America’s greatest strategic advantage may not begin with military power, but with national confidence, innovation, and economic resilience. Steve Yates explains the idea of “America Maxing,” why he believes it is essential to meeting the long-term challenge posed by the People’s Republic of China, and how stronger supply chains, reduced strategic dependence, and renewed American optimism fit into that vision. Follow Nation States with Yates for more conversations that connect national security to everyday American life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Yates breaks down “smart power,” the missing middle between open-ended military intervention and diplomacy that rewards bad behavior. Using Christian Whiton’s book Smart Power: Between Diplomacy and War as a guide, Yates looks at how America can better use culture, rhetoric, economics, intelligence, military posture and political warfare to confront China, Iran and other adversaries without repeating past failures. 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. Today's topics: Steve Yates, Nation States with Yates, smart power, Christian Whiton, Smart Power: Between Diplomacy and War, national security, foreign policy, statecraft, diplomacy, war, appeasement, China, Iran, Islamism, political warfare, economic leverage, cultural influence, military posture, intelligence reform, Arab Spring, Libya, Benghazi, Taiwan, Russia, Ukraine, Abraham Accords, Trump administration, Obama administration, Bush administration, Cold War, America maxingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. He explores why reciprocity, strategic industries, and economic resilience have become central to today’s trade debate.   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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Hemisphere could benefit American families, energy security, supply chains, and economic growth. Yates argues that one of America’s biggest strategic opportunities may be right in its own backyard. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insight into the global events shaping your family, finances, security, and America’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 migration, public safety, and economic pressures to sovereignty, citizenship, and assimilation, Yates explains why border policy ultimately affects families far beyond the border itself. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insight into the global events shaping your family, finances, security, and America’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 abroad. He offers a framework for cutting through headlines and evaluating global events more clearly. Nation States with Yates helps you understand global events through the lens of America’s interests. Join Steve Yates, your personal national security advisor, for clear, practical analysis on the issues shaping America’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 security, Indo-Pacific stability, and the future balance of power in Asia. Nation States with Yates helps you understand global events through the lens of America’s interests. Join Steve Yates, your personal national security advisor, for clear, practical analysis on the issues shaping America’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 policy may no longer match today’s realities and what a more common-sense approach could look like. Nation States with Yates helps you understand global events through the lens of America’s interests. Join Steve Yates, your personal national security advisor, for clear, practical analysis on the issues shaping America’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Iraq, and Afghanistan... and why America is increasingly relying on alliances, technology, deterrence, and targeted force instead of long-term occupations and nation-building. Follow Nation States with Yates for practical insight into China, geopolitics, and the national security issues affecting your household and America’s future. Steve Yates breaks down complex world events as your personal national security advisor, without the Washington jargon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 strategy, and everyday life. From semiconductor chips and supply chains to democracy, deterrence, and President Trump’s approach to China, Yates explains why Taiwan has become a defining test of American leadership and global stability.   Follow Nation States with Yates for practical insight into China, geopolitics, and the national security issues affecting your household and America’s future. Steve Yates breaks down complex world events as your personal national security advisor, without the Washington jargon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.