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.

Michael Allen speaks with Eddie Fishman, sanctions expert and author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Eddie explains how the U.S. has wielded economic weapons against Russia, Iran, and China, and how sanctions and supply chain dominance are reshaping global power. He also explores the risks of overusing these tools, China's evolving role, and the future of economic conflict in an era of great power competition.

Jeremy Bash speaks with former Air Force Secretary LTC (Ret.) Frank Kendall about the future of U.S. air and space dominance amid rising threats from China and Russia. Mr. Kendall describes the Pentagon's toughest modernization decisions, from next-generation fighter jets to autonomous combat aircraft. He also discusses the evolving role of the Space Force, the challenges of missile defense, and the urgent need to counter China's rapid military advancements.

Michael Allen speaks with Arnold Sinisalu, former chief of Estonia's Internal Security Service, about Estonia's frontline role in countering Russian espionage and subversion. Arnold describes how Estonia tracks and disrupts Russian intelligence operations, from spy arrests to cyber defense. He also discusses Russia's evolving sabotage tactics across Europe and the ongoing battle against disinformation.

Michael Allen speaks with Nico Lange, senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, about Germany's political future and the major shifts in transatlantic security. They discuss the recent German elections, Germany's evolving defense strategy, and Europe's response to a changing U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Nico also offers his take on the future of the war in Ukraine, Russia's long-term military strategy, and the critical role of European security alliances in an increasingly unstable world.

Michael Allen speaks with The Wall Street Journal's Chief European Political Correspondent, Bojan Pancevski, about his recent article on Russia's new 'Department of Special Tasks.' Panchevski reveals the unit's clandestine operations in Europe, its motives behind acts of sabotage, and the broader geopolitical implications. He also discusses his investigations into Russian cyber attacks, proxy warfare, and the growing threats against Western targets, including terror plots and assassination attempts.

Michael Allen speaks with retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He shares insights on the Ukraine war, examining Russia's tactical advantage, the challenges Ukraine faces amid inconsistent aid, and the vital role of international alliances. He also explores geopolitical tensions in the Pacific and strategies for sustaining U.S. influence on the global stage.

Jeremy Bash speaks with Jon Finer, former Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Biden. Jon offers candid insights on addressing Iran's destabilization, Russia's war in Ukraine, and China's ambitions over Taiwan. He also previews the challenges facing the new administration.

Michael Allen speaks with General (Ret.) Kenneth 'Frank' McKenzie, Jr., former commander of U.S. Central Command, about the evolving security challenges in the Middle East. They discuss Iran's vulnerabilities, the impact of Israel's recent military actions, and the strategic fallout from the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. General McKenzie also explores the rising threat of ISIS, the limitations of over-the-horizon operations in Afghanistan, and the critical role of U.S. partnerships in deterring global adversaries.