Happy Mother's Day! Keep Mom safe by watching this week's security briefing.

Joel Rubin on Nuclear Risks, Middle East Turmoil, and America's Leadership Vacuum

First off we want to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!

Now, for the hardest left turn on Substack, it’s time for another security briefing. In our latest episode of The Dangerous Ones (dropped this morning on YouTube, Apple Podcast and Spotify) , we had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Joel Rubin, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, to dissect some of the most pressing geopolitical crises unfolding today. Joel provided us with a candid and in-depth look at the tense nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan, a scenario he describes as potentially catastrophic if left unchecked. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, comparing it to a hypothetical nuclear confrontation between neighboring U.S. states, underscoring just how critical diplomatic intervention has become.

Joel also guided us through the troubling state of America's foreign policy under Trump's current administration. He didn't hold back in expressing his concerns about America's shrinking diplomatic influence, especially highlighting how the dismantling of longstanding international aid and soft-power initiatives is creating dangerous power vacuums around the globe. From tariffs straining international relationships to the collapse of proactive diplomacy in hotspots like Iran and Gaza, Joel painted a sobering picture of the challenges America faces in maintaining global stability.

The conversation took an especially poignant turn when Joel shared his deeply personal insights into the Israel-Gaza conflict, balancing his connection to Israel with his empathy for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. He stressed the urgent need for responsible American leadership to broker ceasefires and humanitarian interventions rather than perpetuating passive or destructive foreign policies.

Ending on a reflective and hopeful note, Joel reminded us—and all our listeners—about the profound importance of public service. He spoke passionately about how each of us has a role in shaping a more peaceful and secure world, urging renewed commitment to community and global engagement. This episode was an eye-opening dialogue that underscored the urgency and complexity of today's international issues, and Joel's insights were invaluable in understanding what's truly at stake.

Watch the episode now: