In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin in Iran, where the Trump administration has assembled more military might than strategy. From there, they unpack the recent Supreme Court decision on tariffs, making clear it will not lead to any clarity for the country’s trading partners. The conversation then moves south, where cartel violence potentially threatens both the United States and Mexico. Closer to home, they examine the awkward but unavoidable topic of diminishing presidential capacity. And last but not least, they somehow manage to end on a high note thanks to Olympic hockey.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin with the recent Munich Security Conference. A focus is Marco Rubio's speech, which was praised by some but did little to reassure on Ukraine or on US support for a democratic Europe.

The conversation shifts to Asia, where Japan is undergoing a historic transformation in its national security posture, strengthening its defense and moving closer to Taiwan, much to China's dismay. Meanwhile, in North Korea, internal dynamics are drawing attention, particularly the emerging public profile of Kim Jong Un's daughter, which may signal new uncertainties over succession.

Ellis and Haass also explore the impact of AI on the economy. AI is reshaping -- sooner than anticipated -- how companies operate, threatening traditional software models while opening new possibilities for efficiency and innovation, leading among other things to short-selling of software companies.

As always, the episode concludes with the sports world: the remarkable comeback of golfer Anthony Kim, Collin Morikawa's victory at the AT&T, and the big news from the Olympics: the condom shortage in the host village.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger

In episode 16 of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haassbegin with Iran and the critical question of how the U.S. defines “success” as well as the limits to what military force could accomplish. They then turn to the expiration of the New Start, the last remaining U.S.-Russians ams control pact, and the even bigger problem of horizontal proliferation—particularly if countries like South Korea and Japan begin doubting U.S. security guarantees. The discussion turns to concerns about the integrity of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Ellis and Haass examine the potential for voter suppression and inaccurate counts by the Trump administration, casting doubt on the willingness of Republicans in Congress to stand up for democratic stability. They also reflect on the decline of major media institutions in light of the massive firings at The Washington Post. The episode concludes with lighter fare: Super Bowl predictions along with explanations of why Ellis loves curling and Haass the biathlon.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

News Items on Substack

Home and Away on Substack

Produced by Dale Eisinger