A Chat With Leslie on the US National Security Strategy, Energy, and Transatlantic “Tough Love”

In this episode of the Energy Vista podcast, Leslie Palti-Guzman is joined by David Goldwyn, President of Goldwyn Global Strategy and former US State Department Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, to unpack the newly released US National Security Strategy and what it signals for energy, geopolitics, and the transatlantic alliance.

This is genuine, lively debate over their respective takeaways from the strategy. 

Together, Leslie and David explore and debate:

How the National Security Strategy was crafted and why it marks a  departure from previous US grand strategy documents
The elevation of energy dominance, and the contradictions it creates for US oil, gas, LNG, and clean energy industries
The growing pressure on Europe to align energy procurement, industrial policy, and trade choices with US geopolitical priorities
The administration’s uneasy view of Europe’s economic weakness, political fragmentation, cultural erosion, and vulnerability to China
Whether US pressure strengthens Europe or risks pushing it to diversify away from American LNG and US leadership
The future role of Russia in the European continent 

The discussion closes with a candid reflection on policymaking in Washington today.

A rich, nuanced conversation at the intersection of energy, strategy, and alliance politics, offering both hard truths and unresolved tensions shaping the future of the transatlantic relationship.

🎧 Recorded on December 12, 2025
Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify

#EnergyVista #geopolitics #energysecurity #nationalsecurity #LNG #gas #transatlantic #oil #Europe #USA #China #Russia #energystrategy #alliances #marketintelligence #geoeconomics

00:00 Introduction to Energy Vista Podcast
00:52 Introducing David Goldwyn and His Expertise
01:19 US Energy Dominance and National Security
03:29 US Strategy on China and Global Competition
04:25 Drafting National Security Strategies
06:30 Transactional Approach in US Strategy
08:15 Focus on Western Hemisphere and Resource Rights
09:58 Acknowledging a Multipolar World
10:54 Challenges in US-Europe Energy Relations
12:36 US Domestic Energy Strategy Issues
16:57 US Energy Boom and Market Fundamentals
18:01 Europe's Economic Stability and China Ties
22:15 Germany's Energy Dilemma with Russian Gas
23:28 US Strategy and Democratic Values in Europe
27:30 Complexities in US-Europe LNG Trade
30:35 US Strategy on European Immigration and Stability
36:43 Europe's Role in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
39:02 US and Russia Negotiations and Pressure
41:45 European Division on Energy Policies with Russia
44:24 Political Climate for Energy Experts in DC
48:00 Energy Bureau Elimination and Diplomacy Impact
51:13 Conclusion and Thanks to David Goldwyn