Graham Allison

Graham Allison, former student and colleague of Henry Kissinger, discusses Kissinger's legacy as a statesman, his engagement with history, and his brand of realism. They also explore Kissinger's accomplishments, failures, and concerns towards the end of his life. Topics include preventing great power wars, limiting nuclear weapons states, preventing destructive applications of AI, privacy risks, realism and idealism in international relations, and the rivalry between the US and China.

Foreign policy expert Graham Allison joins the podcast to discuss the deteriorating relationship between the US and China, focusing on the potential triggers for conflict. They explore the consequences of this relationship, including the nuclear threat and the challenges faced by Ukraine. Despite the tensions, they highlight the importance of cooperation on global issues and the potential for shared interests in climate, technology, finance, and health to make these powerful rivals unwilling partners.

Graham Allison, a renowned political scientist and former dean at Harvard's Kennedy School, is joined by Matthew Colford for a thought-provoking discussion. They delve into the 'Thucydides trap,' exploring how the rising power of China could potentially displace the U.S. Historical parallels are drawn to the Cold War, shedding light on modern tensions. They also examine nationalistic leadership styles and propose the establishment of a White House Council of Historical Advisors to enrich policy-making with insights from history, underscoring the importance of understanding the past to shape the future.