Retired army colonel Andrew Bacevich returns to the show to discuss the state of American diplomacy under Trump. Bacevich opens with a general background of his work and explains why he dissents frequently with the top brass of the U.S. military. Bacevich then discusses his latest article for The American Conservative, “Trump’s National Defense Strategy Has The Pentagon Popping Champagne.” According to Bacevich American concern with Russia is misplaced—especially in relation to the rise of China, whose power and influence far outstrips Russia’s. Finally Bacevich gives his analysis of the Trump administration and the potential diplomatic pitfalls in Asia.

Andrew Bacevich is a Professor Emeritus of International Relations and History at Boston University. He is the author of a number of books including “America’s War for the Greater Middle East: A Military History” and is a regular contributor at The American Conservative and TomDispatch.com.

Discussed on the show:

• “Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States of America” (Department of Defense)
• “U.S. military puts ‘great power competition’ at heart of strategy: Mattis,” by Idrees Ali (Reuters)
• NSC-68
• “Murray Rothbard Soars, Bill Buckley Evaporates,” by Lew Rockwell (Mises.org)

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