This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Trump on the world stage – Deal maker or faker?
6 snips
Nov 27, 2025 
Join Richard Haass, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy expert and former advisor in Republican administrations, alongside Samir Puri, a Chatham House director and author specializing in global security. They dive into Trump's claims of peace achievements, debating their validity. Haass critiques the weakening of alliances due to Trump's transactional approach, while Puri highlights how many interventions are superficial rather than substantial. They address the implications for U.S. foreign policy amidst a shifting, multipolar world.
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Spotlight Often Outpaces Substantive Peace
- Richard Haass says Trump spotlights diplomacy but overstates outcomes like India-Pakistan and the Middle East.
- He argues many initiatives calm violence but do not resolve underlying issues.
Less Ambition Can Yield More Progress
- Haass observes that smaller, limited interventions often succeed more than overambitious peace plans.
- He warns aiming too high can reduce chances of even modest ceasefires.
Shape Calculations Before Presenting Plans
- Change protagonists' calculations before presenting big plans by shaping the negotiation environment.
- Use pressure or incentives appropriately to make leaders willing and able to compromise.
