Today’s Complex Geopolitical Moment: Admiral James Stavridis on Global Tensions and Domestic Uncertainty

By Michael Smerconish featuring Retired Admiral James Stavridis, Fletcher Dean Emeritus, and former supreme allied commander of NATO

Episode Summary
Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael Smerconish to reflect on the loss of a U.S. Navy jet in the Red Sea, offering insights into life on the flight deck and the realities of military accountability on an air craft carrier. He also unpacks Vladimir Putin’s motives behind escalating attacks in Ukraine and critiques a proposed ceasefire as a ploy to shield Russia’s Victory Day parade. On the home front, Stavridis outlines three major uncertainties shaping the American landscape: trade tariffs, immigration enforcement, and international alliances—all of which are sending shockwaves through both the economy and global diplomacy. Original air date 29 April 2025.

Listen to the episode here.

(This post is republished from The Smerconish Podcast.)