Julia Ioffe, a foreign policy journalist, talks with Peter Hamby, a political commentator, about Kamala Harris's potential national security team, spotlighting a new wave of younger Democrats. They also dive into the shocking F.B.I. raid on Dimitri Simes, a Kremlin expert, raising questions about espionage and national security. The conversation hints at the political dynamics of a Harris administration and the strategic shifts in U.S. diplomacy.
A new generation of foreign policy experts is poised to influence a Kamala Harris administration, fostering innovative perspectives in national security.
The surprising FBI raid on Dimitri Simes has ignited debates about foreign influence in U.S. politics and the implications for political commentary.
Deep dives
Fresh Perspectives in Foreign Policy
A younger generation of foreign policy experts is eager to fill key positions in a potential Kamala Harris administration, bringing new insights to national security and diplomacy. This cohort, made up of individuals in their 30s and 40s, is being seen as a much-needed shift from the longstanding figures that have dominated the field. Names such as Phil Gordon and Maher Bitar are being discussed, indicating a blend of experience and fresh perspectives. Their involvement could signify a departure from the traditional centrist approach that has characterized U.S. foreign policy in recent administrations.
The Impact of Recent Political Events
The recent FBI raid on a prominent Russian American political analyst has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about foreign influence in U.S. politics. Demetri Saimes, who has connections with the Kremlin and has often been perceived as a controversial figure, experienced an unexpected law enforcement intervention at his Virginia home. His outspoken claims about the raid have prompted discussions on the relationship between being a political commentator and potential espionage, as he maintains that his actions should not be construed as unpatriotic. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the scrutiny surrounding figures involved in U.S.-Russia relations amid heightened geopolitical concerns.
Evolving Dynamics of Political Staffing
As we approach a hypothetical Harris administration, conversations regarding the composition of the cabinet are increasingly prevalent, focusing on who might take over critical roles such as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. Key figures like Bill Burns, a respected CIA director, and potential candidates like Christine Wormuth for Secretary of Defense reflect a strategic approach towards gender representation and expertise. There is also acknowledgment that Kamala Harris may not be bound by existing platforms or pressures, providing her with an opportunity to assemble a diverse team that challenges the status quo. Such changes are viewed as critical for reinvigorating U.S. foreign policy with contemporary and multifaceted viewpoints.
Julia Ioffe rings up Peter Hamby to break down the known-unknowns surrounding Kamala Harris’s foreign policy plan, and reveal the shortlist of potential NatSec candidates who might staff her administration. Then they dig into the surprising F.B.I. raid on the home of Dimitri Simes, a Kremlin pundit, in Virginia.