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Shield of the Republic

The Bulwark
Ukraine
Russia
Iran
China
United States
Israel
NATO
National Security
Donald Trump
Cold War
Venezuela
World War II
Hamas
Military Strategy
Soviet Union
Biden Administration
Trump Administration
Trumpism
Gaza
Middle East

Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. We probe beyond the hive mind of Washington conventional wisdom on national security and foreign affairs.

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Artwork for Shield of the Republic

Latest Episodes

Eric and Eliot survey a wide range of jackassery, highlighting Trump's bizarre attack on longtime Mitch McConnell aide Robert Karem. They discuss Trump's gross mismanagement of the Department of Defense as exemplified by the US Army budget shortfall ... more

YouTube

Eric and Eliot lament the firing of 200 Foreign Service officers and the recent large-scale exodus of senior diplomats from public service. They discuss the impact of the Trump Administration's diplomatic malpractice including the handling of Operati... more

Eric and Eliot discuss Pete Hegseth's job security amidst the ongoing war with Iran. They recap his contemptuous testimony at a House Armed Services Committee budget hearing and Vice President Vance's efforts to distance himself from the war through ... more

Eric and Eliot review an extended buffet of jackassery before turning to the current state of affairs in Iran. They assess the prospects for a negotiated settlement to the war, and whether we could end up in a "no war, no peace" situation. They also ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Mona Charen
Bulwark contributor and guest on the program
Bulwark
Episode: Trump's Path of Destruction (w/ Mona Charen)
Mike Nelson
Contributing writer at The Dispatch; Chief of Staff and Director of Communications at Penn Washington; retired Army Special Forces officer
The Dispatch; Penn Washington
Episode: The Cost of Boots on the Ground (w/ Mike Nelson)
Michael O'Hanlon
Brookings Institution defense analyst; author of To Dare Mighty Things
Brookings Institution
Episode: Trump Needs Approval for This War (w/ Michael O'Hanlon) | Shield of the Republic
Jason Burke
Distinguished author on terrorism; author of Road to Kandahar and The Revolutionists
Author, scholar on terrorism
Episode: Iran and the Roots of Islamist Terror (w/ Jason Burke)
Norman Roule
Former CIA National Intelligence Manager for Iran
Intelligence Community, former CIA
Episode: Iran's Regional War Strategy is Failing (w/ Norman Roule)
Seth Jones
President of the Defense and Security Department, Harold Brown Chair at CSIS
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: China Is Ready For War. We Aren't. (w/ Seth Jones)
Frank Dikötter
Distinguished historian of China and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Hoover Institution at Stanford University
Episode: On The Precipice of Illegal War (w/ Frank Dikötter)
Kori Schake
Director of national security programs at the American Enterprise Institute
American Enterprise Institute
Episode: The Crisis Facing Our Military (w/ Kori Schake)
Stephen Kotkin
Currently a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and at the Freeman-Spogli Institute at Stanford University. Author of works on Stalin.
Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Princeton University
Episode: How Evil Regimes Cling to Power (w/ Stephen Kotkin)

Hosts

Eric Edelman
Counselor at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, Non-Resident Fellow at the Miller Center, and Bulwark contributor.
Eliot Cohen
Professor Emeritus of Strategy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and contributing writer to The Atlantic.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 726 ratings
  • In Need of Self-Reflection

    This podcast is a good example of the limits, or at least challenges, of the Bulwark model. Where much of the network feels like an effort in coalition building and an active reworking of political ideas to meet the moment, Eric and Eliot’s analyses more often amount to criticisms from a conservative perspective that has failed to evolve.

    They have some valuable insights and smart critiques of the Trump administration, but they struggle to engage with ideas from outside their political traditi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Rhexia1
    United States14 days ago
  • Isreal

    Its not anti semite to feel like Netayahoo is out of control. Isreal is bombing hospitals schools and apartment buildings. I dont want USA taxpayers paying for their war against woman and children. I believe we need to stop funding Isreal. They are committing war crimes against the people of Lebanon they are wiping them out like they did in Gaza. This isnt ok in my book, it is a crime against humanity. No Im not anti semite. My family donated film my CIA 5 star decorated uncle got off an officer... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Ricky Rizzle
    United States23 days ago
  • Canadians are not self pitying!!!

    OMG your April 26 podcast was more than I could take. You sound like warmongers and arrogant USA can do no wrong

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Kthom5
    Canada25 days ago
  • Teddy Roosevelt

    He wouldn’t have seething contempt, he would start building his Bull-Moose party again!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    WilderLander
    United States25 days ago
  • „Strategery“ par excellence

    One of the best podcasts on strategy, both historical and current. The co-hosts are extremely experienced and great communicators. One gripe: commercials are inserted without the hosts taking any pause, sometimes even mid-sentence. That‘s annoying and should be rectified.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    reglogge
    Germany2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Critiques of partisanship arise, with some expressing concerns about biased interpretations of current events.
However, some listeners note that the frequency of ads has become a distraction, slightly diminishing the overall experience.
The podcast is hailed as a valuable source of insightful analysis, particularly concerning international relations.
Listeners appreciate the well-informed discussions, often highlighting the expertise and credibility of the hosts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#163
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#241
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#48
Israel/History
Apple Podcasts
#77
Ukraine/History
Apple Podcasts
#98
South Korea/History
Apple Podcasts
#160
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Cost of Boots on the Ground (w/ Mike Nelson)
Q: What should the administration consider if the pressure tactic does not yield concessions?
Prepare a clear next-step plan, including air power and non-kinetic pressures, and avoid signaling weakness; ensure allies are engaged and know their role, with a credible plan for exit if pressure does not move Iranian calculus.
The Cost of Boots on the Ground (w/ Mike Nelson)
Q: How do you view the risk-reward balance of seizing Kharg Island or other Gulf islands?
These options offer leverage and a potential bargaining chip, but they are limited in achieving a lasting political settlement and expose Marines to intense coastal defense, missiles, and air threats; they also risk destabilizing regional alliances and complicating the strait's stability.
The Cost of Boots on the Ground (w/ Mike Nelson)
Q: What is your assessment of the ground-forces option to secure Esfahan's enriched uranium?
It is technically possible and could create a tangible end state, but it would be an enormously dangerous, multi-day operation with high risk of American casualties and significant logistical challenges, potentially depleting special operations capabilities for a generation.
Trump Needs Approval for This War (w/ Michael O'Hanlon) | Shield of the Republic
Q: What is your view on Congress's role in modern defense, especially regarding funding for current conflicts and the defense industrial base?
He argues Congress should be an active partner, not merely a rubber-stamp, and suggests targeted funding for replenishment and capacity, with mechanisms to avoid excessive ground commitments and to assure a credible industrial base for multi-year needs.
Trump Needs Approval for This War (w/ Michael O'Hanlon) | Shield of the Republic
Q: How do you assess the role of the three offsets in maintaining a technological edge, and how might AI fit into that going forward?
The guest outlines the evolution from nuclear- and conventional-edge offsets to more networked and precision-enabled approaches, noting that AI/autonomy will redefine balance but that clear, scalable procurement and doctrine will determine whether the edge endures.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shield of the Republic

What is Shield of the Republic about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on a layered exploration of national security and foreign policy, discussing complex geopolitical dynamics involving major global players like the United States, China, and Russia. It features critical dialogues on contemporary challenges such as arms control, civil-military relations, and the impact of authoritarian regimes on global stability. Episodes feature a range of discussions from historical perspectives to current events, providing listeners with nuanced insights into the multifaceted world of international relations. The inclusion of expert guest interviews enriches the depth of analysis, allowing for a well-rounded perspective on pressing global issues, making it an engaging resource for those interested in u... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Shield of the Republic?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Shield of the Republic:

1. Conversations with Bill Kristol
2. The Mona Charen Show
3. The Next Level
4. The Focus Group Podcast
5. To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes

How many episodes of Shield of the Republic are there?

Shield of the Republic launched 5 years ago and published 199 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Shield of the Republic?

Recent guests on Shield of the Republic include:

1. Mona Charen
2. Mike Nelson
3. Michael O'Hanlon
4. Jason Burke
5. Norman Roule
6. Seth Jones
7. Frank Dikötter
8. Kori Schake

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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