The conversation with Liz Schrayer and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dick Newton continues as host Gary Marx examines what the war in Ukraine means for the future of American leadership.
In Part Two, Newton draws on his military career to explain why American hard power must work alongside diplomacy, economic engagement, foreign assistance, and strong international partnerships. Schrayer discusses the coalition supporting Ukraine and makes the case for viewing Ukraine through the lens of U.S. national security, economic interests, and American values.
The conversation also explores Ukraine’s rapid development of drone warfare and what the United States can learn from its defense industrial base. Newton examines the accelerating role of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence on the battlefield, while Schrayer discusses critical minerals, economic cooperation, and the strategic challenge posed by the growing alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
Finally, Schrayer and Newton discuss NATO, the importance of continued American leadership, and what they believe the United States and its allies must do to help Ukraine achieve a lasting victory.
00:00 — Hard Power, Soft Power & American Leadership
05:01 — Building Support for Ukraine
09:21 — What America Can Learn from Ukraine’s Drone Revolution
13:29 — AI, Autonomous Drones & the Future of Warfare
15:25 — Russia, China, Iran & North Korea
16:26 — Critical Minerals & the U.S.-Ukraine Economic Partnership
18:29 — Why American Leadership Still Matters
19:50 — NATO’s Future & the U.S. Role
23:10 — Remembering a Friend & Advocate for Ukraine
27:44 — What Comes Next for Ukraine?
30:40 — American Values & the Case for Ukraine
32:32 — Closing Thoughts