Brussels Sprouts

In highly anticipated federal elections on April 28th, Canada’s Liberal Party emerged victorious after staging a major comeback in the polls over the past several months. This comeback victory took place against the backdrop of rising tensions between Canada and the United States, with the Trump administration’s combative stance toward its northern neighbor having played a role in boosting the popularity of the Liberals. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in his first week, has taken a firm stand against Trump, asserting earlier this week at the White House that Canada was “not for sale.”   To discuss Canada's new political era, Kim Richard Nossal and Elizabeth Anderson analyze the election results and implications for Canadian foreign policy.  Kim Richard Nossal is a professor emeritus in the Department of Political Studies at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and the author of Canada Alone.  Elizabeth Anderson is a Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Associate Fellow in CNAS’s Transatlantic Security Program, as well as a former senior advisor in the office of Canada’s Foreign Minister. 

There’s been a flurry of activity on the Ukraine front this week. Over the weekend, Donald Trump briefly met with Zelensky in Rome during ceremonies for Pope Francis’ funeral. A deal over mineral rights seems imminent, and President Trump rebuked Vladimir Putin, accusing him of leading him along as Russian strikes on Ukraine continue. However, uncertainty over the future of the U.S. and Ukraine continues, especially over whether the U.S. will push Ukraine to accept maximalist Russian demands. This week, Charles Kupchan and Eric Ciaramella join Brussels Sprouts to discuss the status of negotiations over Ukraine and the future of the U.S.–Russia relationship. Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University.  Eric Ciaramella is a senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  

On April 9th, Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union, secured a coalition agreement with the Social Democrats following his party’s victory in the federal elections. In early May, the Bundestag is expected to convene and elect him as the next Chancellor. One of the most significant initiatives of this new government is likely to be a historic overhaul of Germany’s defense posture.   To discuss this and more, we’re pleased to welcome Claudia Major and Christian Mölling to discuss Germany's new government and defense strategy.  Claudia Major is the Senior Vice President of Transatlantic Security at the German Marshall Fund Christian Mölling is a Senior Advisor at the European Policy Centre  

Celeste Wallander, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, delves into the critical dynamics of U.S. support for Ukraine. She discusses how fluctuating American aid during the Trump administration reshaped perceptions in Europe. The conversation touches on the complexities of military planning, interagency collaboration, and the evolution of nuclear deterrence amid rising tensions. Wallander emphasizes the importance of adaptable strategies and European involvement in bolstering Ukraine's defense against ongoing threats.

Dan Mullaney, former U.S. trade representative for Europe, and Tobias Gehrke, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, dive into the impact of President Trump's tariffs on transatlantic trade. They explore Europe's potential retaliatory strategies and its significant economic leverage in tech legislation. The discussion highlights the complexities of trade wars, the need for constructive dialogue, and how current policies may reshape global economic dynamics. Listeners gain insights into navigating trade tensions amidst geopolitical challenges.

Join Soner Çağaptay, a Turkish politics expert at the Washington Institute, and Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a Brookings fellow on Turkish affairs, as they dive into Turkey's turbulent political landscape. They discuss the recent arrests of opposition leaders and the implications for democracy. The guests highlight Turkey's strategic ambitions amidst economic challenges and its crucial role in European geopolitics, especially regarding the Ukraine conflict. Expect gripping insights on the evolving political dynamics and the potential for grassroots movements in Turkey.

Eddie Fishman, an expert in economic warfare and senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, discusses his new book, Chokepoints. He explains how the U.S. has transformed the global economy into a battlefield using sanctions and export controls against adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China. The conversation dives into the evolution of economic strategies from cooperation to competition, examining the effectiveness of sanctions and their historical context. Fishman also explores using seized Russian assets to bolster support for Ukraine.

Kori Schake, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Erica Frantz, a Political Science expert from Michigan State University, dive into the recent shake-ups in military leadership under the Trump administration. They discuss the unprecedented mass firings and the potential risks of politicizing military advice, which could undermine democracy and national security. The conversation also explores the implications for U.S. foreign policy and the integrity of civil-military relations, raising alarms about the future of democracy in the U.S.

Shashank Joshi, Defense Editor at The Economist, and Camille Grand, a Distinguished Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, discuss the mounting tensions in transatlantic relations and its effect on European security. They highlight Europe's unprecedented defense spending surge in response to U.S. military aid suspensions to Ukraine. The guests delve into NATO's evolving role amid geopolitical challenges, underscoring the necessity for a cohesive European strategy to counter Russian aggression and secure stability in the region.

James Angelos, Germany news editor at POLITICO, and Jeff Rathke, president of the American-German Institute, dive into the seismic shifts from Germany's recent parliamentary elections. They discuss the far-right Alternative for Germany's rise and the impact of the previous U.S. administration on transatlantic ties. The conversation explores Germany's evolving foreign policy, increased military support for Ukraine, and the challenge of balancing relations with Russia and China amid changing geopolitics. Insightful perspectives on the future of centrist coalitions are also shared.