Russia suspends its participation in the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Following the announcement, Vladimir Putin held a massive rally in a Moscow stadium attended by an estimated 200,000 people to demonstrate national unity.
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Russia suspends its participation in the New START nuclear arms control treaty. Following the announcement, Vladimir Putin held a massive rally in a Moscow stadium attended by an estimated 200,000 people to demonstrate national unity.
Trump Arms Deal Defense, John Bolton Moscow Visit
President Trump expresses hesitation to cancel a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, citing the potential loss of over a million American jobs. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser John Bolton prepares for a trip to Moscow following Trump's announcement that the U.S. will withdraw from a Reagan-era nuclear treaty due to Russian violations involving prohibited cruise missiles.
Donald Trump labels NATO "obsolete" and criticizes Angela Merkel's migrant policy, causing concern among European allies. Defense Secretary nominee James Mattis offers a more traditional defense of the alliance. The hosts discuss Trump's view of the EU as a trade competitor and the historical purpose of NATO in managing European internal conflicts.
Security was increased at Belgian nuclear plants like Doel and Tihange following the discovery of surveillance footage held by terror suspects. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls use the crisis to call for a "Security Union," including a European Passenger Name Record (PNR) system. Critics argue this is a move toward a unified European army and further centralization of power.
Saudi Arabia and Russia signed an agreement in St. Petersburg to build up to 16 nuclear reactors under Russian supervision. This move is interpreted as a response to the potential nuclear deal with Iran, with Saudi officials indicating they will pursue nuclear weapons if Tehran does. The hosts suggest this could lead to a broader arms race and regional instability that benefits global arms manufacturers.
Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding global security threats. Scowcroft proposed a nuclear fuel bank, while Brzezinski discussed the strategic threat of "confrontational cyber" capabilities from China. The hosts comment on the advanced age of the witnesses and a snide exchange involving John McCain.
The New START treaty between the United States and Russia is highlighted as an underreported but significant arms control agreement. President Obama and Bill Clinton have both publicly advocated for its ratification. The hosts express distrust of the deal, citing the influence of organized crime in the Russian government.
