Caitlin Talmadge
@proftalmadge.bsky.social
MIT professor, Brookings senior fellow, series editor at Cornell Press ⎮ Foreign policy, military operations, civil-military relations, nuclear weapons, authoritarianism ⎮ Views are my own ⎮ Book: The Dictator's Army
https://www.caitlintalmadge.com/
https://www.caitlintalmadge.com/
Pinned
Who could have foreseen that turning poorly trained, heavily armed, ideologically motivated goons loose on residential streets would result in US citizens getting murdered
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
Immigrants to America are great. They enrich communities and make us stronger, safer, and more prosperous than society would be otherwise.
Just saying this out loud because I’ve not seen much articulation of a positive case for immigration, lately, even as opposition to mass deportation grows.
Just saying this out loud because I’ve not seen much articulation of a positive case for immigration, lately, even as opposition to mass deportation grows.
January 26, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Immigrants to America are great. They enrich communities and make us stronger, safer, and more prosperous than society would be otherwise.
Just saying this out loud because I’ve not seen much articulation of a positive case for immigration, lately, even as opposition to mass deportation grows.
Just saying this out loud because I’ve not seen much articulation of a positive case for immigration, lately, even as opposition to mass deportation grows.
Contradictions of late-stage MAGA www.wsj.com/us-news/gun-...
Gun-Rights Groups Clash With Trump Officials Over Fatal Shooting of Armed Protester
Some in the administration have criticized Alex Pretti for carrying a gun to a protest activity, but Second Amendment groups have long fought for the right to do so.
www.wsj.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Contradictions of late-stage MAGA www.wsj.com/us-news/gun-...
Oops, it turns out fascism is unpopular www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Exclusive | Trump Says Administration Is ‘Reviewing Everything’ About Minneapolis Shooting
In an interview, the president says immigration-enforcement officers will “at some point” leave the area.
www.wsj.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Oops, it turns out fascism is unpopular www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
Do better. Call your buddy George W. Bush and show up together in Minneapolis.
Don’t just write statements. DO something with your megaphone.
Don’t just write statements. DO something with your megaphone.
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
January 25, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Do better. Call your buddy George W. Bush and show up together in Minneapolis.
Don’t just write statements. DO something with your megaphone.
Don’t just write statements. DO something with your megaphone.
With the aid of chocolate I have brought myself to read the just-released National Defense Strategy. A few quick reactions: 1/7
media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/...
media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/...
media.defense.gov
January 25, 2026 at 6:48 PM
With the aid of chocolate I have brought myself to read the just-released National Defense Strategy. A few quick reactions: 1/7
media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/...
media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/...
Incredibly significant development in Chinese civil-military relations, one that I believe probably lowers the risk of near-term conflict over Taiwan. Xi unlikely to launch a war after hollowing out military leadership.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
Exclusive | China’s Top General Accused of Giving Nuclear Secrets to U.S.
Bribery allegations have also been leveled against Gen. Zhang Youxia, whose downfall carries implications for the country’s military readiness.
www.wsj.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Incredibly significant development in Chinese civil-military relations, one that I believe probably lowers the risk of near-term conflict over Taiwan. Xi unlikely to launch a war after hollowing out military leadership.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
A crazy(?) part of my brain thinks that the horrific events in Minnesota make a U.S. strike on Iran more likely. The relevant military assets are now assembled in the Middle East. Hope I am wrong, but Trump knows how to change the conversation.
January 25, 2026 at 3:26 PM
A crazy(?) part of my brain thinks that the horrific events in Minnesota make a U.S. strike on Iran more likely. The relevant military assets are now assembled in the Middle East. Hope I am wrong, but Trump knows how to change the conversation.
Vetted organizations supporting the people of Minnesota-- worth a look if you are searching for ways to actually do something
www.standwithminnesota.com
www.standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Vetted organizations supporting the people of Minnesota-- worth a look if you are searching for ways to actually do something
www.standwithminnesota.com
www.standwithminnesota.com
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
📣📣📣Announcing...Chalkboard Politics @chalkboardpolitics.bsky.social, a podcast by students, for students (and their teachers). Written, edited, and mixed by the students at @siwpscolumbia.bsky.social and distributed by @goodauth.bsky.social. 1/ www.podbean.com/media/share/...
January 20, 2026 at 10:15 PM
📣📣📣Announcing...Chalkboard Politics @chalkboardpolitics.bsky.social, a podcast by students, for students (and their teachers). Written, edited, and mixed by the students at @siwpscolumbia.bsky.social and distributed by @goodauth.bsky.social. 1/ www.podbean.com/media/share/...
Good luck with that www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Trump Seeks ‘Decisive’ Options for Iran as Assets Move Into Middle East
U.S. jet fighters have arrived in the region and an aircraft carrier is on its way.
www.wsj.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Good luck with that www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
"The Venezuelan military’s incompetence appears to have played a big role in the U.S. success.... Russia may have quietly allowed the military equipment it sold Venezuela to fall into disrepair, to avoid greater conflict with Washington."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/w...
Russia’s Fearsome Arsenal Fizzled in Venezuela. Here’s Why.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:31 PM
"The Venezuelan military’s incompetence appears to have played a big role in the U.S. success.... Russia may have quietly allowed the military equipment it sold Venezuela to fall into disrepair, to avoid greater conflict with Washington."
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/w...
Just trying to buckle down today and immerse myself in the blissful irrelevance of scholarly work as I look at archival evidence on **checks notes** US military responses to the Iranian Revolution 👀
January 12, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Just trying to buckle down today and immerse myself in the blissful irrelevance of scholarly work as I look at archival evidence on **checks notes** US military responses to the Iranian Revolution 👀
Pleased to join @brookings.edu podcast The Current with @sranderson.bsky.social to discuss the implications of the Maduro raid. www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
January 8, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Pleased to join @brookings.edu podcast The Current with @sranderson.bsky.social to discuss the implications of the Maduro raid. www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
A busy day at @brookings.edu talking Venezuela.
First, this phenomenal podcast conversation with @proftalmadge.bsky.social for The Current (recorded yesterday but just published):
www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
First, this phenomenal podcast conversation with @proftalmadge.bsky.social for The Current (recorded yesterday but just published):
www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
What did the US achieve in the Venezuela operation? | Brookings
Scott Anderson and Caitlin Talmadge discuss the legal, tactical, and strategic angles of the recent U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Anderson, a fel...
www.brookings.edu
January 8, 2026 at 6:10 PM
A busy day at @brookings.edu talking Venezuela.
First, this phenomenal podcast conversation with @proftalmadge.bsky.social for The Current (recorded yesterday but just published):
www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
First, this phenomenal podcast conversation with @proftalmadge.bsky.social for The Current (recorded yesterday but just published):
www.brookings.edu/articles/wha...
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
ICE is accusing the woman who was shot to death by an ICE agent today in Minneapolis of "weaponizing her vehicle" and "attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them -- an act of domestic terrorism"
January 7, 2026 at 7:41 PM
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
Who could have foreseen that turning poorly trained, heavily armed, ideologically motivated goons loose on residential streets would result in US citizens getting murdered
January 7, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Who could have foreseen that turning poorly trained, heavily armed, ideologically motivated goons loose on residential streets would result in US citizens getting murdered
It was only a matter of time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9CJ...
ICE officer fatally shoots driver in Minneapolis
YouTube video by Minnesota Reformer
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:33 PM
It was only a matter of time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9CJ...
So the US killed five Venezuelan GENERALS in the Maduro raid. As one often does in standard "law enforcement" operations.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Venezuela's interim leader sacks man in charge of Maduro's guard
General Javier Marcano Tábata was the commander of the inner circle of guards tasked with protecting Maduro.
www.bbc.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:16 PM
So the US killed five Venezuelan GENERALS in the Maduro raid. As one often does in standard "law enforcement" operations.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
1/Quick thoughts on Venezuela oil and what it means for world politics. Rather than a simple story of corporate oligarchy, more about Trump putting himself at the center of spoils that can be used to consolidate power i.e neo-royalism.
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/06/t...
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/06/t...
Trump says Venezuela to give up to 50 million barrels of oil to U.S.
Trump's announcement came days after U.S. forces attacked Venezuela and captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, to be prosecuted on drug-trafficking charges.
www.cnbc.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:07 PM
1/Quick thoughts on Venezuela oil and what it means for world politics. Rather than a simple story of corporate oligarchy, more about Trump putting himself at the center of spoils that can be used to consolidate power i.e neo-royalism.
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/06/t...
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/06/t...
Great deep dive here on Interior Minister Cabello and the threat he poses to Rodriguez's consolidation of power in Venezuela. “Delcy may have Donald Trump’s ear, but she doesn’t have the guns, and Cabello knows that.”
Authoritarian politics 101
www.wsj.com/world/americ...
Authoritarian politics 101
www.wsj.com/world/americ...
The Brutal Maduro Enforcer Standing in Trump’s Way in Venezuela
Cabello looms as the biggest obstacle to Trump’s hopes for a stable, U.S.-friendly oil state.
www.wsj.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Great deep dive here on Interior Minister Cabello and the threat he poses to Rodriguez's consolidation of power in Venezuela. “Delcy may have Donald Trump’s ear, but she doesn’t have the guns, and Cabello knows that.”
Authoritarian politics 101
www.wsj.com/world/americ...
Authoritarian politics 101
www.wsj.com/world/americ...
Nothing says "compact of free association" like a threat of invasion
www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
U.S. military action an option to acquire Greenland, White House says
President Donald Trump's renewed interest in Greenland comes days after the U.S. arrest and extraction of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.
www.nbcnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Nothing says "compact of free association" like a threat of invasion
www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
Well, this is fun. The US is chasing an EMPTY oil tanker around the Atlantic. It's like the entire Venezuela adventure in a nutshell.
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
Exclusive | Russia Sends Submarine to Escort Tanker the U.S. Tried to Seize Off Venezuela
The move raises the stakes over the Trump administration’s attempt to seize the Bella 1, which officials say is part of fleet transporting illicit oil.
www.wsj.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:41 PM
Well, this is fun. The US is chasing an EMPTY oil tanker around the Atlantic. It's like the entire Venezuela adventure in a nutshell.
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
www.wsj.com/world/russia...
This should disabuse anyone of the notion that Trump cares about Venezuelan people or democracy. Key question: will remnants of Maduro regime remain cohesive & comply w/ US demands? Lots of potential for internal conflict (coups, civil war) & further US military escalation (assassinations/strikes).
It's as if America toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003 and then put Qusay in charge. "There is no sign that the United States’ demands include less repression. Instead the regime is taking the opportunity to crack down." www.economist.com/the-americas...
The Venezuelan regime is rapidly consolidating its grip on power
The democratic opposition is left out in the cold
www.economist.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:45 AM
This should disabuse anyone of the notion that Trump cares about Venezuelan people or democracy. Key question: will remnants of Maduro regime remain cohesive & comply w/ US demands? Lots of potential for internal conflict (coups, civil war) & further US military escalation (assassinations/strikes).
Reposted by Caitlin Talmadge
Pleased to contribute a short piece for this @brookings.edu roundup on Venezuela, alongside experts like @proftalmadge.bsky.social. Mine is titled "A precedented intervention in unprecedented times."
www.brookings.edu/articles/mak...
www.brookings.edu/articles/mak...
Making sense of the US military operation in Venezuela | Brookings
Brookings experts consider the immediate implications of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
www.brookings.edu
January 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Pleased to contribute a short piece for this @brookings.edu roundup on Venezuela, alongside experts like @proftalmadge.bsky.social. Mine is titled "A precedented intervention in unprecedented times."
www.brookings.edu/articles/mak...
www.brookings.edu/articles/mak...