Robert Wright's Nonzero The Year in Trump Foreign Policy (Robert Wright, Andrew Day, and Connor Echols)
Dec 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Day, a senior editor at The American Conservative, and Connor Echols, a reporter at Responsible Statecraft, analyze the complexities of Trump’s foreign policy. They dive into U.S. strategies in Venezuela and Ukraine, highlighting power dynamics and the influence of hawkish advisors. The guests also debate Trump's approach to Israel, China's policies, and the impact of technology on modern warfare, like drones. Their insights reveal a world navigating the unpredictable landscape shaped by Trump's ideologies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Venezuela Escalation Reflects Neocon Continuity
- The Trump Venezuela escalation reads as incoherent but reflects continuity with prior administration hawks.
- Robert Wright argues the policy looks like a neocon-driven regime-change push led by figures like Marco Rubio.
Escalation Risks From Provocative Posturing
- Military posturing around Venezuela creates many escalation opportunities and near-misses.
- Connor Echols warns the U.S. may be trying to provoke Maduro into a mistake rather than pursue a clear objective.
Counter The Policy By Targeting Its Narrative
- Attack the political narrative to undermine hawkish Venezuela policy by exposing key advocates.
- Robert Wright suggests framing it as "the deep state is back" with Marco Rubio pulling strings to influence Trump.