What drives someone to risk everything to speak truth to power? Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman faced that choice when he witnessed what he believed was an abuse of power by the President of the United States during President Trump’s first term in office. His decision to report it changed his life forever and thrust him into the center of one of the most consequential political moments in modern American history.
In this gripping conversation, Vindman takes us inside the moment he decided to blow the whistle, guided by a simple but powerful question: "If not you, who? If not now, when?" In this episode, we explore the intersection of personal values and public service, as well as how domestic politics can collide with international security to have unexpected results.
Vindman doesn't just recount the past—he analyzes the present dangers facing American democracy. From the rise of authoritarianism at home to the unpredictable dynamics of global affairs, he offers a national security expert's perspective on why the stakes for our country have never been higher. This isn't just a story about one man's decision to do what he believed was right; it's a blueprint for navigating moral complexity in an era when democratic institutions are under unprecedented strain.
With candor and insight, Vindman discusses the personal cost of principled leadership, the challenges of maintaining integrity in a polarized political environment, and why resilience—both personal and institutional—is essential for democracy's survival., and how, where domestic politics collides with international security,
This is a must watch for anyone who cares about Making Sense of the World.
