Ep113. What’s America Without Allies? With Kori Schake
Apr 22, 2025
40:58
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Quick takeaways
The evolving U.S. foreign policy under the current administration risks alienating traditional allies, which could diminish collective security and global cooperation.
Trump’s administration exemplifies a shift where cabinet members act as mouthpieces for extreme policies, potentially destabilizing America's international relations and agreements.
Deep dives
The Impact of Generative AI on Communication
Generative AI represents a significant advancement in how individuals can interact with technology, allowing communication in natural language and through personal sensory experiences. This shift enhances accessibility and usability, facilitating the integration of advanced tech in everyday life. As businesses and individuals adapt, understanding the potential of Generative AI will be crucial for maximizing its benefits. However, the rapid development of this technology also poses challenges, as users must navigate a landscape that is constantly evolving.
The Role of Allies in Global Security
American allies play a vital role in global security, contributing to military strength and strategic advantages. Concerns are growing about whether the current U.S. administration is jeopardizing these relationships, as allies may struggle to trust American commitments during periods of uncertainty. The potential for isolationism could lead to a decrease in cooperation and support from allies, particularly as nations focus on their own defense needs. This raises critical questions about the future of collective security and the ability to manage global challenges, such as the rise of China.
Trade Policies and Economic Interdependence
The administration's approach to trade, particularly through tariffs, suggests a withdrawal from global economic interconnectedness, which could have far-reaching consequences. Such policies may present immediate benefits but can undermine long-term relationships with key trading partners. This strategy risks fostering resentment among allies and could prompt them to reconsider their own economic practices in a way that alienates American interests. The potential negative feedback loop from these policies could lead to diminished American influence in the global market.
The Cabinet as a Communication Tool
The current administration's cabinet functions more as a megaphone for the president's agenda rather than a traditional policy advisory body. This shift leads to a distortion of policy-making, where cabinet members prioritize public relations and compliance over critical analysis and independent thought. The amplification of policy ideas without thorough vetting may push initiatives toward extreme positions, potentially destabilizing established practices and agreements. As this dynamic evolves, it raises concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of U.S. governance on both domestic and international stages.
As Trump’s trade war heats up and his anti-NATO rhetoric continues, America’s allies are having to face a new reality: the global superpower can no longer be relied upon. As core allies like the EU, UK and Canada recalibrate, what does that mean for America? And what does that mean for America’s traditional European allies who rely on the U.S. for their defence?
To discuss the future of NATO and Five Eyes, Jason is joined by longtime friend of the Pod, Kori Schake. She has lived her entire professional life advocating for the Transatlantic Alliance and American global leadership. She started her career as NATO desk officer at DoD under GHW Bush and is now Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).
Kori and Jason look at what might happen if America further withdraws from the world and abandons its traditional allies; what happens next in Ukraine; if Trump has a real peace plan; and how his cabinet members are acting like a megaphone rather than as genuine advisors. The duo look at scary scenerios: like what happens if the US tried to kick Canada out of the Five Eyes Intelligence sharing partnership and why Trump’s allies drive his policy choices towards the extremes.
Producer: George McDonagh
Executive Producer: Neil Fearn
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