Liana Fix, a CFR fellow focusing on European security and transatlantic relations, and Matthias Matthijs, a senior fellow specializing in Europe’s political economy, join James M. Lindsay to unpack Europe's strategy for a potential second Trump administration. They discuss how political turmoil in Germany could reshape EU relations and the pressures of trade policies and defense spending. The conversation also touches on the EU's digital regulations amid U.S. tensions and the growing perception of China as a security threat, influencing European economic strategies.

Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at CFR, discusses Ukraine's bold military move into Kursk, exploring its strategic implications for European security. She highlights Ukraine's shift in strategy to strike within Russia amid changing Western support. The conversation also covers Belarus's complicated role and the internal challenges facing the Russian military. Additionally, Fix examines Germany's fluctuating support for Ukraine against a backdrop of political tension and rising far-right influence, revealing the intricate dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

Gordon Repinski, POLITICO’s executive editor for Germany, discusses Chancellor Olaf Scholz's precarious position amid a looming political crisis and snap elections in Germany. Liana Fix offers insights on how this domestic chaos impacts EU stability. Eric Bazail-Eimil then dives into Marco Rubio's unconventional rise as a potential envoy under Trump, exploring his foreign policy evolution and Cuban-American influence. The conversation highlights the interplay between U.S. foreign policy and European security in a shifting political landscape.

Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at CFR, and Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at CFR, delve into the challenges in U.S.-Russia relations amid the Ukraine conflict. They discuss what 'victory' means for Ukraine beyond just military success and the complexities of NATO membership. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a unified Western strategy and examines nuclear dynamics, especially with the looming expiration of the New START Treaty. Their insights are crucial for understanding the geopolitical landscape as the 2024 U.S. election approaches.

Discussing the 2024 European Parliament elections, Liana Fix and Matthias Mattijs explore topics such as German power in European Russia policy, EU election stakes, and potential shifts in European politics. They analyze the impact of the recent elections on the EU's political landscape, highlighting trends in voter turnout, far-right support, and the resilience of the pro-EU center. The podcast also delves into the selection process for the head of the European Commission and the implications of Ursula von der Leyen's potential second term.