Chinese Spy Balloons, Russian Sanctions, and Iran's Nukes

We begin with the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine War and how Russia’s sheer numbers in manpower might help it regain momentum. We also discuss the debate over whether the US should support a Ukrainian offense in Crimea and why Western sanctions on Russia have had an underwhelming effect on the Russian economy and its ability to wage war.

One of the biggest stories in the US this week was the discovery of a Chinese surveillance balloon. We discuss this and the news of the US expanding its military presence in the Philippines. We wrap up by talking about US hopes to divert its supply chains from China to its allies.

Finally, we cover the latest Israeli strike on Iran and how Israel - Iran relations are likely to fare under the new Netanyahu administration.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

[06:30] Russia-Ukraine Update: Sanction Failures and Crimea End Game[33:30] Chinese Balloon Drama and US Alliance Building in Asia[57:30] Israel Strikes Iran and the Prospects for War

Articles and Resources Mentioned in Episode

Russia-Ukraine Update: Sanction Failures and Crimea End Game

Ukraine Fears New Offensive Is Underway as Russia Masses Troops (NY Times)Russian Crude Trade Moves Deep Into the Shadows (Energy Intel)Russia Sidesteps Western Punishments, With Help From Friends (NY Times)What Ukraine Needs to Liberate Crimea (Foreign Affairs- Alexander Vindman)The Case for Caution on Crimea (War on the Rocks- James Acton)

Chinese Balloon Drama and US Alliance Building in Asia

Chinese Spy Balloon or ‘Civilian Device’? (NY Times)China’s suspected spy balloon is the perfect symbol of its clumsiness (WaPo)Biden Aims to Deter China With Greater U.S. Military Presence in Philippines (NY Times)
• U.S. Pursues India as a Supply-Chain Alternative to China (WSJ)

Israel Strikes Iran and the Prospects for War

• The U.S.-Israel military simulation is a show of force to Iran (WaPo)


• Iran blames Israel for Isfahan drone attack, warning of revenge (BBC)

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