Nation States: Why No Trade Is Free: China, Tariffs, and America’s Future

Trade policy is about far more than prices at the checkout line. Steve Yates examines Ambassador Robert Lighthizer’s book No Trade Is Free and explains how globalization, tariffs, manufacturing, supply chains, and U.S.-China trade have reshaped America’s economic and national security priorities. H…

Nation States: America’s Quiet Comeback in Latin America

While headlines focus on China, the Middle East, and Europe, a major geopolitical shift is unfolding much closer to home. Steve Yates explores the rise of reform-minded governments across Latin America, growing cooperation on border security and cartel enforcement, and why a stronger Western Hemisp…

Nation States: If You Don’t Have Borders, Do You Have a Country?

What happens when a nation loses control of its borders? Steve Yates examines the dramatic shift in U.S. immigration and border policy since 2025, why borders remain fundamental to the idea of a nation-state, and how similar debates are unfolding in allies like the United Kingdom and Japan. From mi…

Nation States: The Biggest Foreign Policy Mistakes the Experts Keep Making

Why do so many foreign policy predictions seem wrong? Steve Yates examines the biggest mistakes analysts, media commentators, and Washington insiders make when interpreting today’s world, from confusing rhetoric with results to misunderstanding alliances, deterrence, and America’s changing role abr…

Nation States: Why China Fears a Stronger Japan

For decades, Japan has operated under post-World War II restrictions unlike any other major power. Now those limits may be changing. Steve Yates examines Japan’s push to become a more “normal” nation, why China is fighting that effort, and what a stronger Japanese military could mean for American s…

Nation States: Taiwan, China & the Policy Nobody Understands

Why does America support Taiwan, sell it weapons, and rely on it economically, yet refuse to treat it like a normal country? Steve Yates breaks down the history behind U.S.-Taiwan relations, the origins of “One China” policy, and the growing risk of conflict with Beijing. He explains why current po…

Nation States: What’s the Right Use of American Power?

From Iran and Ukraine to China, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Strait of Hormuz, Steve Yates breaks down one of the biggest questions facing the Trump administration: what is the prudent use of American power? Yates explains why today’s military and economic conflicts look very different from Vietnam, …

Nation States: Why Taiwan Is the Next Global Flashpoint

Why has Taiwan become one of the most dangerous and important places in the world? Steve Yates breaks down the real history behind China’s claims over Taiwan, why the island sits at the center of the global technology economy, and how a future conflict could impact American jobs, markets, military …

Nation States: How China Impacts Your Job, Family & Future

Steve Yates explains how America’s growing competition with China could directly affect your job, your family, your energy costs, your kids’ college opportunities, and the future of U.S. economic power. From AI and semiconductor chips to Taiwan, rare earths, student visas, Boeing sales, agriculture…

Nation States: Iran, Trump & the Fight to Prevent a Nuclear Threat

Iran’s nuclear ambitions, rising energy fears, and America’s next move in the Middle East, Steve Yates breaks down why Trump’s Iran strategy matters far beyond Washington. From military strikes and oil prices to terrorism, negotiations, and national security, Yates explains what victory could look …