969: Is a New Cold War Starting?

Poland is showing America what a real ally looks like—so why are we ignoring it while the world edges toward Cold War 2.0?
Are we already living in Cold War 2.0—and is Poland the ally that proves America needs a major foreign policy reset?
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In a world teetering on the edge—Russia invading Ukraine, China flexing in the Pacific, and global alliances in flux—what country stands tall as a model ally? You’ve probably heard every hot take on America’s foreign policy, but have you looked at Poland? In this episode of The Brian Nichols Show, we explore a bold argument: that Poland, not Germany or France, is the blueprint for how America should build alliances in a chaotic world. Why does Poland get it right—and why does America keep ignoring it?
Brian sits down with Ed Tarnowski, policy director and host of the State of Choice podcast, to break down why Poland—and its Eastern European neighbors—are stepping up where others fall short. From defense spending and military readiness to standing firm against Russian aggression, Poland is walking the walk while the rest of NATO keeps talking. We dig deep into what makes a country a "model ally" and why Twitter spats with Elon Musk might do more harm than good.
But this episode doesn’t just stop at Poland. It raises a bigger question: Can America afford to keep playing global referee while ignoring the potholes, disasters, and kitchen-table issues happening at home? Brian challenges Ed on whether this hawkish approach is sustainable—or whether it risks sparking a backlash from Americans who feel left behind. Get ready for a real back-and-forth, grounded in history and current events.
From Cold War warnings to today’s entangled alliances, the episode unpacks the real-world stakes of foreign policy decisions. Whether it's China's growing power, NATO's evolving role, or the domestic consequences of endless global obligations, Brian and Ed tackle the balancing act between global peace and local prosperity. It's not just theory—it’s what’s shaping your life and your liberty.
If you’re tired of foreign policy debates filled with clichés and tribalism, this episode is your refresh. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of why alliances matter, where America should focus next, and how liberty can be defended without empire-building. Don’t miss this smart, sharp, and high-stakes episode. Tap in now—and bring your thinking cap.
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