The first few weeks of the second Trump administration have seen a flurry of executive orders, tariffs imposed (or threatened) on allies and adversaries alike, and bold statements about world affairs. Trump’s remarks about Greenland, including his refusal to rule out taking the Danish territory by force, have been some of his most provocative and Europe is reeling from this abrupt change in approach. On this week’s episode of Brussels Sprouts, Steve Erlanger and Mij Rahman join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss Trump, tariffs, European defense spending, and Ukraine. Steve Erlanger is the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, where he covers Europe and transatlantic relations. Mij Rahman is the Managing Director for Europe at the Eurasia Group.    

For more than 100 years, the continent of Eurasia has played a central role in global geopolitics. In the 20th century, numerous authoritarian powers from Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Soviet Union aimed for primacy through control of this vast landmass and its resources. Today, command of Eurasia is once again essential to understanding a key geopolitical trend, the intensifying challenge of this axis of upheaval to the Western-led international order. On this week’s episode of Brussels Sprouts, Hal Brands joins Andrea Kendall Taylor and Jim Townsend to discuss all of this and the findings of his new book, The Eurasian Century: Hot Wars, Cold Wars, and the Making of the Modern World.    Hal Brands is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He is also a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. 

In this enlightening discussion, Robert Kagan, a senior fellow at Brookings and expert in foreign policy, delves into the implications of Trump's second term. He examines the rise of white Christian nationalism within the GOP and its effects on American politics. Kagan also analyzes the conflict in Ukraine, Trump's evolving stance towards Russia, and the decline of the Democratic Party. He raises critical questions about the future of American ideals amidst growing polarization and factionalism, providing a thoughtful perspective on contemporary challenges.

In just a few days, Donald Trump returns to office with Canada in his sights. At the same time, it has been less than two weeks since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned. With an election expected in Canada the first half of the year - one that heralds a change of government - 2025 promises to be disruptive on both sides of the border. To take a broader look at the state of the Canada-US relationship Sandra Aubé and Garry Keller join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Elizabeth Anderson on this week’s episode of Brussels Sprouts.   Sandra Aubé is Vice President for Federal Affairs at TACT, a communications and government relations firm. She has extensive experience in Canadian federal politics, having served as Chief of Staff to Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and in the office of Prime Minister Trudeau.  Garry Keller is a seasoned senior executive working with Canada’s political and business elite. He has served in several key roles in Canadian politics, including as Chief of Staff to Canada’s Foreign Minister, chief Parliamentary advisor to a Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition. 

As we welcome the new year, Brussels Sprouts is zooming out for a big picture view of what to expect in 2025. Top of mind is the impact of a second Trump presidency on U.S. foreign policy, as many worldwide grapple with tough questions about the future of Washington’s global leadership. Ukraine also faces a pivotal year in its war with Russia, as speculation about potential negotiations continues to increase despite the lack of a clear path to ending the conflict. Finally, 2025 is likely to see new tests of transatlantic cohesion, as Europe navigates uncertainty amid shifting U.S. priorities. To help us unpack all of this and other key issues shaping global geopolitics this year, Daniel Kurtz-Phelan and Benedikt Franke join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend on this week’s episode of Brussels Sprouts.   Daniel Kurtz-Phelan is Editor of Foreign Affairs and holds the Peter G. Peterson Chair at the Council on Foreign Relations.   Benedikt Franke is Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Munich Security Conference.  

Asli Aydintasbas, a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution specializing in Turkish and European politics, and Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali focusing on European foreign policy, delve into Syria's recent political shift. They discuss the collapse of the al-Assad regime and the implications for regional stability. Topics include the rising opposition forces backed by Turkey, Europe's shifting foreign policy priorities amidst Ukraine, and the urgent need for a coherent strategy to address reconstruction and geopolitical tensions.

Earlier this week, France’s government collapsed following a successful no-confidence vote from left-wing and far-right lawmakers. This political crisis comes on the heels of the collapse of Germany’s ruling coalition several weeks ago, leaving both of the European Union’s largest member states rudderless at a time when the bloc faces major challenges. Simultaneously, the EU is preparing for Donald Trump’s return to the White House next month and the possible consequences for the future of the war in Ukraine and threats to impose new tariffs. Finally, a brand-new European Commission has just taken office, only adding to all this uncertainty. To help us make sense of what we should expect in the months to come, Tara Varma and Liana Fix join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend on this episode of Brussels Sprouts.    Tara Varma is a visiting fellow with the Center on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution.    Liana Fix is a fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations.   

Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, and Robert Lee from the Foreign Policy Research Institute delve into the complexities of the Ukraine war. They discuss the precarious situation on the frontlines, contrasting manpower and winter challenges. The implications of potential U.S. military support changes under a Trump administration are examined, along with Ukraine's bold statements about nuclear capabilities. The guests highlight the crucial role of foreign aid and the hurdles Europe faces in supplying help amid a shifting battlefield.

Max Bergmann, Director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at CSIS, shares insights on how a potential second Trump term could reshape Europe’s security landscape. The conversation covers Europe's shift towards military self-reliance and the impacts this could have on NATO unity. Bergmann discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, challenges facing Ukraine, and how the U.S. political climate influences European stability. The need for a cohesive European strategy in the face of geopolitical threats is emphasized.

Despite the many proclamations that Russian and Chinese interests would collide in Central Asia, Moscow and Beijing continue to work together in service of their shared objectives. A new report from CNAS analyzes how the relationship is shaping the region. Read it here: Russia and China in Central Asia: Cooperate, Compete, or De-conflict? Most importantly, Russia and China seek to keep the United States, the West, and democracy out of the region, maintain stability, and pursue economic benefits. Though fissures exist, thus far the two countries have kept tensions from derailing the broader Russia-China relationship in Central Asia. To discuss these issues and more, Reid Standish and Alex Cooley join Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend on this episode of Brussels Sprouts.  Reid Standish is an Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent in Prague and author of the China In Eurasia briefing.    Alex Cooley is the Claire Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University and an Academy Adjunct Faculty member at Chatham House.