Emma Ashford

Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center and a prominent realist scholar, shares her insights on Trump's tumultuous foreign policy during his second term. She discusses his chaotic first 100 days, the impact of nationalist ideology on diplomacy, and contradictions in U.S. strategies regarding the Middle East and Ukraine. Ashford highlights the divergence between Trump's approach and traditional realist principles, while analyzing how this shift affects global politics and U.S. relations with major powers like China.

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.

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, an Iraqi-born founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, and Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, delve into the ramifications of the U.S. bombing of Iran. They discuss the delicate balance between regional security and democracy promotion, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and the intricate ties between nations like Germany, Israel, and Iran. The conversation also highlights the Kurdish situation and critiques U.S. military strategies, suggesting a need for reevaluation in light of rising geopolitical tensions.

Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, discussing the concept of restraint and military overextension. She examines the historical lessons from Britain’s imperial past and how they influence current American strategies against threats from Russia and China. Ashford also unpacks the significance of the Anglosphere and transatlantic alliances, while exploring the challenges in supporting Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions and the need for flexible, pragmatic approaches in an increasingly multipolar world.

Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, and Rajan Menon, director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, engage in a riveting debate on negotiating peace in Ukraine. They discuss the military and strategic dilemmas facing Ukraine, weighing continued military support against the need for negotiations. The conversation critiques the Biden administration's strategies and explores Ukraine's potential security landscape post-war. This clash of expert perspectives sheds light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.

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, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, shares her insights on the complexities surrounding the war in Ukraine. She highlights the waning support for U.S. aid and the growing political tensions in Congress. The discussion navigates the tough conversation around negotiating peace, balancing Ukraine's aspirations with Western support limits. Ashford also explores four potential scenarios for ending the conflict and the challenges posed by Russian strategies, emphasizing the risks involved in seeking a resolution that satisfies both sides.

Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center specializing in U.S. foreign policy, and Stephen Wertheim, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment focusing on foreign policy history, dive deep into the changing landscape of U.S.-European relations. They discuss the seismic shifts in U.S. security commitments post-Trump's comments, the complex dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations, and the implications of a possible Trump presidency on foreign aid. Their insights remind us of the intricacies of navigating these tense geopolitical waters.

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