In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect a ceasefire that exists mostly on paper and a war that has created more problems than it has solved. The Strait of Hormuz has gone from highway to choke point, while what to do about Iran’s nuclear efforts and its support of proxies remains as much of a question as ever. Along the way, they critique a decision-making process dominated by a president that contains little in the way of process, expertise, or analysis. Fortunately, they end with their fearless and probably baseless predictions for this week’s Masters golf championship.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In this episode of Alternate Shots, hosts John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect a familiar American illusion: that battlefield dominance equals strategic victory. Yes, Iran has taken a beating; but, as Haass notes, capability plus will still makes for a dangerous adversary. The conversation skewers the president’s speech which failed to articulate a strategy for what comes next. Meanwhile, Gulf allies fret, NATO frays into a polite fiction, and China quietly enjoys the distraction. The verdict: the U.S. may be winning the war it is fighting, but risks losing the one that matters. A classic case of measuring what’s measurable and missing what’s decisive. Plus a few thoughts on Cuba, Tiger Woods, and the Masters.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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War, markets, and maritime choke points collide in this brisk tour of a Middle East crisis that could empty gas tanks worldwide. John Ellis and Richard Haass unpack whether the U.S. has really clipped Iran’s wings or merely annoyed a country that can still turn the Strait of Hormuz into the world’s most expensive parking lot. They debate mines, drones, insurance panic, election math, and a White House strategy that may be improvising in real time. Along the way, Haass unveils his stark “we break it, you own it” doctrine for allies now stuck holding the bill. It is geopolitics as supply chain thriller, with a golf detour for recovery of morale.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect the messy endgame of the US-Israeli war with Iran. They discuss leverage, informal and formal ceasefires, and strategy. The conversation explores whether and how Washington might end a conflict it started, given that Israel and Iran still have their own agendas. Haass explains why Iran’s biggest bargaining chip may be the Strait of Hormuz, where even the threat of disruption has sent oil markets into panic. The discussion widens to the geopolitical ripple effects: Russia and China quietly benefiting from U.S. distraction, Ukraine watching American weapons flow elsewhere, and the uncomfortable reality that a trillion-dollar Pentagon still struggles with the cheap drone warfare dominating modern battlefields. And as always the two find a way to pivot from geopolitics to golf, safely predicting that the favorite will win the Players Championship.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In this week’s episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass dissect the widening conflict with Iran, asking the uncomfortable question: what exactly is the strategy? They debate the shaky logic behind Operation Epic Fury, the limits of American air-defense stockpiles, and why time may actually favor Tehran. Along the way, they examine how the war could boost Russia, drain resources needed for Ukraine, and rattle U.S. politics at home. The conclusion is sobering: wars of choice are easy to start, much harder to end, and the clock may already be ticking on Washington’s ability to control the outcome.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin in Iran, where the Trump administration has assembled more military might than strategy. From there, they unpack the recent Supreme Court decision on tariffs, making clear it will not lead to any clarity for the country’s trading partners. The conversation then moves south, where cartel violence potentially threatens both the United States and Mexico. Closer to home, they examine the awkward but unavoidable topic of diminishing presidential capacity. And last but not least, they somehow manage to end on a high note thanks to Olympic hockey.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In this episode of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haass begin with the recent Munich Security Conference. A focus is Marco Rubio's speech, which was praised by some but did little to reassure on Ukraine or on US support for a democratic Europe.

The conversation shifts to Asia, where Japan is undergoing a historic transformation in its national security posture, strengthening its defense and moving closer to Taiwan, much to China's dismay. Meanwhile, in North Korea, internal dynamics are drawing attention, particularly the emerging public profile of Kim Jong Un's daughter, which may signal new uncertainties over succession.

Ellis and Haass also explore the impact of AI on the economy. AI is reshaping -- sooner than anticipated -- how companies operate, threatening traditional software models while opening new possibilities for efficiency and innovation, leading among other things to short-selling of software companies.

As always, the episode concludes with the sports world: the remarkable comeback of golfer Anthony Kim, Collin Morikawa's victory at the AT&T, and the big news from the Olympics: the condom shortage in the host village.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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In episode 16 of Alternate Shots, John Ellis and Richard Haassbegin with Iran and the critical question of how the U.S. defines “success” as well as the limits to what military force could accomplish. They then turn to the expiration of the New Start, the last remaining U.S.-Russians ams control pact, and the even bigger problem of horizontal proliferation—particularly if countries like South Korea and Japan begin doubting U.S. security guarantees. The discussion turns to concerns about the integrity of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Ellis and Haass examine the potential for voter suppression and inaccurate counts by the Trump administration, casting doubt on the willingness of Republicans in Congress to stand up for democratic stability. They also reflect on the decline of major media institutions in light of the massive firings at The Washington Post. The episode concludes with lighter fare: Super Bowl predictions along with explanations of why Ellis loves curling and Haass the biathlon.

Hosted by John Ellis and Richard Haass

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Produced by Dale Eisinger