This episode analyzes Russia's nuclear weapons capabilities and doctrine. It details the structure of Russia's nuclear arsenal, including both strategic and non-strategic weapons, highlighting modernization efforts and the deployment of weapons to Belarus. The episode examines Russia's nuclear doctrine and signaling, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine, assessing the credibility of Russian nuclear threats and the implications for arms control.

This Episode analyzes U.S.-China strategic competition in the South and East China Seas. China's actions, including island building and assertive maritime activities, are raising concerns about its growing control over strategically important waters. We examines U.S. interests in the region, potential U.S. strategies for countering China, and the role of international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We discuss relevant legislative activity in the U.S. Congress and the implications for U.S. policy. Finally, we analyzes the risks of escalation and the effectiveness of current U.S. approaches.