#268 Mike Waltz - Special Forces Green Beret Turned UN Ambassador Warns About China - Shawn Ryan Show Recap
Podcast: Shawn Ryan Show
Published: 2026-01-05
Duration: 2 hr 27 min
Guests: Mike Waltz
Summary
Mike Waltz, a retired Green Beret and current U.N. Ambassador, discusses the strategic and economic threats posed by China, emphasizing the need for robust U.S. military and economic policies.
What Happened
Mike Waltz, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Congressman, provides a detailed account of his upbringing in Jacksonville, Florida, where his family had a strong military tradition. Despite growing up in challenging circumstances, his mother's dedication to education profoundly influenced him.
Waltz became the first Green Beret elected to Congress, serving on key committees such as Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs. He co-founded the Four Country Caucus to promote bipartisan cooperation among veteran Congress members and authored books like 'Warrior Diplomat' and 'Hard Truths.'
During the episode, Waltz delves into his military experiences, including his time in Afghanistan and policy roles in Washington, D.C. He underscores the importance of discipline and self-motivation, relating them to his military and political careers.
Waltz discusses the strategic implications of China's growing economic and military power, warning that the U.S. has never faced an adversary with such economic might. He emphasizes the need for the U.S. to enhance its supply chain resilience and economic strength to counter China's influence.
The conversation touches on Waltz's leadership philosophy, which he describes as 'servant leadership,' and his advocacy for more veterans in political roles. He argues that veterans bring essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and mission focus to Congress.
Waltz also highlights the UN's role in international diplomacy, noting the organization's need for reform and the U.S.'s efforts to push for changes that align with American interests. He discusses the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords and stability efforts in Lebanon.
The episode concludes with Waltz's views on the importance of maintaining long-term military partnerships, such as the U.S.-South Korea alliance, and the necessity of strategic messaging in international relations.
Key Insights
- China's economic power poses a unique challenge to the U.S., as it is the first adversary with comparable economic might, necessitating enhanced supply chain resilience and economic strength from the U.S.
- Veterans in Congress are seen as valuable due to their leadership, teamwork, and mission focus, which are skills developed through military service and can enhance political decision-making.
- The United Nations requires reform to better align with American interests, with ongoing U.S. efforts aimed at pushing for changes within the organization to improve its effectiveness in international diplomacy.
- Maintaining long-term military partnerships, such as the U.S.-South Korea alliance, is crucial for strategic messaging and stability in international relations, highlighting the importance of enduring alliances.