Beyond the Water's Edge


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The Future of Conservative Foreign Policy With Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX)

The Vandenberg Coalition was honored to host Congressman Pat Fallon (R-TX) for an on-the-record discussion about his views on the Future of Conservative Foreign Policy. Congressman Fallon has long argued that our adversaries know exactly what it takes to undermine American leadership, and it doesn’t involve bombs and ships. By slowly eroding the fabric of American society and the values we hold dear, China and Russia know they are aiming at the heart of what makes this country great. Congressman Fallon joined us to discuss the threats from our adversaries and what more we can do to build American resilience. You can watch this conversation here and view previous installments of this series on our website.

China in the Homeland

Episode 5: How States Can Stand Up to China, Part One: Executive Branch

From getting Chinese components out of America’s critical infrastructure and stopping state tax dollars from funding CCP companies, governors and their cabinets play important roles protecting the American heartland from the CCP threat. In this episode, Kenny Zoeller, Director of the Policy Research Office for Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, discusses how state executives can use the tools at their disposal to identify vulnerabilities, build coalitions, and work with the federal government to enact proactive policies against the CCP’s malign influence schemes. You can find the episode on our website, YouTube, and podcast platforms.

Featured

A Prolonged War in Iran Could Hand China the Commodity It Prizes Most

TVC Advisory Board Member Craig Singleton | The Washington Post | March 17, 2026

Bottom Line: Whether today’s conflict ultimately helps or hurts China’s long-term position depends on the endgame. A prolonged quagmire that bleeds U.S. resources and breeds war fatigue would weaken Washington’s resolve for a future fight, potentially in the Indo-Pacific. A short, decisive campaign that achieves its stated objectives would do the opposite and stiffen deterrence. For Beijing, the stakes are the signal: America’s capacity to impose outcomes, sustain operations, and exit on its own terms.

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How Trump Can Increase Pressure on the Cuban Regime

TVC National Security Council Member Connor Pfeiffer | Washington Examiner | March 19, 2026

Bottom Line: Pressure may be necessary for the Trump administration to secure a deal that will bring about political change in Cuba. After all, the regime created by late dictator Fidel Castro has survived many shocks over seven decades: the Cuban Missile Crisis, the fall of the Soviet Union, and, more recently, massive protests in 2021, which were followed by nearly one-fifth of the population leaving the country. Trump has a historic opportunity to help the Cuban people take back their country after 67 years of communist rule and end a significant national security threat 90 miles from Florida.

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The U.S. Ammo Shortage Is Worse Than You Think

TVC Advisory Board Member Seth Jones | The Wall Street Journal | March 20, 2026

Bottom Line: The conflict with Iran is an urgent reminder that the U.S. needs a defense industrial base that can wage a high-intensity war against American adversaries—especially China. The Trump administration has taken important steps to increase production of some munitions, reform an antiquated acquisition system, and establish incentives for private-sector innovation. It is critical now to accelerate these changes.

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Iran’s Stryker Hack - Why Trump’s Cyber Strategy Matters

TVC Advisory Board Member Heather Nauert & Len Khodorkovsky | Real Clear Defense | March 20, 2026

Bottom Line: Cyberattacks are no longer technical disruptions. They are strategic tests of American strength. The question is whether we will meet the challenge with equal resolve. President Trump’s cyber strategy is a serious step toward restoring deterrence, strengthening resilience, and ensuring America—not its adversaries—sets the terms of competition in the digital age.

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Protect America, End Iran’s Export of Terror

Rep. Gabe Evans | The Denver Gazette | March 15, 2026

Bottom Line: The United States prefers peace. President Trump offered Iran a deal — low grade nuclear fuel in exchange for abandoning weapons grade enrichment. The Ayatollah rejected it. In negotiations, his government bragged about having 1,000 pounds of 60 percent uranium. When diplomacy fails, the United States must be prepared to act quickly, overwhelmingly, and decisively.

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