillerdc
@lestermunson
@NotTVJessJones
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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://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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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/FuBAbFK6o2E
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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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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/jHhHTnbbl10
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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.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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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.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-offensive.html
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@marthamillerdc
@NotTVJessJones
@WMattHayden
@amykmitchell
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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/hJLvAVr4690
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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.nbcnews.com/world/asia/harvard-international-student-ban-trump-china-europe-rcna209044
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@NotTVJessJones
@morganlroach
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/-KCF4dFHsxg
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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
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/xDku2j9pwhQ
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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
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And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!
We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/48WGmDLETXM
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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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And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!
We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/dhrK5Za2OtU
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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
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/mGi6DTq2P88
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Today, Morgan and Andy break down President Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East—his first foreign trip of the new administration. From lifting sanctions on Syria and announcing a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia to ongoing hostage negotiations and talks on Hamas, Iran, and regional security, the trip highlights Trump’s economic-first approach to diplomacy.
What are the real implications of lifting sanctions on Syria—and can the new Syrian leadership be trusted? Is the U.S. abandoning maximum pressure on Iran, or doubling down? And as China courts Middle Eastern nations, what role should America be playing in the region it keeps returning to?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@morganlroach
@AndyKeiser
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Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/HLyhAdYOdyo
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Today, Martha, Morgan, and Jess unpack the volatile state of affairs between India and Pakistan following days of exchanged missiles, drones, and cross-border fire in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. A ceasefire has been declared and is tentatively holding, though reports of violations have already surfaced. While the Trump administration has claimed credit for brokering the truce, the extent of U.S. involvement remains unclear, as India continues to frame the conflict as a bilateral matter.
What role, if any, did Washington truly play? How does the U.S. balance its growing partnership with India amid regional instability? And with Prime Minister Modi expected to address the nation, will India push for peace—or prepare for more pressure?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Check out these stories which helped shape our experts’ opinions.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/india-pakistan-ceasefire-shaken-overnight-clashes-kashmir/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9d913v20o
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@marthamillerdc
@morganlroach
@NotTVJessJones
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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/cVGRwYk1vjk
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Today, Jess, Les, Matt, and Algene break down the latest developments in U.S. trade policy. A new U.S.-UK agreement lowers tariffs on select British imports to 10%, including automobiles, aluminum, and steel. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are set to meet this weekend in Geneva to jumpstart trade talks aimed at easing escalating tensions, as President Trump recently declared on social media that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right.”
Is the U.S.-UK trade deal a meaningful step forward, or a symbolic win? Can the upcoming U.S.-China talks ease economic pressure and provide relief for American businesses and consumers? What are the national security stakes in U.S.-China trade negotiations?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Check out these stories which helped shape our experts’ opinions.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-says-china-wants-negotiate-meet-right-time-2025-05-06/
https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/trump-us-uk-trade-announcement
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ready-fresh-100-billion-counterstrike-donald-trump-tariffs/
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@NotTVJessJones
@lestermunson
@WMattHayden
@AlgeneSajery
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We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/430xXMUN30I
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Today, Morgan, Les, Matt, and Jess unpack the opening of the Papal Conclave, where 133 cardinals will vote to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis' death. As the Church prepares for a new era, the next pontiff will inherit a vast and diverse flock of 1.4 billion people—and a complex geopolitical role.
What legacy does Pope Francis leave behind? How will the next pope shape global diplomacy, from China to Ukraine to Africa and Latin America? Will this be a time of renewed outreach or internal retrenchment—and how will growing Catholic populations across the world influence the direction of the Church for the next 25 years?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@morganlroach
@lestermunson
@WMattHayden
@NotTVJessJones
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/Y2fkorABorQ
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Today, Les, Martha, Andrew, and Matt unpack the latest developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations—from a newly signed mineral deal with financial provisions for reconstruction deal to reports of Ukrainian sea drones downing Russian fighter jets with U.S. tech, and the transfer of Patriot missile systems. With these moves, the U.S. is significantly increasing its support for Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
Is this a turning point in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine? What do these shifts mean for deterrence, reconstruction, and European defense? And with Zelensky and Trump’s Vatican meeting behind them, is the U.S.-Ukraine relationship entering a new phase of partnership?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Check out the sources that helped inform our experts today:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-patriot-systems.html
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@lestermunson
@marthamillerdc
@WMattHayden
@AndrewBorene
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/uYCo7qhquGM
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Today, Martha, Les, and Andrew discuss the sudden removal of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who has now been nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. While framed as a promotion, many view the shift as a demotion in both political influence and strategic significance—especially as Waltz’s hawkish stance on Russia, China, and Iran put him at odds with a more isolationist wing of the administration.
Is this a sign the Trump administration is softening on Iran? What message does this send to allies and adversaries alike? And with Marco Rubio now wearing multiple hats as Secretary of State, acting USAID administrator, and interim National Security Advisor, is this a moment of consolidation—or further chaos?
Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.
Check out the sources that helped inform our experts today:
https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-1-2025
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/crkx3ed5dn2t
Follow our experts on Twitter:
@marthamillerdc
@lestermunson
@AndrewBorene
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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/FTR22P675n0
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