Do we live in a world governed only by force, one in which the United States’ military and economic power alone will advance U.S. interests? Or are the Trump administration’s efforts to intimidate even U.S. allies and partners bound to generate resistance? And what will be the consequences for Americans if Trump’s predatory behavior fails? Grievances for Charles Lieber, a former Harvard scientist now building China’s i-BRAIN lab, for Beijing’s efforts to block U.S. economic sanctions, and to the U.S. State Department for refusing to recognize foreign service officers killed in the service of the country. Attas to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for declining to bail out Spirit Airlines, for King Charles for his flawless visit to the United States, and to those members of Congress finally standing up to Trump’s claim that he can wage war wherever he wants, for as long as he wants.

Chris is appalled at the unserious leadership at the top of the FBI, Zack has a shoutout for Anthropic, which is working with the US government, financial institutions, and other major entities to understand their vulnerabilities to increasingly sophisticated AI, and Melanie objects to the obvious and growing corruption in Washington.

*The Net Assessment Podcast is hosted by the Stimson Center and produced by University FM.