Charles Maynes, NPR's Moscow correspondent, discusses the geopolitical implications of Trump's foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and its effects on international relations. He highlights the challenges facing countries like Georgia and Mexico. Meanwhile, David Bedford, an apple researcher from the University of Minnesota, celebrates the 'golden age of apples,' exploring the rise of new varieties like the Honeycrisp and how consumer preferences shape the evolution of apples. The conversation balances serious political discourse with light-hearted apple insights.

Rob Schmitz, NPR’s correspondent in Berlin, and Charles Maynes, NPR's Russia correspondent, delve into the global reactions to Trump's re-election. They discuss how Germany and China issue carefully measured responses, while Russia's Kremlin remains notably silent. The conversation highlights concerns over NATO's reliability and potential compromises regarding Ukraine. Schmitz sheds light on Europe’s worries about democracy, while Maynes reveals Putin's hesitance to engage, underlining the complicated dynamics between the U.S. and its international allies.

President Biden has exchanged letters with the WNBA all-star, who is behind bars in Russia. It's the latest example of the thorny politics surrounding Americans jailed abroad.And the president will take his first trip to the Middle East next week, visiting Israel and Saudi Arabia. His administration has embraced the success of the Abraham Accords, an agreement brokered during the Trump administration to better integrate Israel with its neighbors in the region.This episode: political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, Moscow correspondent Charles Maynes, White House correspondent Asma Khalid, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.Support the show and unlock sponsor-free listening with a subscription to The NPR Politics Podcast Plus. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy