Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl #88 John Bolton Warns: The System Is Breaking Down - And The World’s Out of Control
Oct 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and U.N. Ambassador, shares his insights on Trump's foreign policy style. He reveals how Trump's transactional approach shapes decision-making, especially regarding Ukraine and relations with leaders like Putin and Xi. Bolton expresses concern over Taiwan's future and critiques the National Security Council's diminished role. He warns that Trump's rhetoric often contradicts action, undermining U.S. credibility and alliances, while emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in international diplomacy.
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Episodic, Not Strategic Leadership
- Donald Trump lacks an overarching foreign-policy philosophy and acts episodically and transactionally.
- He makes ad-hoc moves rather than executing a coherent long-term grand strategy.
Listens To Reinforcement, Not Debate
- Trump tends to listen to the last person in the room and prefers advisers who confirm his instincts.
- He responds to what benefits him personally, like prestige or public approval, rather than systematic policy analysis.
Restore A Strong, Independent NSC Staff
- Maintain a separate, well-staffed National Security Council to ensure coordination and due process across departments.
- Without an honest-broker NSC, decisions risk being ill-informed and departments will act independently.