Michael Allen welcomes back RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery to the podcast, where he explains why—even with a ceasefire—ending the war between Russia and Ukraine could be “impossible.” He discusses the recent shifts in military gains and losses on both sides, and what it could take to change the odds in favor of either Moscow or Kyiv.

Michael Allen talks with former CIA executive and US foreign policy expert Glenn Corn, a regular guest of NatSec Matters. Glenn shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine and the outlook for US support in its fight against Russia. He also highlights smart moves by President Trump in countering the Kremlin and offers reasons for optimism for Ukrainian fighters.

Michael Allen talks with former senior State Department official Jeffrey Feltman about President Trump's "new approach" to the Middle East following his recent trip to the Gulf. Jeffrey analyzes the President's focus on major investment deals, the evolving US positioning on Iran's nuclear program, the surprising U-turn on Syria, and how Mr. Trump's transactional style is reshaping relationships in the volatile region.

Michael Allen talks with retired rear admiral and China expert Mike Studeman about the geopolitical implications of President Trump's trade negotiations with China and US policy to counter Chinese influence and threats. Mike, former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, discusses how China might exploit an "America First" orientation, the critical importance of Taiwan for US economic and national security, and the strategic calculations behind Xi Jinping's timeline for potential military action.

Jeremy Bash explores the biotech battleground with former CIA science and technology chief Dawn Meyerriecks. Dawn, a key voice on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, discusses the urgent need for US leadership to address critical vulnerabilities in the country's bio-industrial base. Dawn also makes a case for why powerful government-private sector alliances are essential to securing America's strategic edge in this vital domain.

Andrew Shapiro talks with former US Ambassador Dennis Ross, who argues that the country's foreign policy needs a reboot. Amb. Ross explains the principles of "Statecraft 2.0" – why the US must adapt its leadership for a challenging multipolar world, navigating the global influence and interests of China and Russia. 

Andrew Shapiro talks with former Pentagon Arctic policy head Iris Ferguson about how melting sea ice is ushering in a new era of great power competition, ending decades of 'Arctic exceptionalism.' Iris, the DOD's first Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arctic, discusses Russia's interests, China’s pursuit of influence as a 'near-Arctic state,' and the US imperative to bolster homeland defense, domain awareness, and alliances from Greenland to Alaska. 

Michael Allen talks with Craig Singleton, Senior Director for China at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether President Trump is locked into an inescapable trade war with China's Xi Jinping. Craig discusses the high-stakes gamble each leader is making, convinced the other will fold first. They explore whether 'strategic decoupling' is now a leading US policy objective, and what it could mean for global supply chains and the future of Taiwan.

Michael Allen talks with former CIA senior executive Glenn Corn about whether Turkey is a US ally or wildcard. They discuss how Turkey is navigating the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine while managing relationships with both Washington and Moscow. Glenn also explores the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the future of the Kurds, the decline of Hezbollah, and the looming question of Iran – all through the lens of Ankara's interests.

What does President Trump's plan for peace in Ukraine look like, and what could it cost Kyiv? Michael Allen talks with Peter Rough, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, about the high-stakes diplomacy under way right now. Peter unpacks the determined push for a ceasefire, the potential shift to offering Russia more 'carrots' than 'sticks,' and Ukraine's precarious calculations on manpower, aid, and future security. With US support hanging in the balance and European resolve tested, Michael and Peter explore if a lasting peace is even possible.