The "Blob" national security establishment is necessary, often wrong, and loses any argument where it concedes that it's a Blob.  Are nuclear weapons inherently undemocratic and tyrannical?  George Orwell predicted yes.  Are political scientists wrong about diversionary war?  The National Republican Senatorial Committee thinks so in their latest memo that directs candidates to not defend Trump and instead attack China.  Has "the data" really replaced "strategy" as Washington's new favorite empty term?  Why fair trade might be a better way to fight China than the Hayekian wet dream of free trade at all costs.  Also this episode: How did Van Jackson become a North Korea watcher?

Matt Duss Tweet: https://twitter.com/mattduss/status/1255610412189581314?s=20

Anne Marie-Brady Tweet: https://twitter.com/AaronFriedberg/status/1254861734059421700?s=20

Robert Kelly Tweet: https://twitter.com/Robert_E_Kelly/status/1256033975568482304

Adam Serwer Tweet: https://twitter.com/AdamSerwer/status/1255620408952393729?s=20

"In Defense of the Blob" piece: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-04-29/defense-blob