Ukraine, China, NATO, & America’s Global Leadership w/Leon Panetta

What are the biggest threats facing democracy today—and what role should the United States play in confronting them?

In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Leon Panetta, former Director of the CIA, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, former White House Chief of Staff, and longtime member of Congress, for a wide-ranging discussion on Ukraine, China, NATO, Iran, and the future of American leadership in an increasingly dangerous world.

Drawing on more than five decades of public service, Panetta reflects on the global security challenges facing the United States and its allies, the lessons of history, and why democratic nations must remain united against authoritarian aggression.

The conversation covers:

• President Trump’s China summit and U.S.-China relations
• Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and authoritarian partnerships
• Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance against Russia
• Why Panetta believes Putin cannot be trusted
• Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
• The future of NATO and allied cooperation
• U.S. support for Ukraine and bipartisan backing in Congress
• Drone warfare and the lessons of modern conflict
• Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz
• Chernobyl, nuclear security, and international cooperation

Panetta also discusses the work of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, his efforts to encourage young Americans to pursue public service, and why he believes compromise and effective governance remain essential to the health of American democracy.

Throughout the discussion, he argues that the United States must continue leading from a position of strength, maintain strong alliances, and remain engaged in world affairs if it hopes to preserve stability and security in the decades ahead.

The episode closes with a reflection on America’s 250th anniversary and why Panetta believes the nation’s greatest strength ultimately lies not in Washington, but in the resilience, character, and dedication of the American people.

00:00 — Leon Panetta on today’s global dangers
00:20 — Intro + Leon Panetta joins
04:42 — The Panetta Institute and public service
08:25 — Reflections on 50 years in government
09:57 — Trump’s China summit and Xi Jinping
12:45 — China, Russia, Iran, and global security threats
13:11 — Lessons from Ukraine’s resistance
16:25 — What the U.S. should learn from Ukraine
18:03 — Taiwan and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
19:03 — Iran, nuclear negotiations, and the Strait of Hormuz
21:01 — U.S. aid to Ukraine and congressional support
22:07 — Drones and the future of warfare
24:04 — Chernobyl and nuclear security
25:59 — NATO’s future and allied cooperation
29:07 — America at 250 years: Panetta’s final message
30:31 — Closing thoughts

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