Episode 331: Troubling Signs in Paradise

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Beijing at the head of a large delegation to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Russian offensive toward Kharkiv. This marks the first international trip by President Putin since his recent re-election to his 5th term as President of Russia. What message does this trip send? What role did the U.S. play in driving Russia closer to China? How does this trip impact U.S. partners and alliances?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.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/15/russia-vladimir-putin-china-xi-meeting/ https://www.reuters.com/world/putin-visit-chinas-xi-deepen-strategic-partnership-2024-05-15/ https://www.reuters.com/world/top-takeaways-putins-trip-china-2024-05-16/ https://www.euronews.com/2024/05/16/putins-visit-to-china-heres-what-you-should-know https://www.ft.com/content/f77028c8-c960-4d10-b0eb-4c511924a4d5 Follow our experts on Twitter: @lestermunson@NotTVJessJones@jamil_n_jaffer@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/nxuxAlqzQXo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Bishop discuss … copper! A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the increasing competition between China and the United States over obtaining the critical mineral, which is used in everything from electric vehicles, solar panels, to cutting-edge military equipment, and is found across Latin America and in Central Africa.What is the Biden Administration's strategy to increase the US’ acquisition of copper? Is copper mining sustainable? How can the United States compete with China on the critical mineral front?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/business/why-the-world-has-gone-cuckoo-for-copper-ef8c385a https://maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-and-china-back-competing-rail-corridors-to-zambia-s-copper-belt https://nationalinterest.org/feature/china%E2%80%99s-pursuit-copper-changing-latin-america-210171 https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/panamas-supreme-court-rules-against-first-quantum-mine-bab0cfa2 Follow our experts on Twitter: @lestermunson@NotTVJessJones@jamil_n_jaffer@BishopGarrisonLike 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/yNgReztNdYg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jamil, Jess, and Morgan discuss Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, where Xi received a warm welcome from Hungarian Prime Minister Vicktor Orban.  After their meeting, Xi and Orban announced that China and Hungary had elevated ties to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” and Orban endorsed China's peace plan for Ukraine, going against the rest of the NATO alliance. How will the deepening relationship between Hungary and China impact the NATO alliance? What does an “all-weather” partnership mean? How does Hungary endorsing China's peace plan impact wider NATO support for Ukraine?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.reuters.com/world/europe/chinas-xi-jinping-hungary-discuss-ukraine-infrastructure-2024-05-09/ https://www.rferl.org/a/xi-hungary-orban-european-tour-pillar-new-world-order/32939244.html https://www.foxnews.com/world/nato-ally-endorses-chinas-ukraine-peace-plan-beijing-applauds-model-european-diplomacy https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/xi-jinping-china-hungary-orban.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare https://www.politico.eu/article/viktor-orban-xi-jinping-hungary-china-partnership-electric-vehicles-investments-cooperation/ Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@NotTVJessJones@jamil_n_jafferLike 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/_8yFbqkUfYs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Martha discuss the upcoming EU Parliament elections where up to 450 million people from 27 member states will elect roughly 700 parliamentary members in the world’s only directly elected transnational assembly. These elections have the power to shape the EU amid the conflict in Ukraine, rise of support for right-wing politics, and many questioning the very purpose of the European Union.What does this upcoming election show about the health of the EU’s unity? How much concern should there be over support for far-right parties? How are China and Russia interfering in European affairs?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/eu-elections-extreme-right-climate-defense-97c6818f5b6bc12395d714021413dc32https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/09/what-are-the-eu-elections-and-why-do-they-matterhttps://apnews.com/article/germany-election-violence-eu-4d09d90a6cc380aacf62ca4a69af1a64https://www.gmfus.org/news/whats-stake-eu-elections-ukraine-aid Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@NotTVJessJones@marthamillerdcLike 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/T7xbnUoDwzA  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Jess, Morgan, and Les discussed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Europe where he is visiting three countries: France, Serbia, and Hungary.  On Monday, Xi met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss China’s unfair trade practices and China’s ongoing support for Russia, before receiving a warmer welcome in the two Eastern European countries.Does Europe have the leverage needed to change China’s policies? Does Xi’s tour impact U.S.-EU relations? Can Europe provide a unified front when it comes to the continent’s foreign policy interests?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/world/chinas-xi-shouldnt-expect-an-easy-ride-in-europe-this-time-6a37e9db https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/06/world/europe/xi-macron-europe-trade-war.html https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/05/07/china-wants-to-divide-and-conquer-europe/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/europe/xi-serbia-hungary-europe.htmlhttps://www.economist.com/china/2024/05/06/visiting-europe-xi-jinping-brings-up-an-old-grievance Follow our experts on Twitter: @morganlroach@NotTVJessJones@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/pBC8BiJZDmU  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Morgan, Les, Bishop, and Andy discuss the recent rocket attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Gaza - the main entry point of humanitarian aid. This attack comes as the Biden administration reportedly withheld an ammunition shipment to Israel, and in Cairo, ceasefire and hostage negotiations are ongoing. Does withholding the ammunition shipment demonstrate a change in policy by the Biden administration? Will this attack impede negotiations to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal? How is the November presidential election impacting the Biden administration's policy on Israel?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.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-799923https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/hamas-attacks-israel-gaza-border-crossing-cease-fire-talks-continue/ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-claims-responsibility-attack-israel-gaza-border-crossing-casualties-2024-05-05/ https://www.axios.com/2024/05/05/israel-us-ammunition-shipment-hold https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/05/03/us-qatar-hamas-hostages-ceasefire/ 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/hWA_7sONK-E Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.