On Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Kelsey discuss the tactical, operational, and strategic imperatives associated with the War on Christmas. Do Santa’s twice-checked lists threaten the NSA’s data supremacy? Kelsey floats the possibility of countering Santa by destroying the joy of America’s children. What are the best aircraft to challenge Santa’s sleigh in a dog fight? Is it time to nuke the North Pole? Rob and Kelsey discuss the lessons of the Imperial assault on Hoth as prelude to a similar attack on Santa’s northern stronghold. Finally, they consider the possibility of replacing Santa with a fleet of loveable drones, and also point out the value of signature drone strikes against Santa’s reindeer herd.

On Foreign Entanglements, Meir and Emily discuss Iran. What exactly is the point of the nuclear deal? And will Iran play by the rules? Emily brings up the possible military applications of Iran’s nuclear program, and Meir argues that Iran deserves the benefit of the doubt. Emily counters that Obama has given up too much leverage in the negotiations. They close by finding some points of agreement.

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob speaks with Toshi about the new Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea. Toshi discusses the significance of the ADIZ for military and civilian flights from the US, Japan, and South Korea. They consider how China will enforce the zone. Why here, and why now? Toshi argues that if America recognizes the zone, we might as well pack up and go home. Rob and Toshi debate whether the declaration was a bureaucratic error or came from the top. They conclude by discussing China’s new aircraft carrier, which is deploying to the South China Sea.

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob speaks with Erica about the effectiveness of non-violent protest. Erica works through the logic of why non-violence often proves a better practical choice than violent resistance, while Rob wonders why so many movements nevertheless resort to violence. Erica contrasts Egypt’s 2011 revolution and 2013 coup. They discuss the possibility of creating a policy infrastructure for supporting non-violent resistance, which Erica views with some skepticism. Is it possible to turn a violent movement toward non-violence? Plus: What Erica’s research could have taught the Occupy movement.

On Foreign Entanglements, Matt and Meir discuss the Iran nuclear negotiations. They disagree over whether the Arak reactor should be halted as a first step or under a final deal, but agree that additional sanctions now being considered by Congress are a bad idea. Would a nuclear deal help or hinder the cause of political reform in Iran? Turning to Israel, Matt can’t believe that Avigdor Lieberman is now sounding more reasonable than Netanyahu. Does Bibi recognize the linkage between settlements and Iran?

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Daniel take a critical look at the idea that America must keep force “on the table” with respect to nuclear negotiations with Iran. They discuss the news that Saudi Arabia may have contracted for a nuclear deterrent with Pakistan, and briefly discuss Israeli attitudes toward the negotiations. How will domestic US political considerations affect a nuclear deal? They next examine the ongoing political phenomenon that is John Bolton. Rob and Daniel conclude with a discussion of air power and American foreign policy.

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Kelsey don their Breaking Bad Halloween costumes to talk about drones and science fiction. Kelsey describes many of the less well-known uses of drones, including anti-poaching and disaster relief efforts. They identify a distinction between how drones are really used and their popular image. They then discuss the technological cross-pollination between military and civilian uses. Turning to the new Ender’s Game film, they explore how the sci-fi series treats child soldiers and anticipates drone warfare. What can the Ender series tell us about the moral implications of drones?

On an unfortunately truncated Foreign Entanglements, Rob and Stephen reflect on the legacy of Tom Clancy, who died recently at 66, and explore how his books have affected contemporary views of the military. Have advancements in defense strategy made it harder to be a hero?

On Foreign Entanglements, Matt and Michael discuss last week’s speech by Iranian President Rouhani. Matt argues that the US needs to recognize the internal political pressures facing Rouhani. Can the US influence Iran’s politics through negotiations? What would a good nuclear deal look like? Is Iran’s desire for nuclear weapons driven by rational statecraft or religious fundamentalism?

On Foreign Entanglements, Rob speaks with Laura about the recent attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall. Laura frames the attack within the larger context of Somalia-Kenya relations, including America’s role in supporting operations targeting Al Shabab. Was this attack a sign of desperation? Rob notes the professional character of the attack. Do Kenyans support their military’s activities in Somalia? Rob and Laura discuss the role of the International Criminal Court in African politics in the context of Kenya’s own ICC experience. Finally, Laura notes that Kenya’s response to the attack demonstrated signs of progress for the nation.