In this episode of Politics in Perspective, host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by political scientist Jason Russell and historian Charles McCoy to explore NATO's role in U.S. foreign policy. The discussion delves into NATO's origins and significance post-World War II, the Berlin Airlift, and the Cold War dynamics. The conversation also covers more recent events, including the U.S. shift in policy towards Ukraine and Russia following a fallout between President Trump and President Zelensky. The episode debates the merits and challenges of NATO membership, explores the U.S.'s historical and current role in global politics, and examines the potential consequences of withdrawing from NATO.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda

01:12 Current Events: US Foreign Policy Shift

01:41 US-Ukraine Relations and Recent Developments

03:48 Social Media Influence and Intelligence Sharing

08:52 Historical Context: Post-WWII Europe and NATO Formation

17:30 The Berlin Airlift and Its Impact

27:32 NATO's Formation and Soviet Response

30:07 Cold War Tensions and Nuclear Arms Race

32:27 The Dangers of Nuclear Alliances

34:31 Reagan's Cold War Legacy

36:00 Shifts in Republican Foreign Policy

40:25 Debating U.S. Involvement in NATO

54:07 The Strategic Importance of Ukraine

01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections