Episode 327: Secretary Blinken Enters the Dragon’s Den

Today Les, Morgan, Bishop, and Andy discussed the recent elections in the Solomon Islands in which former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele was elected as Prime Minister. The now-Prime Minister Manele is widely expected to continue the Solomon Islands’ shift toward closer ties with China which has included the derecognition of Taiwan and increasing security and policing ties. Why do the Solomon Islands matter geopolitically?  How has the Biden administration handled the increasing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific?  How can the United States increase its influence with the Pacific Small Island States?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://apnews.com/article/solomon-islands-prime-minister-jeremiah-manale-fcf911d376d56f9ee8d235fb885c9bc6 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/01/solomon-islands-election-china/ https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/what-to-expect-from-the-solomon-islands-new-prime-minister-on-china-the-west-and-more/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@AndyKeiser@BishopGarrison@lestermunsonLike 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/hEnfSuonxKA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Jamil, Les, Morgan, and Bishop discussed the rash of nationwide campus protests against the Israel-Hamas War, focusing on Columbia University where over 100 students were arrested after occupying a building. They also discuss rumors of arrest warrants aimed at Israeli officials from the International Criminal Court and potential U.S. responses.What effect, if any, will the pressure from college campuses and international courts have on Israeli war policy and the U.S. role in the conflict?  What can (and should) Congress do if the ICC acts?  What’s likely next in the courts and on campus?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-19ed919ff6ff9573a8add4ec67e26181 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/what-is-behind-pro-palestinian-protests-us-universities-2024-04-23/https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/april-29-campus-protest-antiemitism-israel-us-columbi https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/04/30/columbia-university-protests-palestine-news/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/28/world/middleeast/netanyahu-icc-arrest-warrants-israel-hamas.html https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-international-criminal-court-hague-palestinians-1f683a6e2e150d91c415eb1d0a19a44d https://www.axios.com/2024/04/29/icc-congress-netanyahu-israel-gaza Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@morganlroach@BishopGarrison@lestermunsonLike 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/5_goQfgO82Y Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss the United States’ decision to begin pulling troops out of Chad and Niger after deteriorating relations with the couped states resulted in demands for U.S. troops to leave. Chad and Niger, have been key U.S. bases against terrorism in the region including Boko Haram, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, ISIS, and affiliated groups.Should the U.S. reprioritize Africa?  Why does having bases in these countries matter for U.S. national security?  Will the United States be able to negotiate with the Chadian government after their elections?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/25/us/politics/chad-us-troop-withdrawal.html https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/04/15/niger-us-africa-policy-sahel-coup-military-democracy/ https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4623555-us-troops-chad-niger/https://apnews.com/article/niger-chad-troops-coup-withdrawal-ebb05de095e3abbb08c8a1207e5cf014 Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@morganlroachLike 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/2eNz37KRS6Y Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the New York Times’ report uncovering that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs on the eve of the 2021 Olympic Games. The report also revealed that the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Chinese Anti-Doping Agency covered up these results. This report resurfaced the many Olympic scandals that have plagued China. Will this scandal damage China’s international reputation?  Will this scandal convince the general public that China is a malign actor on the world stage?  How does this scandal impact the World Anti-Doping Agency’s credibility?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/21/world/asia/china-swimmers-doping-olympics-medals.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2024/04/22/wada-china-swimmers-positive-tests/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/22/world/asia/doping-china-swimmers-olympics.html https://www.usada.org/statement/statement-chinese-swimmers-positive-tests/ https://foreignpolicy.com/2009/03/11/thousands-of-chinese-athletes-caught-lying-about-their-age/ https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-ioc-russia-e08f47312dc558eb885825ed0f8874ee https://www.france24.com/en/sport/20240417-russian-athletes-in-limbo-as-moscow-weighs-neutral-label-at-paris-olympics Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@morganlroach@lestermunsonLike 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/87lNsmaSEKE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China where he will be meeting with senior Chinese officials. On the agenda - potential sanctions against Chinese financial institutions if China continues to support Russia’s build-up of its defense industrial base, including by providing significant quantities of machine tools, microelectronics, drone and turbojet engines, and technology for cruise missiles.Will the threat of sanctions against Chinese financial institutions change Chinese policy?  Does Secretary Blinken have enough credibility on the world stage to influence policy?  How can the United States change China’s policy toward Russia?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://apnews.com/article/us-china-blinken-xi-middle-east-russia-210b07bcc585b9f2de14ff71951d8743https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/u-s-takes-aim-at-chinese-banks-aiding-russia-war-effort-fcf76dcchttps://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/politics/china-russia-support-weapons-manufacturing/index.htmlhttps://www.ft.com/content/0911e97e-03c8-4870-a72e-9b55f1f2405eFollow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@morganlroach@lestermunsonLike 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/aiGWZmdVePI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss the ongoing Indian general election which began last week and goes through June 1, with over 950 million votes and a million polling places. The ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to expand its controlling majority from 350 seats to over 400 seats in the Parliament and allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi to obtain an unprecedented 3rd term. What role will this election play in U.S.-India relations?  Will concerns of democratic backsliding worsen if Prime Minister Modi obtains his 3rd term?  How does India’s role in the non-aligned movement impact the ongoing great power competition? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/18/india/india-general-election-polls-open-intl-hnk/index.html https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240413-india-s-mammoth-elections-nearly-a-billion-voters-44-polling-days https://carnegieendowment.org/publications/interactive/india-elects-2024 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/16/world/asia/india-2024-election.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-votes-gigantic-election-modi-seeks-historic-third-term-2024-04-18/ https://apnews.com/article/india-election-voting-begins-7ea0983c9b7bc7506c8457f44afcfd64 Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@morganlroachLike 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/ZspoS7QWa_4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Israel’s response to the over 300 drones and missiles launched against them by Iran earlier this week. Last night Israel struck the airbases near the Iranian city of Isfahan, near where Iran’s nuclear programme is located. The IAEA confirmed that there was no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites. Will this strike lead to further escalation?  What was the message sent by Israel by the targets they picked to strike?  Has Iran’s status decreased regionally as a result of these strikes? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.npr.org/2024/04/18/1245763498/israel-iran-missile-strikeshttps://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-missiles-hit-site-iran-abc-news-reports-2024-04-19/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/18/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-newshttps://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-activates-air-defenses-and-cancels-flights-27b6d416https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/19/israel-iran-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike 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/hZlChKLH5Wo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss House Speaker Mike Johnson’s new strategy to pass the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and his attempts to rebuff members of his own party who seek to oust him through a motion to vacate.What will the resulting aid package look like?  What will the reputational impact for the United States be if the House fails to pass one or more of the aid bills?  With an outstanding motion for Speaker Johnson to vacate the chair, will he survive passing the aid package? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4598253-johnson-ukraine-aid-ouster-threat/https://rollcall.com/2024/04/15/piecemeal-supplemental-spending-plan-emerges-in-house/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna147747https://apnews.com/article/israel-ukraine-house-speaker-42a2f281a5437beaa8af4c3345987637 Follow our experts on Twitter: @NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike 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/17uG_Pe0uhg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Iran’s massive drone and missile attack against Israel which occurred over the weekend. Israel, in a coordinated air defense operation with the U.S. and others, was able to intercept 99% of Iran’s missiles and drones.  Israel’s war cabinet met yesterday to formulate a response, while the Biden Administration said the U.S. would not participate in a counter-strike.Did Iran intend this attack merely as theatre or as the opening salvo of a larger escalation?  How can Israel respond to this attack without escalating the conflict?  How will the increasing cooperation of Israel and Arab partners impact the war in Gaza and the region long term? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-launches-drone-attack-at-israel-ff263fbbhttps://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/biden-presses-for-diplomatic-response-to-irans-attack-on-israel-1c5452a1https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-it-shot-down-iranian-salvo-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-us-2024-04-15/ https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-04-15-2024-05ca1ac2780defa8a1a0345754708512 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/europe-joins-us-urging-restraint-by-israel-after-iranian-attack-2024-04-15/ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-vows-victory-after-iran-strikes-fears-wider-conflict-grow-2024-04-14/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike 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/ofSkyc4olPk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss another ongoing fight within Congress - the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a vital national security program that allows the U.S. to gather intelligence on foreign adversaries and terrorists.  Earlier this week, former President Donald Trump called on House Republicans to "Kill FISA,” leading to 19 GOP House members joining Democrats in blocking FISA legislation from moving forward.Why is Section 702 of FISA so important to U.S. national security?  Will the House pass a 702 reauthorization bill ahead of its April 19 expiration date?  Why did former President Trump lobby against reauthorization when his administration voted to reauthorize it? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Check out the sources that helped shape our expert's discussion!https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-blast-cry-wolf-conservatives-who-tanked-fisa-renewal-bill https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/us/politics/fisa-trump-johnson-house.htmlhttps://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588493-fisa-702-plan-b/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4588868-jeffries-johnson-fisa-impasse/Follow our experts on Twitter: @jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJones@lestermunson@morganlroachLike 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/4a-gGafR5Ts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.