Call Me Back - with Dan Senor The Myth of World Order — with Bret Stephens
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Jan 8, 2026 
Bret Stephens, an esteemed opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, discusses the shifting landscape of global geopolitics. He contrasts the old world order focused on diplomacy with today's raw power politics, emphasizing the implications of U.S. actions in Venezuela. Bret highlights the strategic weaknesses in Europe and warns of revisionist regimes like Russia and China. He also explores Iran's protests, Erdogan's ambitions, and the importance of balancing hard and soft power, ultimately questioning whether traditional rules in world politics still exist.
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Power Replaces Politeness
- Bret Stephens argues Trump's Venezuela operation exposes naked power dynamics replacing polite legalism in U.S. foreign policy.
- He says tougher displays of hard power may be necessary because adversaries increasingly flout old etiquette.
Ensure Regime Change Leads To Legitimate Rule
- Stephens advises distinguishing removing dictators from imposing regimes and pursuing a pathway to legitimate post-regime governance.
- He cautions the Trump administration must avoid substituting one Maduro for another to maintain legitimacy.
Revisionist Powers Are Remaking Order
- Stephens labels several major states as "revisionist regimes" aiming to alter the post-war order, notably Russia, China, and Iran previously.
- He warns the U.S. must avoid becoming another revisionist power carving spheres of advantage.
