Welcome to Nation States with Yates

Milestone Achievement and Gratitude

Recent Episodes and Upcoming Topics

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Nation States with Yates celebrates a major milestone: 1 million podcast downloads since launching in May 2026, including nearly 400,000 downloads in October alone! Steve Yates thanks listeners for their incredible support and highlights recent episodes examining America's post-election China strategy and President Trump's upcoming Asia visit. Plus, a preview of next week's deep dives into China's internal political struggles, Iran, U.S. foreign policy, and the strategic lessons of 2026. Subscribe, share, and stay informed on the global challenges shaping America's future.

Nation States with Yates celebrates a major milestone: 1 million podcast downloads since launching in May 2026, including nearly 400,000 downloads in October alone! Steve Yates thanks listeners for their incredible support and highlights recent episodes examining America's post-election China strategy and President Trump's upcoming Asia visit. Plus, a preview of next week's deep dives into China's internal political struggles, Iran, U.S. foreign policy, and the strategic lessons of 2026. Subscribe, share, and stay informed on the global challenges shaping America's future.

Nation States with Yates celebrates a major milestone: 1 million podcast downloads since launching in May 2026, including nearly 400,000 downloads in October alone! Steve Yates thanks listeners for their incredible support and highlights recent episodes examining America's post-election China strategy and President Trump's upcoming Asia visit. 

Nation States Update: Nation States with Yates Hits 1 Million Downloads! China, Iran & What's Next

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/eabd0cd8-fe87-42f0-8e4b-b4fb01806985/transcript

China's Military Escalation Towards Taiwan

The Importance of Diplomatic Sequence

Shenzhen: Xi Jinping's Hosted Summit

The Squeeze on Taiwan

Taiwan's Response and Defense Efforts

As President Trump prepares for back-to-back summits in Manila and Shenzhen, the real story may be playing out around Taiwan. Steve Yates explains how Chinese military flights, coast guard pressure, and diplomatic signaling are all connected to a high-stakes round of U.S.-China engagement. The question is whether Washington can maintain deterrence, support allies, and protect American interests while managing a fragile trade truce with Beijing.

Listen for a practical look at what success would actually mean for Main Street America and what signals to watch as the summit unfolds.

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

As President Trump prepares for back-to-back summits in Manila and Shenzhen, the real story may be playing out around Taiwan. Steve Yates explains how Chinese military flights, coast guard pressure, and diplomatic signaling are all connected to a high-stakes round of U.S.-China engagement. The question is whether Washington can maintain deterrence, support allies, and protect American interests while managing a fragile trade truce with Beijing.
Listen for a practical look at what success would actually mean for Main Street America and what signals to watch as the summit unfolds.
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: Trump’s Asia Trip and the Taiwan Test

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d5085494-e70a-4e33-b257-b4f7013fa27a/transcript

China's Presence in the Midterm Campaign

The Strategy Behind China's Approach

The China Select Committee: A Crucial Role

Key Issues in the China File

China may not be listed on the ballot, but its impact on American land, jobs, energy, agriculture, trade, and fentanyl remains front and center. Steve Yates explains how China emerged as a key issue in races across Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, why voters connect Beijing to everyday concerns, and how the next Congress will shape policy on trade, advanced technology, Taiwan, and national security.

Listen for a practical look at what happens after Election Day and why the decisions made in Washington could affect communities across America for years to come. 

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

China may not be listed on the ballot, but its impact on American land, jobs, energy, agriculture, trade, and fentanyl remains front and center. Steve Yates explains how China emerged as a key issue in races across Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, why voters connect Beijing to everyday concerns, and how the next Congress will shape policy on trade, advanced technology, Taiwan, and national security.
Listen for a practical look at what happens after Election Day and why the decisions made in Washington could affect communities across America for years to come.&nbsp;
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: Why China Became an Election-Year Kitchen Table Issue

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9c432ea2-1ac2-4c76-bbac-b4f7013c0709/transcript

Welcome to Nation States Update

China's Impact on the Midterm Elections

Upcoming Episodes Preview

Subscribe and Connect with Nation States

Closing Remarks

China is on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Steve Yates examines how the Chinese Communist Party, fentanyl, farmland ownership, and U.S.-China trade are shaping critical congressional races from Texas to Ohio to Iowa.

With Election Day approaching, Steve previews two major Nation States episodes: Tuesday's breakdown of China's influence on the midterms and the challenges facing the next Congress, followed by Thursday's examination of President Trump's high-stakes Asia meetings, Beijing's growing pressure on Taiwan, and why U.S. arms sales to Taiwan must never become a bargaining chip.

Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for sharp analysis of China, American national security, foreign policy, and the geopolitical battles shaping America's future.

China is on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Steve Yates examines how the Chinese Communist Party, fentanyl, farmland ownership, and U.S.-China trade are shaping critical congressional races from Texas to Ohio to Iowa.
With Election Day approaching, Steve previews two major Nation States episodes: Tuesday's breakdown of China's influence on the midterms and the challenges facing the next Congress, followed by Thursday's examination of President Trump's high-stakes Asia meetings, Beijing's growing pressure on Taiwan, and why U.S. arms sales to Taiwan must never become a bargaining chip.
Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for sharp analysis of China, American national security, foreign policy, and the geopolitical battles shaping America's future.

China is on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Steve Yates examines how the Chinese Communist Party, fentanyl, farmland ownership, and U.S.-China trade are shaping critical congressional races from Texas to Ohio to Iowa.

Nation States Update: China on the Ballot: 2026 Midterms, Trump's Asia Showdown & Taiwan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e8b73745-06f3-4cc4-80c8-b4f60130e96a/transcript

Midterm Elections and Key Policy Areas

Engaging with Recent Episodes

The Muslim Brotherhood: Understanding Its

Global Geopolitical Outlook Post-Election

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

With the November 3rd midterm elections approaching, Steve Yates examines the critical issues shaping America's future. From the affordability debate and the Muslim Brotherhood's relevance to American politics to border security, energy independence, and technology, what's really at stake for voters? Plus, a look ahead at major global developments involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Brazil. What happens after Election Day, and how will America's choices impact national security and the world? Find out on Nation States with Yates.

With the November 3rd midterm elections approaching, Steve Yates examines the critical issues shaping America's future. From the affordability debate and the Muslim Brotherhood's relevance to American politics to border security, energy independence, and technology, what's really at stake for voters? Plus, a look ahead at major global developments involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Brazil. What happens after Election Day, and how will America's choices impact national security and the world? Find out on Nation States with Yates.

With the November 3rd midterm elections approaching, Steve Yates examines the critical issues shaping America's future. From the affordability debate and the Muslim Brotherhood's relevance to American politics to border security, energy independence, and technology, what's really at stake for voters?

Nation States Update: 2026 Midterms: Affordability, Muslim Brotherhood & Global Security

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/731db8db-0ea8-4daa-985b-b4f30111c0c5/transcript

The Muslim Brotherhood in American Politics

Brotherhood Ideology: Reform or Radicalism?

Muslim Brotherhood in the United States

The Michigan Senate Race Controversy

Navigating the Muslim Brotherhood Debate

The Muslim Brotherhood has moved from foreign policy debates into the center of a major U.S. Senate race. Steve Yates examines the movement’s origins in Egypt, its political ideology, its record across the Middle East, and why multiple governments have labeled or restricted it. He also breaks down the competing claims surrounding Michigan's 2026 Senate contest and explores what voters should consider when questions arise about international political movements and American public life.

Listen now for a fact-based look at the history, influence, and controversies surrounding one of the most debated Islamist political movements of the last century.

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

The Muslim Brotherhood has moved from foreign policy debates into the center of a major U.S. Senate race. Steve Yates examines the movement&rsquo;s origins in Egypt, its political ideology, its record across the Middle East, and why multiple governments have labeled or restricted it. He also breaks down the competing claims surrounding Michigan's 2026 Senate contest and explores what voters should consider when questions arise about international political movements and American public life.
Listen now for a fact-based look at the history, influence, and controversies surrounding one of the most debated Islamist political movements of the last century.
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: The Muslim Brotherhood From Egypt to Michigan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/21ec4bd7-6314-479a-b983-b4f000a4185f/transcript

Historical Gas Prices and Inflation Rates

Border Policy: A Significant Improvement

Energy Policy:  The Shift

Hemisphere Focus: Strengthening Regional Ties

Affordability is usually framed around gas prices, groceries, and housing costs. Steve Yates argues that voters should ask a different question: can America afford to reverse the policies shaping border security, energy production, technology investment, and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere? Looking at inflation, fuel prices, migration trends, and industrial growth, he compares recent history with today's policy choices and examines what those choices could mean for families and businesses.

Listen now and decide whether affordability should be measured by today's prices alone or by the long-term costs of changing course. 

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Affordability is usually framed around gas prices, groceries, and housing costs. Steve Yates argues that voters should ask a different question: can America afford to reverse the policies shaping border security, energy production, technology investment, and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere? Looking at inflation, fuel prices, migration trends, and industrial growth, he compares recent history with today's policy choices and examines what those choices could mean for families and businesses.
Listen now and decide whether affordability should be measured by today's prices alone or by the long-term costs of changing course.&nbsp;
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: The Real Affordability Debate Beyond Prices

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a62c492d-f50e-4ce3-950f-b4f000973dcb/transcript

Setting the Stage for Nation States Update

Headline Dominators: Iran, Russia, and More

Exploring Deep Dives and Key Topics

Call for Feedback and Social Media Engagement

Meaningful Conversations on Fentanyl

Iran, Russia, rising affordability concerns, and the upcoming midterm elections are dominating the headlines—but what do these challenges really mean for America's future? On this edition of Nation States with Yates, national security expert Steve Yates examines the critical foreign policy, economic, and political questions facing American voters, including the long-term consequences of decisions being made in Washington.

Steve previews upcoming deep dives into the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Muslim Brotherhood, exploring the history behind these movements and why their influence extends far beyond any single election cycle. He also reflects on the show's powerful two-part fentanyl special, sharing his family's personal tragedy and the lessons that could help protect American families and communities.

From global conflicts and national security to economic affordability and the fentanyl epidemic, Steve Yates challenges Americans to look beyond political headlines and consider what our country—and our families—can truly afford.

Iran, Russia, rising affordability concerns, and the upcoming midterm elections are dominating the headlines&mdash;but what do these challenges really mean for America's future? On this edition of Nation States with Yates, national security expert Steve Yates examines the critical foreign policy, economic, and political questions facing American voters, including the long-term consequences of decisions being made in Washington.
Steve previews upcoming deep dives into the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Muslim Brotherhood, exploring the history behind these movements and why their influence extends far beyond any single election cycle. He also reflects on the show's powerful two-part fentanyl special, sharing his family's personal tragedy and the lessons that could help protect American families and communities.
From global conflicts and national security to economic affordability and the fentanyl epidemic, Steve Yates challenges Americans to look beyond political headlines and consider what our country&mdash;and our families&mdash;can truly afford.

Iran, Russia, rising affordability concerns, and the upcoming midterm elections are dominating the headlines—but what do these challenges really mean for America's future? On this edition of Nation States with Yates, national security expert Steve Yates examines the critical foreign policy, economic, and political questions facing American voters, including the long-term consequences of decisions being made in Washington.

Nation States Update: Iran, Russia & the Midterms: What Can America Really Afford

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ffd11635-41c3-42d1-82db-b4ec0144f415/transcript

A Personal Journey with Fentanyl

Family Lessons Learned from Fentanyl

The Prescription vs. Illicit Pill Dilemma

Navigating Overdose Scenes

The Need for Grief Support

Law Enforcement and Supply Chain Challenges

Closing Thoughts on Fentanyl's Impact

Fentanyl is more than a drug crisis. It is a family crisis, a public policy challenge, and, in Steve Yates' view, a national security issue. Drawing from the loss of his daughter after a fentanyl overdose, Steve shares hard-earned lessons about addiction, treatment, emergency decisions, grief, and the conversations families should have before a crisis arrives. He also examines border security, cartel networks, Chinese chemical precursors, law enforcement burdens, and addiction treatment policy.

Listen and share this episode with someone who may benefit from these lessons learned through tragedy.

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Fentanyl is more than a drug crisis. It is a family crisis, a public policy challenge, and, in Steve Yates' view, a national security issue. Drawing from the loss of his daughter after a fentanyl overdose, Steve shares hard-earned lessons about addiction, treatment, emergency decisions, grief, and the conversations families should have before a crisis arrives. He also examines border security, cartel networks, Chinese chemical precursors, law enforcement burdens, and addiction treatment policy.
Listen and share this episode with someone who may benefit from these lessons learned through tragedy.
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: Family Lessons and Policy Answers on Fentanyl

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/c8cc96f5-18c8-4ec1-9e07-b4e900c32287/transcript

The Shocking Phone Call

A Daughter's Fight for Life

The Hospice Experience

Reflecting on the 12 Days of Fentanyl

A personal account of the fentanyl crisis through the eyes of a father who lived it. Steve Yates shares the 12-day journey that began with an overdose call about his daughter Christina and ended with difficult decisions, hospice care, and heartbreak. Along the way, he reflects on addiction, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, the toll on families, and why this epidemic reaches far beyond headlines and statistics.

Listen now and prepare for Part 2, where Steve examines the family lessons and public policy questions that emerged from this devastating experience.

Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

A personal account of the fentanyl crisis through the eyes of a father who lived it. Steve Yates shares the 12-day journey that began with an overdose call about his daughter Christina and ended with difficult decisions, hospice care, and heartbreak. Along the way, he reflects on addiction, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, the toll on families, and why this epidemic reaches far beyond headlines and statistics.
Listen now and prepare for Part 2, where Steve examines the family lessons and public policy questions that emerged from this devastating experience.
Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at Feedback@NationStatesYates.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States: A Father's 12 Days of Fentanyl

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/46112178-56ea-4e6e-a871-b4e900b65cb5/transcript

Nation States with Yates is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign policy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. Hosted by Steve Yates, a former White House national security official, each episode delivers concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.

Nation States with Yates&nbsp;is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign policy,&nbsp;and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. Hosted by Steve Yates, a former White House national security official, each episode delivers concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.

Nation States with Yates

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