Gideon Rachman speaks with Ivo Daalder, former American ambassador to NATO and chief executive of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, about the looming threat to democracy posed by Trump’s potential return. They dissect the rising echoes of authoritarianism in U.S. politics and how historical fascism parallels modern rhetoric. Daalder reveals how societal reactions to a Trump presidency could manifest, while also addressing the geopolitical ramifications of internal divisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for structural political reform in America.

Former US Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder discusses the critical delays in US support for Ukraine, impacting the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Highlighting the battlefield mismatch, he emphasizes the importance of timely assistance for Ukraine's defense. The episode explores China's support for Russia, Estonia's concerns, and the complexities of NATO's role in the conflict. It also delves into the potential impact of US elections on negotiations and conflict resolution.

Experts Ivo Daalder, Nate Mook, and Kori Schake discuss Ukraine's need for Western support against Russian aggression. They highlight challenges in aid allocation, NATO's role, defense strategies, reconstruction efforts, and the impact of global politics on Ukraine's future.

The podcast discusses the shift towards isolationism in U.S. foreign policy, particularly among Republicans influenced by Trump. It explores changing American views on global engagement, Biden's approval ratings post Afghan pullout, European concerns amid Russian aggression, and US sentiment on Middle East crisis.

"EU Confidential" welcomes Florence Gaub, director of research at the NATO Defence College, and Ivo Daalder, former US ambassador to NATO. They discuss the "Europeanization of NATO," Europe's defense capabilities, vulnerabilities, and the potential consequences of a lack of reliance on the US. They also explore practical steps for European countries to defend themselves and the challenges they face in defense production and increased spending on defense.