Go to https://ground.news/Silicon for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access to world-wide coverage through my link. ----------Ben Hodges is a retired United States Army officer, who became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, and held that position for three years until retiring from the United States Army in January 2018. Until recently he was the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, specialising in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security.----------DESCRIPTION: Geopolitical Tensions: Russia's Aggression and Strategic Implications - With Ben HodgesIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Ben Hodges, retired United States Army officer and former commander of United States Army Europe. The discussion covers a range of geopolitical issues, including Russia's recent attacks on EU, UK, and US assets in Ukraine, and the potential consequences of perceived US disengagement under the Trump administration. Hodges shares insights on the likelihood of Russia feeling emboldened to act against NATO countries and the strategic importance of Europe acting collectively as a superpower. The conversation also delves into the tactical behaviors of both Putin and Trump, the risks of inadvertent escalation into a larger conflict, and the necessity for Europe to defend itself and support Ukraine in the absence of consistent US backing.----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------DESCRIPTION:Western Response to Russian Aggression: Challenges and StrategiesIn this episode, the speaker discusses the current state of Western opposition to Russian aggression, focusing on various strategies and challenges. Key topics include Russian sabotage in the Baltic region, the use of shadow fleet vessels, and potential responses such as seizing these vessels and strengthening air defense systems. The conversation touches on the technological and strategic capabilities needed to counter Russia, including the integration of air defenses with Ukrainian forces. The discussion also covers the broader geopolitical landscape, including European unity, U.S. policy under Trump, and the global implications of Russian actions. The speaker stresses the necessity for decisive leadership and coherent strategic objectives to effectively counter Russia and avoid prolonged conflict.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction: Russia's Covert War Tactics00:50 Western Response and Consequences02:23 Air Defense Strategies and Challenges04:39 European Leaders' Stance on Trump and Ukraine10:07 Media Consumption and Bias14:04 Trump's Admiration for Authoritarian Leaders18:28 Russia's Strategic Objectives and Vulnerabilities24:12 Historical Parallels and Western Industrial Capacity----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------