One Decision

Discover the astonishing transformation of Ahmed al-Shura, once a militant, into Syria's new president following Assad's downfall. Delve into the intriguing international intelligence moves that helped shape his rise, including the UK's secretive involvement and Turkey's support. Explore al-Shura's efforts to navigate Syria's complex ethnic landscape and the challenges of uniting diverse groups. The discussion also touches on the implications of regional shifts in power and the economic revival sparked by returning Syrians. Can al-Shura maintain stability in a fractured nation?

Phil Gunson, a Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group and Venezuela expert based in Caracas, reveals vital insights into Maduro's enduring regime. He discusses the crucial role of Cuban intelligence in maintaining military loyalty and the regime's financial support through gold mining and sanctions evasion. Gunson highlights the challenges of destabilizing Maduro’s dictatorship, the risks of power struggles, and the realities of daily life in Venezuela, including food shortages and blackouts. His firsthand perspective sheds light on the complexities of Venezuelan politics.

In a riveting discussion, the hosts examine Trump's renewed peace initiative in Russia and the expectations for his envoy's Moscow trip. They question whether a ceasefire could strategically harm Ukraine. The intricacies of frozen Russian assets and their potential to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts are highlighted. The possibility of Germany stepping into a leadership role within NATO is explored, alongside strategies for enhancing NATO's defensive capabilities.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into Trump's controversial 28-point peace deal for Ukraine, calling it a potential capitulation to Putin. He discusses how the proposal undermines NATO allies and the dangers of limiting Ukraine's sovereignty. McFaul also reflects on Putin's shift from pragmatism to paranoia, sharing insights from their early interactions. Additionally, he examines the evolving China-Russia alliance and suggests a Ukrainian victory could ignite political change within Russia.

Hosts delve into Trump's controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing territorial concessions and NATO exclusion. They discuss how Zelensky might engage with the plan to avoid appearing obstructive, while highlighting Europe's pushback due to threats to security. The possibility of a truce and frozen conflict line is explored, alongside the heavy toll of casualties on both sides. Additionally, Trump’s warm reception of the Saudi Crown Prince hints at new dynamics in U.S.-Middle East relations, despite past controversies.

Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former Ukrainian Minister of Defence, sheds light on Ukraine's innovative drone warfare tactics against Russian aggression. He discusses the critical role of technology in modern combat and highlights the growing significance of FPV drones in contested airspace. Zagorodnyuk emphasizes the need for Ukraine to outpace Russia in military innovation and expresses concern over NATO's slow adaptation to these new realities. He passionately advocates for grassroots innovation and the urgent need for allied cooperation to secure victory.

In this discussion, Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary and international affairs expert, dives into Trump's volatile stance on Venezuela. He analyzes domestic motives behind US policies, such as combatting drug smuggling and illegal migration. The conversation reveals alarming insights into how Colombian and Venezuelan cartels are adopting drone warfare techniques learned in Ukraine. Wallace also debates the strategic implications of potential US military action and Trump’s controversial political maneuvers, including a possible Nobel Peace Prize.

In this engaging discussion, renowned economist Mohamed El-Erian delves into the transformative impact of AI on the global economy. He explores the dual outcomes of AI—significant productivity gains versus potential fragmentation. El-Erian also tackles pressing geo-economic issues, including the risks to the US dollar's dominance and the implications of Trump's tariff policies. He advocates for a thoughtful approach to universal basic income in the face of automation while emphasizing the need for international cooperation on AI regulation.

The hosts dive into the BBC's ongoing crisis, spotlighting high-profile resignations amid accusations of bias. They discuss how political figures like Trump exploit these controversies to erode public trust. Additionally, they assess the worrying implications of Sergei Lavrov's diminished visibility, pondering whether it's related to health issues or a strategic move within Putin's circle. The conversation highlights the intersection of media integrity and political maneuvers in shaping public perception.

Corey Hinderstein, former deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation, dives into the implications of potential U.S. nuclear testing. She discusses President Trump's unexpected comments and clarifies that any tests would primarily serve political signaling rather than scientific purposes. Hinderstein also reflects on her crucial role in identifying Iran’s nuclear facility and its effects on the JCPOA. She emphasizes the risks of renewed testing for global stability, especially regarding adversaries like China and Russia.