Anne Applebaum & Frank Foer on Syria, The Middle East, and Ukraine
Dec 15, 2024
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Anne Applebaum, a foreign policy writer from The Atlantic and expert on authoritarian regimes, joins Frank Foer, also a writer from The Atlantic focused on international affairs. Together, they delve into the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, discussing its regional consequences. They explore the U.S. military's role in the Middle East, the impact of Trump's presidency on global alliances, and the ongoing struggles in Ukraine against Putin's aggression. Their insights reveal the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics shaping our world today.
The decline of Bashar al-Assad's regime indicates a shift in power dynamics in Syria, influenced by external pressures from countries like Iran and Russia.
Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy could undermine U.S. support for Ukraine and complicate international relations, particularly with autocratic regimes.
Deep dives
Audible's Curated List for 2024
The podcast highlights Audible's curated selections for the best audiobooks, podcasts, and originals of 2024 across various genres. Notable mentions include impactful memoirs such as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's 'Lovely One' and fiction like Kristen Hanna's 'The Women,' which showcases significant storytelling from the past year. The episode also emphasizes thrilling original content, including Amy Tintero's engaging mystery 'Listen for the Lie,' which follows the journey of a woman trying to reconstruct a night of her life she can't remember. This diverse selection reflects the rich landscape of audio entertainment that Audible aims to offer listeners.
Syria's Political Climate and Power Dynamics
The discussion shifts to the complex geopolitical situation in Syria, focusing on the long-standing conflict and its implications for regional stability. It suggests that the Assad regime's decline is a result of internal dissent compounded by external pressures from powers like Iran and Russia, which have historically supported Assad. As these backers face their own vulnerabilities, such as the distraction of Russian forces with the war in Ukraine, the ground shifts significantly, raising questions about the future power structures in Syria. The panelists propose that as the regime falters, defections from its security forces reflect a growing unwillingness to support a government increasingly viewed as illegitimate.
The Impact of Trump's Leadership on Global Affairs
The episode explores the potential ramifications of Donald Trump's leadership style on international relations, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. Trump's unpredictable methodology raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine and whether his administration would shift towards a more isolationist stance. Key issues arise regarding how his approach could embolden Russia, potentially allowing it to renegotiate terms in its favor. The conversation suggests that Trump's fondness for autocratic regimes complicates the U.S.'s historical role as a stabilizing force in global politics.
Israeli Strategy and Regional Security
The dialogue touches on Israel's evolving position within Middle Eastern politics, especially in light of recent conflicts involving Lebanon and Gaza. It highlights Israel's military actions against Hezbollah and the perceived weakening of Iran's influence as contributing factors to Israel's enhanced regional security strategies. With Israel flexing its military capabilities, the discussion raises the possibility of political shifts that could either stabilize or further complicate relations with neighboring countries. The podcast notes that these developments may influence how Israel navigates future negotiations and its overall strategy in the region.
We're joined by two of our favorite foreign policy writers to examine what the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means to Syria and the region. Frank Foer and Anne Applebaum from The Atlantic also look toward the incoming Trump administration and what lies ahead. Can Trump be a steady hand to stop escalating war around the world? How will Israel react? And what happens to our support of Ukraine in their efforts against the tyrant Putin?