The Fear and Weakness at the Heart of Trump’s Strategy

In this episode of The Foreign Affairs Interview, Kori Schake discusses the Trump administration's national security strategy, civil-military relations, and the broader state of American foreign policy. Schake critiques the strategy for its faulty assumptions about alliances and its failure to prioritize key threats, arguing it undermines American power and global order. She also addresses concerns about the politicization of the military, emphasizing the importance of civilian oversight and the ethical responsibilities of political leaders. Schake reflects on the historical context of civil-military relations, highlighting the strength of military professionalism while warning of potential breaking points due to increasing political pressure.