Authoritarian regimes are causing some major concerns on the world
stage.
Just this week, you got China sending warplanes around Taiwan
again after a phone call or simultaneously a phone call
between President Xi and President Biden.
So there you have China has a huge problem with
Taiwan.
I think it might have heard of that.
Guess what they're looking at?
They're looking at how we're treating Ukraine.
Are we going to back our ally or just wither?
And then you got the challenge of Iran,
and they are supporting Hezbollah and Hamas.
And then of course, in Syria they are two of
their Al Quds Force officers taken out in a strike
by the Israelis.
How are they going to respond?
They pledged to do just that.
And then we have the Ukraine,
who are now continuing to draft
soldiers because they're running short of equipment,
they're running short of ammo,
and they're running short of people.
This is a war they should be winning.
But for some reason, America has decided to stop financing.
Hopefully that changes in the next couple of weeks.
There are a myriad of challenges and I would argue
there is nobody in a better in America to discuss
it.
Our next guest explores this question in his new novel
2054. His Co written with a decorated Marine Corps veteran
Elliott Ackerman,
former NATO Supreme Allied Commander,
Admiral James Stavitas is in our studio.
Admiral, great to see you.
Great seeing you, Brian. I don't have to tell you
anything on that map.
You think about it all the time Out of those
challenges.
Taiwan again. They buzzed Taiwan this week.
Are they just doing this to harass,
or is this a is this a dry run for
something?
It's both. And the big date to watch is 20
May.
That's when the new president of Taiwan,
William Lai, will be inaugurated.
What China's trying to do,
#1, is desensitize the Taiwanese #2.
It's a training opportunity for them.
And #3, it's a show of force.
It's all of that, Brian.
Taiwan ready. Taiwan is ready,
but will require more US high tech assistance.
Here's a good news. Unlike Ukraine,
Taiwan has money. It's the 20th largest economy in the
world as a standalone,
so they've got the money to buy the high end
equipment from us.
We had to open that spigot now because that'll deter
China with they pay,
they write checks you got,
and they're just waiting on delivery.
Can we please give it to them and let them
fight their wars?
What is your take on this?
We don't really know what's going on,
but let's take a look at this full screen.
In fiscal year 2021, there were
342 Chinese coming across our southern border.
It excreased astronomically then almost 2000 and
2022 and now 24,000 last year.
We're up to 22,000 already plus this year.
Is it? How are they coming here?
Why are they coming here?
What are they up to?
First and foremost, I'm with Secretary Pompeo,
who's a very smart guy for a West Point graduate.
But Secretary Pompeo Annapolis got it right,
which is to say, Oh my gosh,
those numbers are skyrocketing. It is inconceivable
that within that threat stream of,
say, 20,000 in round numbers,
there are not hundreds of operatives of the Chinese Communist
Party.
And by the way, no coincidence.
As Lucas pointed out, a major flow point is across
the southern border to San Diego,
CA, the largest concentration of military force in the United
States.
All of our officials are saying exactly that.
When are we going to take action and was that
brought up on the phone call yesterday.
Meanwhile, always excited to read your books.
Your, your novels are based on everything that you know
and projections forward for years in the military,
you probably have the best resume in America.
So tell me about
20542054 is set in that year.
So it's set mid century,
Brian, and it looks at the race for artificial intelligence,
which is the most important race
of the 21st century between the US and China.
If China gets there first,
particularly as quantum computing comes online,
China will be able to leverage military force.
Their economy will gain massive productivity.
We have got to stay in front of China.
We package all that into this novel.
It's a page Turner about geopolitics,
artificial intelligence. If you want a snapshot of the challenges
of mid century,
take a look at 25.
I know the Pentagon looked at your last book on
how a war with China would look and I'm sure
Cyber commands going to look at this book about how
we win the war with in AI.
Last question real quick. Would Ronald Reagan be giving arms
and ammunition to Ukraine?
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.
Reagan was able to say that and win the Cold
War because he had the NATO alliance at his back.
Ronald Reagan would see the criticality of giving the aid
to Ukraine.
He would have done it at least a year ago.
And I think Speaker Johnson realizes that and hopefully we
get that done.
Adam was always a privilege to see you.
Thanks so much for what you do for the country.
And your book is fantastic.
Thank you.