Munich Security Conference Special with Elbridge Colby

·45 min·4 clips

Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top civilian advisor, gives one of his only on-the-record sessions on Trump's defense strategy from the Munich Security Conference.

This episode features an interview with Elbridge Colby, the Under-Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of War, recorded live at the Munich Security Conference. Host Mark Leonard introduces Colby as a key architect of the Trump administration's defense strategy, known for his book 'Strategy of Denial' and role in the 2018 National Defense Strategy. Colby discusses his transition from think tanker to government, emphasizing his role in advancing the president's 'America first' vision. He defines the administration's approach as 'flexible realism,' linking actions like Venezuela operations to benefits for regular Americans. The conversation focuses on European security, with Colby advocating for a 'NATO 3.0' model where Europe provides the majority of conventional defense, a shift from post-Cold War burden-sharing. He mentions Germany's increased defense spending and constitutional changes as examples of progress. Colby addresses Ukraine, noting European rearming is critical regardless of peace outcomes, and discusses limited U.S. resources like Patriot air defense munitions. On nuclear deterrence, he states the U.S. will maintain its extended deterrent but suggests some anxiety among allies is salutary. Regarding China, Colby emphasizes a stable relationship from a position of strength, without specifying timelines for Taiwan. He touches on Iran, highlighting the goal of preventing nuclear weapons, and Israel, calling it a 'model ally.' Colby concludes by urging a focus on pragmatic defense cooperation over ideological debates, noting improved European spending trends.

As heard by us

A rare on-the-record discussion of Trump administration defence thinking across NATO, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and Iran.

Mark Leonard sits down with Elbridge Colby at the Munich Security Conference for a focused look at American defence strategy, from NATO and Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific and Iran.

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Why you'd press play

Want to hear how Washington weighs NATO, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and Iran when resources are finite?

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