Summary: Retired Admiral <a href="https://twitter.com/stavridisj">James Stavridis</a> wants to remind us: Despite headlines about the rise of ISIS, there are bigger existential threats to America. “Terrorism is not apocalyptic, it’s a tool,” says Stavridis. He warns that conflicts with Russia and China are much more worrisome and likely to include a maritime component. “Again and again when there’s a crisis, the first question from the president is, where are the [aircraft] carriers? They are flexible and they can strike.” His new book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/073522059X/?tag=slatmaga-20"><em>Sea Power</em></a>. <br><br>In the Spiel, making a supergroup of the musicians in Trump’s White House. <br><br>Join <strong>Slate Plus</strong>! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at <a href="http://www.slate.com/gistplus">slate.com/gistplus</a>.
