Foreign Policy Live Looking Back at 2025
11 snips
Dec 22, 2025 
In a deep dive with Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, listeners explore the twists of Trump's second term. Baker sheds light on how foreign policy has been transformed, from a surprising dovish approach to China to a focus on economics and personal interests. He discusses the awkward dynamics of global leaders trying to navigate Trump's unpredictable ego and the fallout from pivotal moments like the Zelensky Oval clash. Tune in for insights on lasting changes and how countries adapt to Trump's style.
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Trump 2.0: Amplified And Unrestrained
- Peter Baker says Trump 2.0 repeats first-term themes but with greater intensity and fewer restraints.
- He credits this to staffing choices that empowered enablers rather than restrainers.
A New National Security Narrative
- Baker highlights a radically different 2025 national security strategy aligned with Trump's worldview.
- The strategy reframes Europe as a problem and treats Russia and China as peer powers or potential partners.
Surprising Softness On China
- Baker says Trump's second term has been unexpectedly dovish toward China compared with earlier hawkish trends.
- Trump retained tariffs but rolled back tech controls and eased direct pressure on Beijing.