
Nicholas Burns
Career U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to China, now a Harvard Kennedy School professor, with decades of experience in foreign policy and diplomacy under multiple administrations.
Top 10 podcasts with Nicholas Burns
Ranked by the Snipd community

55 snips
May 20, 2025 • 52min
Criss-Crossing China
Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. Ambassador to China under President Biden, shares his unique insights from his time in Beijing. He discusses his experiences meeting Xi Jinping and American CEOs, highlighting the intricacies of U.S.-China relations. The conversation dives into the challenges businesses face amid growing tensions and COVID-19. Burns also addresses China's tech advancements and the complexities of tariffs and cybersecurity. Finally, he suggests impactful books that illuminate China's cultural and historical landscape.

55 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 18min
Amb. Burns Reflects from Beijing
R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, shares insights from his 35 years in diplomacy. He discusses the nuanced strategies of U.S.-China negotiations, contrasting them with Cold War tactics. The ambassador dives into China’s alliances with Iran and North Korea, questioning their impact on credibility. He emphasizes the role of European alliances in countering Chinese aggression and explores areas for productive engagement between the U.S. and China. Finally, he reflects on the personal and emotional aspects of diplomatic farewells.

36 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 51min
Bonus: In the Room With Xi Jinping
Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China since 2022, reflects on his extensive foreign service career and the tense U.S.-China relationship. He discusses Xi Jinping's centralized power and China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the contrasting views of Chinese leadership on Western decline. Burns emphasizes the delicate balance of critique and connection in diplomacy, particularly regarding human rights. He also addresses the significance of Taiwanese relations and the strategic importance of fostering ties with Chinese students in America.

17 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 20min
The Domino Effect of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’
Nicholas Burns, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and Harvard professor specializing in U.S.-China relations, dives into the geopolitical ripples following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. He reveals how this event challenges China's influence in Latin America. Burns discusses the implications of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as a potential tool for China to gain a strategic edge. He also warns about the precedent this sets for Taiwan and Ukraine, as well as the risks to NATO from U.S. unilateral actions, painting a vivid picture of a shifting global landscape.

16 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 20min
The Domino Effect of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’
Nicholas Burns, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to China, shares insights on the geopolitical ripples following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He discusses how this event unsettles China’s alliances in Latin America and provides an opportunity for Beijing to enhance its global presence. The conversation dives into the strategic implications of Venezuelan oil, the 'Donroe Doctrine,' and the potential effects on U.S.-China relations, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Arctic region.

10 snips
May 27, 2025 • 43min
Equity Rally Continues as Tariff Pause Continues
Nicholas Burns, former US ambassador to China, discusses the intricacies of US-China relations, emphasizing China's commitment to its 'Made in China 2025' campaign despite global criticism. He highlights the importance of understanding the divide between the Chinese government and its people. The conversation delves into how geopolitical strategies are evolving in East Asia and the complexities surrounding U.S. global alliances, particularly in light of rising tensions with China and Russia.

9 snips
May 16, 2025 • 19min
What It Takes to Negotiate With China
Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. Ambassador to China and a Harvard diplomacy professor, dives into the intriguing dynamics of U.S.-China trade relations. He discusses the current trade war pause and the looming question of a new agreement. Burns highlights the challenges his successor faces as China strengthens its global position. He offers insights into how the U.S. must prepare for a decade-long competition with China, emphasizing the delicate balance between collaboration and rivalry that defines their complex relationship.

9 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 36min
Are the US and China frenemies now? Perspective from Nicholas Burns, US Ambassador to China
Former US Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, and host Ian Bremmer discuss the complex US-China relationship, exploring areas of cooperation, aggression in the South China Sea, economic challenges in China, and the future of this critical bilateral relationship.

4 snips
May 15, 2025 • 37min
Ex-US Ambassador to Beijing on Trump's China Plan
Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to China and a Harvard Kennedy School professor, joins the hosts for a deep dive into U.S.-China dynamics. They unpack the recent tariff negotiations and the delicate balance of cooperation and competition. Burns shares his insights on negotiating with Xi Jinping and the implications of foreign gifts, such as a Qatari jet. The conversation also touches on the decline of American soft power and its global repercussions, along with entertaining tales from his time on Air Force One.

Jul 25, 2024 • 37min
Ambassador Nicholas Burns on the U.S.-China Relationship
Former U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, reflects on U.S.-China relations and Chinese export strategies. Discussion includes economic implications of China's third plenum, evolving dynamics in the relationship, societal connections, and challenges in finding a balance between engagement and competition.


