Hoover Institution fellows James Mattis and Kori Schake note that after nearly 15 years at war, the so called “civil-military divide” has become popularized in regards to our nation’s military, highlighting the less than one percent currently serving in uniform, which they discuss further in their recent book Warriors and Citizens.

“All Americans need to recognize that our democracy is an experiment—and one that can be reversed,” former Marine Gen. and Secretary of Defense James Mattis warned in his first public statement since leaving the Trump cabinet earlier this year. That experiment relies on the ability of Americans who fight for our democracy and sacrifice to protect our way of life to do so effectively.

Since the end of the Cold War, the global perception of the United States has progressively morphed from dominant international leader to disorganized entity. Robert Gates, defense secretary under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, asserts that this transformation is the result of the failure of political leaders to understand the complexity of American power, its expansiveness, and its limitations. Join Sec. Gates and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis as they discuss the future of U.S. national security.

This week on Uncommon Knowledge, author and former Senator James Buckley discusses the transformation of the federal government and the challenges we face after the 2012 election. (28:30)
“It is going to be an extraordinary challenge for [future generations] but there are certain realities that are going to be faced. If the debt goes off on the trajectory it is currently on, in terms of devastating, destroying the economic basis of the country my grandchildren are going to face problems that I never dreamed of and you never dreamed of. Nevertheless insofar as they pay any attention of any advice I might give them it would be you have responsibilities not only to yourself and your family but to the public.”

The United States has achieved energy independence for the first time in decades, which allows us to ability to step back and shape our future national energy policy. Nuclear energy is one form of energy that has significant advantages, including zero-emissions and grid stability. Renewable energy is also low-carbon, but has drawbacks that nuclear power can compensate for. Because every energy source brings its advantage and challenges, it is essential to move forward with a mix of energy sources.

Making the click-through worthwhile: A warning from former secretary of defense James Mattis about what really threatens our country; House Democrats conclude that what the country really needs right now is high-profile hearings about the payments to Stormy Daniels; and Bill de Blasio loses interest in his day job.

My wife Lori and I flew to California to attend the memorial service for Secretary George Shultz ’42 at Stanford University on October 7. As a result, we missed the multiple Nobel Prize celebrations on Princeton’s campus that week, but we had a unique opportunity to honor and celebrate the life of a man I consider to be among this University’s most admirable alumni. Another of Princeton’s greatest alumni, James A. Baker III ’52, spoke at the event. After the service, I asked Secretary Baker whether I might publish his remarks on this page. He responded by handing his copy of them to me. 

Recorded on  July 16, 2015 - Hoover fellows Charles Hill and James Mattis discuss the Iran deal and the state of the world on Uncommon Knowledge with Hoover fellow Peter Robinson. In their view the United States has handed over its leading role to Iran and provided a dowry along with it.