Juan Cole

Juan Cole, a leading historian from the University of Michigan and founder of Informed Comment, joins to dissect Trump's sweeping changes in Middle Eastern policy. They discuss how Trump has distanced himself from Israel while forging ties with Gulf monarchies. Cole highlights the chaos intertwined with billion-dollar deals and back-channel diplomacy in the region. The conversation also touches on the implications of U.S. sanctions on Syria, potential corruption in Trump's dealings, and the nuances of a shifting U.S. foreign policy landscape.

Juan Cole, a history professor at the University of Michigan and editor of Informed Comment, dives into pressing global issues. He analyzes the recent Gaza ceasefire and discusses the U.S.'s role in the chaos. Cole argues that lasting peace hinges on Palestinian statehood. He also highlights the fragility of oil markets affected by regional violence and explores the implications of U.S.–China tensions as potential proxy conflicts. Looking ahead, he predicts China's rise in global influence and the impact of climate change on future migrations.