The Foreign Desk The geopolitical risks of 2025
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Jan 4, 2025 
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s outgoing foreign minister, shares insights on the geopolitical landscape of 2025. Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Fellow at Chatham House, analyzes the intricacies of Middle Eastern conflicts. Latika Bourke from The Nightly adds depth on global political trends. They discuss the implications of a new U.S. president, the challenges posed by China’s influence in Ukraine, and the need for stronger European unity. The conversation also touches on the complexities in the Middle East and optimistic hopes for political stability.
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US Influence on Ukraine Negotiations
- Gabrielius Landsbergis believes the US holds significant power to influence Ukraine's negotiation position.
- Trump has the political mandate and public support to pursue his chosen course of action.
Risks of Appeasement
- Appeasement with aggressors ultimately fails, as they continuously seek more.
- A forced settlement in Ukraine from a weakened position could embolden Putin's demands on the Baltic states.
Europe's Mistake with China
- Landsbergis suggests Europe has repeated its mistake of embracing China economically, hoping for reduced conflict.
- He worries about China's potential involvement in European security arrangements, particularly regarding Ukraine.