Victoria Coates Navigates International Tensions and Strategies (10 min) | 03-17-26

Former Deputy National Security Advisor Victoria Coates joins Sid to discuss the Iran conflict, where Coates argues timeline ambiguity is useful and says U.S. objectives center on disabling nuclear sites and addressing highly enriched uranium, while noting potential continued engagement if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. She emphasizes a second, economic front as Iran shuts down the internet, banks, and markets, predicting severe capital flight when restrictions lift. Coates contrasts Japan’s constitutional limits and growing defense posture with what she calls Europe’s disgraceful lack of naval capability and will, criticizing UK leader Keir Starmer’s behavior and forecasting political upheaval. She also expects Trump’s China trip to be postponed due to war and China’s dependence on Gulf energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices