One Decision

Pascal Lamy, the former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, dives into the complexities of tariffs and globalization. He argues that America’s tariff policy could backfire and harm the U.S. first. Lamy also highlights how the rule of force is now overshadowing trade, and he warns that growing threats to democracy might destabilize Europe. He emphasizes the need for the EU to integrate politically and defense-wise to ensure its survival against shifting global powers.

Priti Patel, UK Shadow Foreign Secretary and former government minister, and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, former Prime Minister of Ukraine, share insights from the Warsaw Security Forum. Patel emphasizes NATO's need for unity against Russia's grey warfare while addressing Europe's refugee challenges. Yatsenyuk discusses drone incursions as direct tests of NATO's resolve and the limitations of sanctions on Russia. Both guests highlight Ukraine's vital role in European security and the importance of humanitarian concerns amid conflict.

Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's Minister of Defense, discusses the ongoing Russian provocations aimed at dividing NATO and the importance of Western unity in support of Ukraine. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges provides operational insights on Ukraine's military needs and the strategic failures of Russia. Both guests emphasize the significance of NATO's coherence and share thoughts on addressing European defense funding and the necessary military assistance for Ukraine's success. Their insights reveal critical dynamics shaping Europe's security landscape in light of ongoing conflicts.

At the Warsaw Security Forum, the discussion reveals Poland's crucial role in NATO and its transformation since the Cold War. Experts analyze Russia's drone threats and airspace violations while highlighting Moldova's recent election as a sign of declining Russian influence. Ukraine's growing drone industry emerges as a key player in Europe, showcasing potential arms exports. Conversations also explore NATO's shortcomings against drone threats and the feasibility of a protective barrier along borders, raising important legal and practical challenges in modern warfare.

In this engaging conversation, Lauren Penneys, Senior Vice President for U.S. Government at Palantir, sheds light on the company's controversial work in defense and public health. She discusses Palantir's evolution from post-9/11 intelligence to supporting efforts in Ukraine and the NHS. Lauren clarifies that Palantir does not scrape public data and emphasizes the importance of governance to prevent misuse. The conversation also explores the potential of AI in enhancing operational efficiency while balancing privacy and security concerns.

In this intriguing discussion, Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, offers his expert insights on Russia's provocative actions, including recent incursions into NATO airspace. He evaluates the implications of these aggressive moves for NATO's readiness and Europe's security vulnerabilities. Additionally, he introduces MI6's innovative dark-web recruitment initiative, highlighting how intelligence agencies are evolving in the digital age. This conversation sheds light on the ever-changing landscape of global security and intelligence.

Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and author of 'Coming Up Short,' discusses the impact of widening economic inequality and the failures of NAFTA on American workers. He reveals how corporate money in politics has shaped political landscapes and contributed to Donald Trump’s rise. The conversation shifts to the potential dangers of AI in the workforce, highlighting the need for new policies like national service and profit-sharing to safeguard workers. Reich's insights provide a thought-provoking overview of America's economic challenges and future.

Hosts delve into Donald Trump's imminent UK visit, revealing its political significance amid turmoil for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They discuss cultural tensions around free speech and immigration shaping the Labour Party's stance. The conversation shifts to NATO's role in Ukraine and differing US-EU views on AI regulation. Sir Richard highlights the vetting process for a controversial appointment linked to Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about government transparency. The backdrop of political unrest emphasizes the challenges facing UK-US relations.

Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister, provides critical insights into Netanyahu's strategy in Gaza. He argues that the quest for ‘total victory’ is unrealistic and warns of significant diplomatic repercussions, including potential sanctions. Olmert reflects on his attempts to revive a two-state solution, highlighting the need for international cooperation. They also discuss the precarious nature of Israel's military actions against Hamas leaders in Qatar and the deepening divide between Netanyahu and global leaders.

Hosts dive into the escalating tensions in Ukraine, revealing Putin's defiance against Trump's peace initiatives. A major summit attended by Xi, Modi, and Putin signals a shift towards a new global power dynamic. The podcast also analyzes the implications of U.S. military actions against Venezuelan drug cartels and how they reflect evolving foreign policy under Secretary of State Rubio. Discussions on Europe's military capabilities and India's strategic balancing act add depth to the evolving geopolitical landscape.