US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Biden’s foreign policy legacy
Dec 22, 2024
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Jake Sullivan, the outgoing US National Security Adviser, discusses Biden's foreign policy legacy and the potential for ongoing diplomacy with Iran and China, while advocating for a ceasefire in Ukraine. David Brooks analyzes the polarizing perception of Donald Trump among Americans and his recent article on the detrimental effects of elite college admissions. They explore how these issues reflect broader societal divides and the urgent need for educational reforms that expand definitions of success. Insightful commentary on the current state of US politics and international relations ensues.
The Biden administration has effectively weakened adversaries like Russia and Iran through sanctions and military support, enhancing U.S. leverage globally.
Jake Sullivan emphasizes the importance of balancing competition and cooperation in navigating diplomatic relations with adversaries like China and Iran for future stability.
Deep dives
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U.S. Foreign Policy Achievements
The podcast examines the Biden administration's foreign policy record, focusing on how adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea have weakened during this term. The administration's successful strategies include rallying global opposition against Russia's aggression in Ukraine and implementing sweeping sanctions that have hampered its economy. Additionally, the United States has supported Israel significantly in its conflicts, ensuring military assistance against Iranian threats. These foreign policy actions have positioned the U.S. to face its competitors with greater leverage as circumstances evolve.
Challenges of Dealing with Weak Adversaries
As adversary states weaken, they often resort to more dangerous behaviors, particularly as they feel threatened. The podcast discusses Iran's potential shift towards seeking nuclear capabilities as a response to its diminished conventional military power and loss of allies like the Assad regime. This dynamic illustrates the complex challenge for the U.S. in managing a weakened adversary, where vigilance and proactive engagement become essential. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasizes the necessity of navigating these risks carefully to maintain regional stability.
Opportunities for Future Diplomacy
Despite the challenges posed by weakened states, there are significant diplomatic opportunities for the next administration, particularly regarding China and Iran. The podcast highlights how the Trump administration could leverage its political flexibility to potentially negotiate new agreements, especially with Iran, which is now more amenable to a nuclear deal. An adaptive approach to engage diplomatically while maintaining pressure on these countries could lead to meaningful progress. Sullivan points to the importance of balancing competition and cooperation to create a stable global order.
Today on the show, Fareed is joined by outgoing US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan for an exclusive interview. They discuss the Biden administration’s foreign policy legacy, and the unique opportunity that the Trump administration has to continue pushing for a ceasefire in Ukraine and pursuing effective diplomatic relations with Iran and China.
Then, David Brooks, opinion columnist at the New York Times, speaks with Fareed about the stark divide in how Americans view Donald Trump and what this tells us about the state of US politics more broadly. They also discuss Brooks’ recent Atlantic cover story in which he argues that the elite college admissions process has inadvertently hurt American society – and lays out some opportunities for reform.
GUESTS: Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46), David Brooks (@nytdavidbrooks)