Shield of the Republic

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Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. We probe beyond the hive mind of Washington conventional wisdom on national security and foreign affairs.

Recent Episodes
  • Is America Underestimating China?
    Apr 20, 2025 – 59:32
  • Trump's New World Order
    Apr 10, 2025 – 01:05:40
  • Lessons From a Successful American Diplomat
    Apr 3, 2025 – 58:21
  • How Autocrats Use History
    Mar 27, 2025 – 58:15
  • The Ongoing Vandalism of Our Government
    Mar 20, 2025 – 57:23
  • Russia Is a Habitual Treaty Violator
    Mar 13, 2025 – 56:57
  • Is American Decline an Illusion?
    Mar 6, 2025 – 53:36
  • Emergency Podcast: An Oval Office Ambush
    Mar 1, 2025 – 39:25
  • A Disgraceful Episode of American Diplomacy
    Feb 27, 2025 – 55:42
  • An American Blunder in Munich
    Feb 20, 2025 – 53:12
  • This Time the Damage Will Be Permanent
    Feb 13, 2025 – 01:01:57
  • Russia's Long History of Subjugating Ukraine
    Feb 7, 2025 – 55:33
  • Charles Lindbergh and the Ghosts of America First
    Jan 30, 2025 – 57:33
  • The Intersection of Theatre and Politics
    Jan 23, 2025 – 56:29
  • Biden's Foreign Policy Legacy
    Jan 16, 2025 – 43:46
  • Trump's New International Reality
    Jan 9, 2025 – 01:06:02
  • Deterrence is Cheaper Than War
    Dec 20, 2024 – 54:28
  • A Catastrophic Blow to Putin
    Dec 12, 2024 – 01:00:26
  • Trump's Nightmare National Security Nominations
    Dec 5, 2024 – 57:32
  • We're Already at War with Russia
    Nov 21, 2024 – 56:26
  • What Comes Next for Our National Security?
    Nov 14, 2024 – 01:01:04
  • Trump's Stunning Ignorance
    Nov 7, 2024 – 32:18
  • Trump's Stunning Ignorance (with John Bolton)
    Nov 7, 2024 – 32:18
  • Georgia On My Mind
    Oct 31, 2024 – 55:49
  • How Do You Adapt Under Fire?
    Oct 24, 2024 – 56:09
  • October 7th: One Year Later
    Oct 10, 2024 – 58:59
  • An Unlikely Network of Dictatorships
    Oct 3, 2024 – 59:16
  • How WWII's Warlords Approached Strategy
    Sep 26, 2024 – 59:23
  • How John Adams Established Enduring American Customs
    Sep 19, 2024 – 57:49
  • Why We Should Be Worried About Iranian Nukes
    Sep 12, 2024 – 01:01:33
  • What Would Kamala's Foreign Policy Look Like?
    Sep 5, 2024 – 57:53
  • The Men Who Made a Century
    Aug 29, 2024 – 57:26
  • The Lessons of '68
    Aug 22, 2024 – 01:08:07
  • How to Kill a Democracy
    Aug 15, 2024 – 55:06
  • Hostages, Assassinations, and the Future of National Defense
    Aug 8, 2024 – 01:00:44
  • Paul Nitze: National Security's Forgotten Man
    Aug 1, 2024 – 55:20
  • Is Trump 2.0 a Guaranteed Foreign Policy Disaster?
    Jul 25, 2024 – 54:46
  • The Long Shadow of the Evil Empire
    Jul 11, 2024 – 01:00:13
  • What's at Stake in the Global 2024 Elections
    Jun 27, 2024 – 49:00
  • Was Machiavelli the Father of Modern Grand Strategy?
    Jun 20, 2024 – 54:07
  • The Fallout From a Lost Decade
    Jun 13, 2024 – 58:23
  • David Sanger on the New Cold Wars
    Jun 6, 2024 – 01:06:05
  • Shield of the Republic Crosses the Century Mark
    May 30, 2024 – 01:00:51
  • Israel's Current & Future Conundrum
    May 23, 2024 – 57:37
  • Would China Risk it All?
    May 16, 2024 – 01:03:00
  • A Resurgence of Antiliberalism
    May 9, 2024 – 01:00:24
  • The Original America First Movement
    May 2, 2024 – 48:32
  • Facing One of the Largest War Machines in Human History
    Apr 25, 2024 – 56:41
  • A Depressing Trip Across the Pond
    Apr 18, 2024 – 55:15
  • The New Fractured World (with Hal Brands)
    Apr 11, 2024 – 50:46
Recent Reviews
  • Natrannel
    Excellent Analysis and Essential Information
    I always learn something new from Eliot and Eric with each new episode.
  • midwestBlue
    3.24.25
    So far an excellent podcast. For me facts, information and a long discussion are my preferences. This podcast fills that need. If you too are sick of 2 minute videos and want more in-depth, knowledgeable and fact-based discussions I would recommend you give this podcast a listen. I believe they are on youTube as well.
  • wotnonsense
    Partisan
    An unduly partisan, sniping discussion. I had hoped for more balanced and objective analysis. Perhaps a hint of open minded examination. But no, just embittered criticism of change.
  • Kaikaneray
    Intelligent
    Intelligent conversation with experts. Well worth listening and learning.
  • Cletus Starfish
    Well Worth Your While
    Excellent, informative and erudite analysis of foreign affairs. Substantively I really don’t have any complaints —even when I disagree, Cohen and Edelman are refreshingly thoughtful. However, I do have a technical/production qualm — sometimes the audio quality leaves something to be desired; in particular the recent episode about Lindbergh and America First featured some noises akin to typing and shuffling papers that were incredibly distracting.
  • sptinggirl
    Despair
    Incredibly honest and educational program but incredibly sad.
  • mitchell.33
    Thank you!
    Thank you for the emergency podcast. It was exactly what I needed. I had temporarily downgraded my rating due to a short but questionable period of views and some bad acoustics. But those issues have been resolved.
  • JGhttr
    Informative podcast
    Elliot bends over backwards to defend Trump at every opportunity. Elliot that will not age well trust me. You don’t have to. Put down your Republican card for just a minute
  • - DH -
    Would love to hear you more clearly
    You guys are incredibly knowledgeable, grounded, and interesting to listen to. I enjoy the show, but along the listening vein, you are sometimes hard to hear. Perhaps you could invest in some better audio equipment?
  • La-Isla-Bonita
    Highly educational
    Very informative podcast show about foreign affairs and national security. Comes out every other week. Not as much 'fun' as some of the other Bulwark podcasts--it is more serious, usually on geopolitics, world order, how the U.S. connects to places like Ukraine, Russia, China, Israel/Palestine. The hosts are very knowledgeable. Well worth listening to.
  • Christofury
    Jan 30 episode distracting noise
    My first experience with this podcast was the interesting story of Charles Lindberg and FDR, but I found it difficult to listen to because it was a constant scratching like somebody taking notes right next to the microphone.
  • another RJF
    Whiners
    Today’s show was all whining. You guys complain too much.
  • Long time Booknotes Lover
    Semi
    You’re very good, but you know that. Smart as can be, thoughtful, occasionally humorous. But when you’re bad, you’re very bad indeed. Words that come to mind are glib, complacent, and ooh it hurts, condescending. Please get real!
  • darrell317
    Excellent show
    An excellent podcast if one wants to become informed about foreign policy. I was embarrassed by my ignorance of world affairs and looked around for a podcast that would help rectify it. The two host explain foreign affairs in a way that is both easy to understand without dumbing it down and insulting the audience's intelligence.
  • Tom Barnhill
    Love the show
    The 1996 DNC was in Chicago! Please know facts.
  • THF Seattle
    Robert Hagen
    It was a great conversation about the conservative movement and its ties to the illiberal instincts. The discussion on Bill Buckley was interesting. One never know where he would lean on Trump.
  • nick- name is taken
    So informative, such high quality
    I am a retired hematologist - if I had it to do again, I might just try for the Foreign Service after listening to these guys since the inception of the podcast….all I can say is a hearty thank you! NOTE and REQUEST: Could you please bring on Stephen Kotkin for a deep discussion of “The 5 futures of Russia” and the Russo-Ukranian War? Also would be great if you could host General Ben Hodges for discussion of Ukraine and its implications for the world. Thank you.
  • radiorentalFTW
    Audio is too quiet!
    Not sure what the problem is but with SoR I’m required to have my volume on full blast. Very menial problem but figured I’d throw it out there. Seems like I’m not the only one who’s mentioned it.
  • unhappy and still no email...
    Best of the Bulwark
    I am a long time listener and supporter of the Bulwark. The Bulwark podcast are always informative and funny, and often a bit terrifying. They range from more entertaining to deeply informative. Shield of the Republic is on the deeply informative side. I always feel like I understand our international concerns, threats, and opportunities much better after each episode. Where with the other Bulwark podcasts I can listen while doing other things, I always listen carefully to Elliot and Eric so I don’t miss any nuance. I just cannot recommend this podcasts highly enough. It makes me far more informed and knowledgeable about our world and our place in it.
  • Joy-Cinti/Savh
    Weekly Dose of Intelligent Conversation
    With so much craziness in the world (and the media), I look forward each week to this podcast for its reasoned, thoughtful, and knowledgeable approach. Eric and Eliot are the teachers/professors you always longed for - smart, focused, informed, seasoned, funny. Not just educational but highly entertaining. Highly recommend.
  • Likes alarms that work 100%
    Great podcast
    Thank you for a great podcast. And yes, Oath and Honor is a must read.
  • Wissfh
    Volume
    Excellent interview with Liz Cheney. Unfortunately the volume for the cohosts was too low. Hopefully this can address this going forward.
  • El tigress
    Bright Side
    Thank you for the encouraging morning ! Until next week.
  • maxprovo
    Love content - Eric needs a new studio
    I really enjoyed this podcast. I find that they bring new insights to complicated topics. However, we really need to get Eric a better microphone or a better set up. It sounds like he’s in an echo cave.
  • DanielLeal89.
    Heroes to the Republic.
    I’ve been listening to the this podcast for a year now, and it’s definitely the smartest show you’ll listen to. After reading Oath and Honor, you realize that both the distinguished hosts helped out Liz Cheney to draft and get all 10 former Secretaries of Defense to sign a letter of warning during the final weeks of the Trump Admin. We owe a great debt to these brave patriots.
  • RedSkyBurns
    I DID turn my back on Obama over Syria.
    And now I turn my back on you over the Gaza Strip, and what clearly awaits the West Bank.
  • Tstathis
    Smart, informative with feeling
    A wonderful resource for those interested in world affairs from a smart, center right perspective.
  • Markthemonk
    Intelligent discourse and discussion
    I’m finding this podcast to be in of my top go to places for information and experience. Having only started paying attention since the previous president appeared on the scene, and in an environment of performative garbage and negative messaging, it’s refreshing to actually walk away from every episode with an increased understanding and perspective of our world. Thanks so much!
  • ether314
    Spot on analysis
    Excellent episode on China and Taiwan from men that have been there.
  • Shredder56
    Normally 5* but Please! no more Bill Crystal
    Eric and Eliot have fantastic depth and breadth of knowledge of international affairs and defense. Krystal’s only analysis is pst, present, and future is Trumps fault. Question related to Congress and Ukraine, answer, Well Trump… Worst guest ever. Won’t listen when he’s on. Eric and Eliot, keep up the good work!
  • mad overlord
    Bulwark brain
    It amazes me how this crew can seem to come to a reasonable conclusion built on logical mistakes, raw credulity, anger, and culture war open nerves. Keep it up Bulwark, we’ll need you but you should keep working on the think-trying.
  • Concerned7891
    Hire a sound engineer.
    Great analysis, but the audio is frequently terrible.
  • Tim 1159
    Foreign policy failures criticizing others
    Topical conversations but these guys and Kori Schake, who were part of an administration with the worst foreign policy failure in the last 50 years, criticizing others is hard to take. They can’t help themselves, they just like war.
  • c.m-1
    Great foreign policy analysis
    Great foreign policy analysis from experts who have worked at the highest levels of government. Really sharp commentary.
  • Broker911
    Deep dive
    Good in depth conversations on topical subjects without hyperbole.
  • LissaCSK
    Smarter
    Every time I listen to this podcast, I end it smarter than I was when I began. Not much more I can say.
  • LFAWI
    Extremely Serious and Exceptional
    This is one of the most sober, non-hyperbolic pods available. If you’re interested in bumper sticker politics, this is NOT the show for you. If you’re interested in mature, knowledgeable workings of the geopolitical landscape and history, you’ve found your home.
  • addem_
    The Great Conservative Wonk
    I like wonkiness, and this show delivers, from a professional and sane conservative perspective on foreign policy.
  • Tango-GT
    Great Topics and Discussions
    Shield of the Republic has become one of my favorite podcasts! As a graduate of the Air War College in 2017. I ravel at listen two both of you and your guest discussion on Strategic Topics. Keep it up. I can’t wait for the next episode.
  • JohnO2920
    Fair, realistic, thoughtful,…
    There may be something of a conservative slant to this show. And I say so only because the hosts may have said as much. To my own ears, this podcast is more informed realism than any particular partisan perspective. It’s also quite entertaining. My sincere thanks go out to Eliot and Eric. As well as my hopes that the right people are hearing your important perspective.
  • JoseEmergii
    Superb analysis
    Dr. Cohen and Dr. Edelman do a tremendous job of making highly complicated world events easily accessible. Really superb analysis and insight. A pleasure to listen to.
  • bittybump
    Wonderful discussions!
    Probably the best foreign policy podcast currently available. Both gentlemen hosting the podcast are thoughtful, experienced, and hence their perspectives are worthy of consideration. Additionally, they regularly have discussions with equally knowledgeable foreign policy experts and historians who further enrich those conversations. The podcast has also proven to be a valuable resource in guiding my ongoing reading by giving a platform to those thinkers who I might consider for more comprehensively-developed written explications of events and ideas.
  • nbsopha
    Best pod on Russia ukraine war
    A+
  • Pa$:63dhi
    Deep Analysis - Great!
    Appreciate the historical depth of your discussions and debate. It’s what I need to better understand current global affairs. Thanks!
  • GustavoElias24
    Great Podcast!
    So happy to hear that this podcast is going to have more episodes next year. I love these discussions about American foreign policy!
  • ricardo in Phoenix
    Thought Provoking
    Informative and though provoking commentary from people who actually know what they are talking about on critical national security issues.
  • Luxmissus
    Now on my must listen list
    Eliot Cohen and Eric Edelman know their foreign affairs stuff. Elliott was Dean at the Naval War College and was Director of policy planning for the Defense Department. Eric knows everything about nuclear weapons and is a former ambassador. Both have written extensively in their fields of expertise. Neither pull punches. I have never been much interested in these serious topics but thanks to these two I am now very interested and slightly more knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
  • Dr. Jura
    The most important, must-hear podcast
    This intelligent, fair-minded, frank, highly informative podcast should be on the podcast playlist for every American. A high point so far: Anne Applebaum, this week, was brilliant. I wish you had a regular segment with her. This is important work to save our democracy.
  • mmonikaaa
    Fantastic
    Super informative.
  • remguy77
    Excellent Podcast
    Experts talking about the most important things in the world. For free. What’s not to love
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