Advertise on podcast: Nation States with Yates

China is on the ballot in the 2026 midterm elections, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Steve Yates examines how the Chinese Communist Party, fentanyl, farmland ownership, and U.S.-China trade are shaping critical congressional races from Texas to Ohio to Iowa. With Election Day approaching, Steve previews two major Nation States episodes: Tuesday's breakdown of China's influence on the midterms and the challenges facing the next Congress, followed by Thursday's examination of President Trump's high-stakes Asia meetings, Beijing's growing pressure on Taiwan, and why U.S. arms sales to Taiwan must never become a bargaining chip. Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for sharp analysis of China, American national security, foreign policy, and the geopolitical battles shaping America's future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the November 3rd midterm elections approaching, Steve Yates examines the critical issues shaping America's future. From the affordability debate and the Muslim Brotherhood's relevance to American politics to border security, energy independence, and technology, what's really at stake for voters? Plus, a look ahead at major global developments involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Brazil. What happens after Election Day, and how will America's choices impact national security and the world? Find out on Nation States with Yates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Muslim Brotherhood has moved from foreign policy debates into the center of a major U.S. Senate race. Steve Yates examines the movement’s origins in Egypt, its political ideology, its record across the Middle East, and why multiple governments have labeled or restricted it. He also breaks down the competing claims surrounding Michigan's 2026 Senate contest and explores what voters should consider when questions arise about international political movements and American public life. Listen now for a fact-based look at the history, influence, and controversies surrounding one of the most debated Islamist political movements of the last century. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Affordability is usually framed around gas prices, groceries, and housing costs. Steve Yates argues that voters should ask a different question: can America afford to reverse the policies shaping border security, energy production, technology investment, and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere? Looking at inflation, fuel prices, migration trends, and industrial growth, he compares recent history with today's policy choices and examines what those choices could mean for families and businesses. Listen now and decide whether affordability should be measured by today's prices alone or by the long-term costs of changing course.  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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran, Russia, rising affordability concerns, and the upcoming midterm elections are dominating the headlines—but what do these challenges really mean for America's future? On this edition of Nation States with Yates, national security expert Steve Yates examines the critical foreign policy, economic, and political questions facing American voters, including the long-term consequences of decisions being made in Washington. Steve previews upcoming deep dives into the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, and the Muslim Brotherhood, exploring the history behind these movements and why their influence extends far beyond any single election cycle. He also reflects on the show's powerful two-part fentanyl special, sharing his family's personal tragedy and the lessons that could help protect American families and communities. From global conflicts and national security to economic affordability and the fentanyl epidemic, Steve Yates challenges Americans to look beyond political headlines and consider what our country—and our families—can truly afford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fentanyl is more than a drug crisis. It is a family crisis, a public policy challenge, and, in Steve Yates' view, a national security issue. Drawing from the loss of his daughter after a fentanyl overdose, Steve shares hard-earned lessons about addiction, treatment, emergency decisions, grief, and the conversations families should have before a crisis arrives. He also examines border security, cartel networks, Chinese chemical precursors, law enforcement burdens, and addiction treatment policy. Listen and share this episode with someone who may benefit from these lessons learned through tragedy. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A personal account of the fentanyl crisis through the eyes of a father who lived it. Steve Yates shares the 12-day journey that began with an overdose call about his daughter Christina and ended with difficult decisions, hospice care, and heartbreak. Along the way, he reflects on addiction, counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, the toll on families, and why this epidemic reaches far beyond headlines and statistics. Listen now and prepare for Part 2, where Steve examines the family lessons and public policy questions that emerged from this devastating experience. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's fentanyl crisis is more than a national emergency—it's a devastating tragedy affecting families across the country. In this deeply personal edition of Nation States with Yates, host Steve Yates shares the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter in 2023 and the 12 devastating days that forever changed his family. Steve introduces a special two-part series examining the human cost of fentanyl, the lessons families and communities can learn, and the urgent need for stronger prevention, accountability, and justice for those responsible for supplying deadly drugs. Through his family's experience, Steve hopes to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations, and inspire action to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies. Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for this powerful two-part series exploring the fentanyl epidemic, its consequences for American families, and the policies needed to confront this national crisis. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]. Stay strong, America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump faces mounting foreign policy challenges as efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine encounter new disagreements, diesel fuel prices put pressure on American families, and Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia threaten further instability across the Middle East. In this edition of Nation States with Yates, Steve Yates examines the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the political and economic consequences of energy prices during a contentious election season, and growing concerns over regional security and global oil markets. He also revisits two major speeches exploring Western civilization, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address in Athens, Greece, and Taiwan's president's National Day remarks. Plus, Steve previews upcoming deep dives into the history of Yemen's Houthis, their role in Middle East geopolitics, and a special series examining America's fentanyl crisis and its consequences for national security and American families. Subscribe to Nation States with Yates for expert analysis of U.S. foreign policy, international relations, national security, China, Taiwan, Russia, Ukraine, and the geopolitical challenges shaping America's future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan’s National Day address was about far more than cross-strait relations. Speaking in Taipei, President William Lai framed Taiwan as a free society rooted in self-government, faith, responsibility, and democratic values. Steve Yates explains why that message matters for Americans, how it contrasts with the Chinese Communist Party’s vision, and why Taiwan’s future is tied to larger questions about freedom, deterrence, history, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. Listen now and consider how Taiwan’s story fits into America’s broader strategic interests and relationships with democratic partners around the world. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech in Athens offered more than a foreign policy message. It framed a broader argument about national strength, Western civilization, secure borders, strong allies, and why many Americans see these priorities as common sense rather than controversy. Steve Yates examines Rubio’s remarks, the reaction from critics, and what a more confident Europe could mean for American security and prosperity. Listen as Steve connects the strategic stakes behind today's debates over defense, manufacturing, energy, and national identity. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Yates previews a consequential week in global affairs as President Trump explores a potential Russia oil deal to ease diesel prices, negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war remain uncertain, and tensions with Iran continue under maximum pressure. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia threaten further instability across the Middle East. On Nation States with Yates, Steve also previews two major speeches shaping the future of international relations: Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address in Athens, Greece, on reviving Western civilization and strengthening America's European partnerships, and Taiwan's president's National Day address outlining a message with profound implications for China, U.S.-Taiwan relations, and everyday Americans. Why do these speeches matter for America's future, and what do they reveal about the changing global order? Steve explains what's ahead this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A headline-grabbing speech at Quantico was about far more than culture wars. Steve Yates examines Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s first State of the Force address, focusing on the long-term initiatives that could reshape how America recruits, equips, powers, and deploys its military. From autonomous warfare and future battlefield technologies to resilient military infrastructure and domestic base expansion, the speech offered a roadmap aimed at preparing the United States for the next generation of strategic competition. Listen and decide which ideas are likely to endure long after the headlines fade. 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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four years can change the direction of a country. Steve Yates compares where the United States stood heading into the 2022 midterms versus the landscape facing voters in 2026, focusing on four issues that shape America's future: border security, energy, technology, and the Western Hemisphere. Rather than telling listeners how to vote, he offers a framework for evaluating candidates and asking better questions about national priorities, security, economic strength, and America's strategic position. Listen, compare the trends, and decide which questions matter most before casting your vote.  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. Connect with the show at [email protected] and follow on X @NSWithYates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Yates breaks down the major national security and geopolitical stories shaping the week, including new details surrounding the FlyDubai hijacker and troubling questions about radicalization, vetting, and international intelligence sharing. Steve also examines the departure of U.S. B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns in the United Kingdom and a separate Iran-related spy scandal raising questions about the state of the U.S.-UK alliance. Plus, Brazil heads toward an October runoff following a major election result as Steve examines the broader political shift taking place across Latin America. And in the United States, an alleged Chinese spy is arrested at LAX amid accusations involving surveillance of the Taiwanese president’s son and communications with Chinese Communist Party handlers. Steve also previews two upcoming Nation States deep dives: a midterm election checklist one month out and an examination of Pete Hegseth’s State of the Force address and what it could mean for Main Street America. EMAIL STEVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.