What’s really shaping America’s foreign policy under Trump, and how does it ripple out to the rest of us? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we are joined with Nikolas Gvosdev, a professor at the US Naval War College sharing his personal insights, as we unpack unpredictable US strategy—from strikes on Iran to mixed signals on Ukraine and alliances. We explore tension between bold actions and restraint, questioning if there’s a coherent Trump doctrine or just competing visions in the administration.

We reflect on the NATO summit’s “America is back” vibe, challenges for allies like Japan amid tariffs and shifting priorities, and planning headaches with flip-flopping US commitments. From nuclear postures to balkanised alliances, it’s a candid look at how these dynamics force everyone to rethink agility and self-reliance in an era of endless escalation.

Key moments

02:08 - Uncertainty in U.S. National Security Decisions

09:58 - Crisis Response and Resource Constraints

16:01 - European Allies’ Role in Ukraine

24:53 - Russian Long-Term Struggle Narrative

33:35 - Potential Tensions in Administration

41:51 - Complexities in European Deterrence

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.