Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode Title: The Barbarians Had Hatchets. Mike Lyons Talks to A&G
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Armstrong and Getty engage in a thought-provoking conversation with military analyst Mike Lyons. The discussion delves deep into the geopolitical shifts post-World War II, the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, European domestic politics, and the state of the Pentagon. Lyons brings his extensive military experience to provide insights into these complex issues.

NATO and the Western Powers Post-Cold War

Timestamp: 03:45

Mike Lyons begins by tracing the evolution of NATO and Western alliances since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989-1990. He criticizes the West's handling of the post-Soviet era, arguing that the gradual inclusion of former Soviet states into NATO over the past three decades overlooked the potential resurgence of Russian power.

Mike Lyons [04:14]: "NATO wins the Cold War and Russia is bankrupt... Instead of managing that properly and making sure that the Russian empire had zero chance of ever coming back again, the west decided to bring countries into NATO one at a time over the next 30 years."

Lyons contends that this approach neglected the historical lesson that expanding military alliances can provoke tensions, reminiscent of the causes of World War I.

European Domestic Politics and Economic Challenges

Timestamp: 05:51

The conversation shifts to the internal dynamics of European countries. Lyons highlights the political instability and economic mismanagement that have weakened Europe's standing on the global stage. He points to issues like unlimited immigration policies and strict free speech regulations in Germany as factors contributing to Europe's diminished influence.

Mike Lyons [06:35]: "They rely on Russia... when the Roman Empire fell, it's not because the elites didn't improve their cost of living... It fell because the barbarians had hatchets."

Lyons draws parallels between historical empire declines and the current state of Europe, emphasizing the need for military strength and energy independence.

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Timestamp: 08:04

Addressing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Lyons criticizes former U.S. President Joe Biden's administration for its role in escalating tensions. He argues that inadequate military support and a lack of strategic foresight by Western leaders emboldened Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine.

Mike Lyons [08:39]: "Russian aggression is something that has to be dealt with... Trump's transactional view is it has to stop. Once it does stop, we create an armistice."

Lyons suggests that a combination of diplomatic negotiations and a reinforced military presence may be necessary to resolve the conflict, though he remains skeptical about the current strategies employed by Western nations.

Pentagon Budget Cuts and Military Efficiency

Timestamp: 10:14

The discussion transitions to domestic military affairs, specifically the call by Pete Hegseth and former President Trump to reassess and potentially reduce the Pentagon's budget. Lyons acknowledges the need for efficiency within the military establishment but warns against undermining defense capabilities.

Mike Lyons [10:45]: "There are things that are redundant within the Pentagon... If we can get some savings out of there, 10%, then I think that'll be a win."

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining military readiness and warns that budget cuts should not compromise the United States' defensive strength.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the U.S. Military

Timestamp: 12:24

Lyons identifies the core strengths of the American military, highlighting the nation's inherent resilience and the "intangible" spirit of unity and determination among its forces.

Mike Lyons [12:24]: "Our greatest strength remains this intangible, being an American... When a mission has to get done, we're going to look left and look right and take care of each other."

However, he also points out significant weaknesses, particularly the lag in technological advancements and equipment compared to potential adversaries.

Mike Lyons [13:43]: "If we still don't have the technology and don't have the equipment and if we come up with somebody that has better things, we're not going to overcome that... We still have to have military might, we have to have material might."

Closing Remarks

In concluding the episode, Armstrong and Getty reflect on Lyons' insights, acknowledging the complex interplay between historical precedents and current geopolitical strategies. They underscore the importance of balancing military efficiency with robust defense capabilities to navigate the uncertainties of global politics.

Armstrong and Getty [11:54]: "We have always said around here at the A and G show that the kindest, best thing we can do for our actual fighting men and women is to ensure there's efficiency at the Pentagon."

Conclusion

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary military and political challenges. Mike Lyons' expert analysis provides listeners with a deeper understanding of NATO's evolution, Europe's internal struggles, the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the critical considerations surrounding the Pentagon's budgeting and military preparedness.

For those interested in geopolitical analysis and military affairs, this episode is a must-listen, presenting a well-rounded discussion that connects historical lessons with present-day issues.