Join Bethany Coates, founder and CEO of BreakLine, an education and employment company helping outstanding veterans, women, people of color, and people with disabilities accelerate into their next careers, and Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster, as they discuss BreakLine’s crucial role in preparing veterans for civilian careers and educating employ…

Former Naval Flight Officer and Naval Physician Dr. Alta DeRoo and Vietnam War infrantryman Dr. Don Elverd from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation join Hoover Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster to discuss substance use disorder, ways to prevent and treat addiction, and its implications for national security. As experts in treating substance use disorders …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Leopoldo López discuss ongoing protests in Venezuela, the Maduro regime’s tactics of repression, and prospects for the restoration of the Venezuelan constitution and the end of Maduro’s despotic rule. Join former mayor of Caracas and Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López and Hoover Senior Fe…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Adela Raz discuss the humanitarian catastrophe and systemic human rights abuses under Taliban rule, the lessons and consequences of the collapse of the Afghanistan Republic, and the future of Afghanistan and its diaspora. Join former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Lobsang Sangay discuss China’s repression of the Tibetan people, Tibet’s efforts to advocate for freedom and rule of law, and prospects for the future in Tibet and in East Asia, on Wednesday July 31, 2024. Join former prime minister in exile of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay and…

Join Israel Defense Forces (IDF) brigadier general Meir Finkel and Hoover senior fellow H.R. McMaster as they examine the current state of the Israel-Gaza war and the geopolitics of the broader Middle East. In this episode of Battlegrounds, Dr. Finkel shares his insights on the Israeli campaign to destroy Hamas in Gaza, examining the objectives of …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ahmet Üzümcü discuss the vital role of Turkey in advancing peace and prosperity in a time of economic distress; strained relations between Ankara and Washington over Turkey’s acquisition of Russian air defense systems; disagreements over US support for Syrian Kurdish forces in the fight against IS…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Jorge Castañeda discuss the future of Mexico and Mexican-US relations, on Friday, May 31, 2024. Former foreign minister of Mexico and renowned public intellectual, political scientist, and prolific writer Jorge Castañeda Gutman joins Hoover senior fellow H.R. McMaster to share his insights on curr…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Elbegdorj Tsakhia discuss Mongolian security concerns, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the continued threat of warfare in the Pacific, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Former president of Mongolia, key leader of the Mongolian Democratic Revolution, and Mongolian prime minister in 1998 …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Vladimir Milov discuss the war in Ukraine, the status of the Russian opposition, and prospects for the restoration of peace, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Vladimir Milov, Russian opposition politician, publicist, economist, and former advisor to the late Russian opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov and A…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Pål Jonson discuss European security concerns, NATO, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Sweden’s defense technology and innovation, Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Insights from Sweden’s minister for defense, Pål Jonson, shed light on Nordic, Baltic, and European security and the importance of the transat…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Sebastian Junger discuss the necessity of unity, the importance of the tribe, and the future of American democracy, Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger joins Senior Fellow H.R. McMaster to explore the lessons that ca…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Richie McCaw discuss the state of rugby and the lessons the sport offers for developing leaders, fostering teamwork, strengthening communities, and building a better future, Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby captains in history, Richie McCaw, former captain…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Kai Sauer discuss the war in Ukraine, Finland’s priorities in the areas of defense and the economy, digital and energy security, and the future of Europe and the transatlantic relationship, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Insights from the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy at …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ambassador John Sullivan discuss Russia's aggression, its impact on the US and NATO, and the future of Ukraine on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Reflecting on Russia’s history of aggression and Putin’s imperial ambitions, former US ambassador to Russia John Sullivan joins Hoover senior fellow H.R. McMa…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Tong Yi discuss the history of the Chinese Communist Party, competition with China, and prospects for human freedom on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Insights from a Chinese human rights advocate and Chinese labor camp survivor shed light on the history and current state of the Chinese Communist Party …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Clarence Moniba, Liberian Presidential Candidate, Head of Liberian National Union (LINU), discuss Liberia’s future and political and economic trends in West Africa on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. This perspective from a Liberian presidential candidate sheds light on challenges facing West Africa. Hoov…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Julio Guzmán discuss Peruvian politics, increasing Chinese influence in Latin America, and political, security, and economic trends in the region. Insights from a Peruvian policy scholar and practitioner shed light on political and economic trends in Latin America. Drawing on his experiences in th…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and General Carter discuss his experiences in the British military, the war in Ukraine, the implications of the US and Coalition withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the future of warfare. H. R. McMaster in conversation with General Sir Nick Carter, Former Chief of UK Defense Force, on Wednesday, May 3, 2…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H. R. McMaster and Afghan General Sami Sadat discuss the events that contributed to the fall of Afghanistan, the flawed assumptions that led to U.S. withdrawal, and how the U.S. government and Afghan resistance can jointly support both the Afghan state, in turn, global security. H.R. McMaster in conversation with L…

In this special episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster discusses priorities for international cooperation between the United States and its European allies. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ambassador Mark Sedwill, Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, and Ambassador Phillippe Etienne on Wednesday, March 23, 2023.…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Dr. Krewasky Salter, President of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. In this special episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Krewasky Salter discuss Salter’s scholarship on Black American military history and the implications of that history for the military and society to…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Alexandros Papaioannou, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN and International Organizations, on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Alexandros Papaioannou discuss Greece's perspective on international security, energy security, migration, and compet…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Vera Songwe, Chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and co-chair of the High Level Panel on Climate Finance, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Vera Songwe discuss the future of the United Nations and security, economic growth, and developme…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah Rashid Al Khalifa discuss developments in Bahrain, regional dynamics, and the…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and activist, on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Masih Alinejad discuss the protests in Iran, their implications, and Alinejad’s vision for the future of her country.…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Lithuania, on Monday, November 21 at 9:00am PST. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discuss how to overcome today’s threats and strengthen the alliance for the future.…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Vladimir Milov, Russian opposition politician, economist, and advisor to Alexei Navalny, on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Vladimir Milov discuss the status of the Russian opposition and what more can be done to advance Ukraine's fight for freedom.…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of Lithuania, on Wednesday, October 19 at 9:00am PT. In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė discuss the future of European security, energy security, the future of NATO, Russia's reinvasion of Ukraine and aggression against Eu…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi discuss the future of Iraq and the Middle East, the threat of Iranian influence in the region, and how to break the cycle of sectarian violence. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Haider al-Abadi on September 28, 2022 at 9:00am PT. Dr. Haider al-Abadi wa…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Paul Carrese discuss the need for civics and history education and opportunities to foster an understanding of our nation’s history that acknowledges contradictions and imperfections while extolling the virtues and great promise of our republic. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Paul Carrese, Sep…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Nader Nadery discuss human rights law, the dire situation in Afghanistan, and what more might be done to foster peace and protect innocents. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Nader Nadery, August 10, 2022 at 9:00am PT.Oleh Hoover Institution

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan discuss Singapore’s economic and social innovations, the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew; the competition with revanchist authoritarian powers, and how to preserve peace and promote prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Foreign Mi…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ine Søreide discuss geopolitical realities after Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine and implications for European security, the European Union, NATO, and the transatlantic relationship. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ine Eriksen on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 9:00am PT. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS In…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and David Schwendiman discuss the evolution of human rights law, international criminal justice, investigations and prosecutions, and its implications for prosecuting war crimes in Ukraine. H.R. McMaster in conversation with David Schwendiman on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 9:00am PT. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan discuss Jordan-US relations; Jordan’s perspective on the most significant challenges in the Middle East; and opportunities for multi-lateral cooperation to improve security and prosperity in the region. H.R. McMaster in conversation with His Majesty King Abdu…

Wednesday, May 4, 2022Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and European Parliament Secretary-General Klaus Welle discuss European Parliament’s priorities including the EU response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian and security crisis. H.R. McMaster in conversation with…

Wednesday, March 30, 2022Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Vladimir Milov discuss the Russian opposition, the internal and external threats to Putin’s grip on power, and the impacts of Russia’s aggression on the world. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Vladimir Milov on Thursday, March 31, …

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Leopoldo López discuss the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and the prospects for restoration of democratic governance under the Constitution and recovery from economic collapse. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Leopoldo López on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9:00am PT.…

Thursday, March 10, 2022Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster speaks to Battlegrounds guest and former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Oleksiy Honcharuk, who is in Ukraine now, fighting for the freedom of his country alongside fellow Ukrainians as they confront a continued assault by the Russian military…

Wednesday, February 2, 2022Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and General Rajmund Andrzejczak discuss the US-Poland relationship and security challenges including increasing Russian aggression in Europe, energy security, and transnational terrorism. H.R. McMaster in conversation with General Rajm…

Wednesday, January 12, 2022Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ambassador Hamdullah Mohib discuss the causes of the collapse in Afghanistan, the consequences, and options to mitigate the growing crisis. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ambassador Hamdullah Mohib on Wednesday, January 12, 202…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Ambassador Joe Hockey discuss economic recovery from the pandemic, trade, the interconnected challenges of energy security and climate change, and the need to compete in the face of a coercive Chinese Communist Party. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ambassador Joe Hockey on Wednesday, December …

Wednesday, November 17, 2021Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and former Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk discuss the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, the Russian threat to security, and priorities for reform and strengthening governance in Ukraine. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Oleksiy Honcharuk…

Wednesday, October 20, 2021Hoover Institution, Stanford University In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Brigadier General Meir Finkel of the Israeli Defense Force discuss Finkel’s latest book, Studies in Generalship: Lessons from the Chiefs of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces and how to evaluate the effectiveness of military leader…

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia, on October 6, at 9:15AM PT discussing Pakistani foreign policy, jihadist terrorism, and the future of South Asia in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.Oleh Hoover Institution

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Yalda Hakim, BBC World News presenter and correspondent on Thursday, September 9 at 9:00AM PT discussing her new film "Return of the Taliban," which explores the Taliban of today, what they stand for and what is at stake in the unfolding situation in Afghanistan. ABOUT RETURN OF THE TALIBAN In Return of the Taliba…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Peter Bergen discuss the history and evolution of jihadist terrorist groups, their objectives, and the implications for international security. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Peter Bergen on Tuesday, September 7 at 9:00am PT.Oleh Hoover Institution

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and General John Abizaid discuss the evolution of the Long War against jihadist terrorist organizations, what is at stake across the greater Middle East, and what we might learn from our experience since 9-11. H.R. McMaster in conversation with General John Abizaid on Thursday, August 26 at 9:00am PT.…

In this episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe reflect on his service as prime minister, shared security challenges, and the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. H.R. McMaster in conversation with Shinzō Abe on Wednesday, July 21 at 9:00am PT.Oleh Hoover Institution