In this conversation, guests Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Mira Rapp-Hooper from the National Security Council; and Derek Chollet, Counselor of the State Department, reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Robert Jervis, their mentor. They share insights on Jervis's unique mentorship that combined psychological insights with policy analysis. The discussion touches on his approach to humility in scholarship, the importance of recognizing cognitive biases in leadership, and his influential theories on signaling in international relations.

Derek Chollet, State Department Counselor, shares insights on Biden's recent trip to Brussels amidst the Ukraine crisis. They discuss Republican tactics surrounding Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination and how these reflect broader midterm strategies. Chollet analyzes the impact of international sanctions on Russia and the U.S.’s commitment to Ukrainian refugees. The conversation also touches on Trump’s waning influence over Senate candidates and the complexities surrounding his legal challenges.