Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, dives into the intriguing complexities of Trump's foreign policy. They discuss Trump’s conflicting stances on intervention and restraint, highlighted by his recent claims of America taking a new approach. Ashford examines the overarching 'America First' doctrine and how it diverges from traditional Republican views. They also explore shifts in military engagement strategies and the potential for transformational change in U.S. foreign policy, offering a fascinating look at its contradictory nature.

Emma Ashford, a Cato Research Fellow, delves into President Trump's notable visit to Saudi Arabia and its implications for U.S.-Saudi relations. She discusses how Trump's grand announcements often lack follow-through, particularly regarding an ambitious Saudi arms deal and the concept of an Arab NATO. Ashford expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of these initiatives, drawing contrasts with previous administrations and highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving meaningful international cooperation.

Emma Ashford, an author focused on US grand strategy, joins Robert Wright, a commentator on realism in foreign policy. They discuss Ashford's forthcoming book, emphasizing how the Gaza war undermines American interests. The conversation navigates the complexities of US foreign policy, including Taiwan's situation, the moral dilemmas of supporting Israel, and the risks facing American troops amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. They advocate for a more restrained and cooperative approach to international relations, highlighting the evolving landscape of US foreign policy.

The podcast discusses the Israeli-Hamas conflict and potential escalation against Hezbollah in the north. It explores the Israeli-Saudi normalization deal and the impact of recent violence. The conversation also covers Biden's shift in stance towards Saudi Arabia, Israeli politics, and the extreme right-wing government's implications for national security. The analysis includes the need for clarity in US-Saudi Arabia relations and the administration's rationales and strategies.

As escalation ratchets higher between Russia and the west over Ukraine, Intelligence Squared U.S. examines a core question: Is a confrontation with Russia worth it? And what effects have sanctions really wrought? Kurt Volker, a former U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former Special Representative for Ukraine, argues that defending Ukraine is very much in the west’s security interest. Emma Ashford of the Atlantic Council argues that it is not. And yet both acknowledge that for Russia, the stakes may be considerably higher.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices