Defense Department’s perception of Russia must change, says national security expert

Barry Pavel, senior vice president and director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council and former special assistant to the president, discusses the fact sheet for the National Defense Strategy and his recommendations for what to prioritize. He talks about Russia's capabilities, China, Iran and DoD's views of Russia since the Cold War. He also talks about force modernization, AI, hypersonics and nuclear capabilities.

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Government Matters is a multi-platform news program dedicated to providing non-partisan information and analysis to federal managers, contractors and those supporting the federal marketplace. Hosted by Mimi Geerges, the show airs weeknights at 8 and 10:30 on WJLA 24/7 News and Sunday mornings at 10:30 on 7News.

[HornetVF]

From a conventional forces perspective, Russia is absolutely NO threat to the USA! If the USA got fully involved, in any meaningful way, this fight would be over in a very short period of time. Even the Russians know this and that is why they are playing the Nuke card. I would argue we way overestimated the Russians capabilities.

[PaulMcCartExperience]

After watching all the nuclear threats coming out of Russia I wonder how long we wait before launching a first strike

[margo]

If you look up ‘toxic masculinity’ you’ll see a picture of Putin. All this talk of nuclear war makes me nervous.

[THLLS-ejtq]

America also needs to impress upon their NATO partners "step up, and step into the game... big time".

[Cue_D_ball]

I don’t know when this guy is talking. But China has realized that there are a weak as the Russian federation army.

[lembergnative]

I seriously LOVE this program. Lots of great insight week after week.

[tommills]

This is the type of information best left for another time. War means secrets are our friends. Let's don't share our playbook.

[JoaoCosta-pnim]

He was not at clear about what visions at the DOD needs to change. Not much novelty in his talks.

[bec]

Extremely interesting. And concerning. Thank you for this excellent interview and knowledge transfer.

[peterryan]

Really great commentary with genuine strategic thinking. A stand out amongst many of the ‘talking heads’ at the moment

[clydecessna]

This overly pessimistic and overly aggressive stance. We need Pentagon reform so new systems can be deployed at reasonable costs. The US cannot afford to replace the current inventory of combat aircraft or ships so the numbers will halve or worse over time.

[fava]

This woman presenter desperately needs a new modern hairstyle , looks like she is stuck in the fifties, with a mop like that . Definitely needs a new do . .