One Decision

Retired General Philip Breedlove joins the conversation, shedding light on his pivotal role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander. He discusses how Trump’s tariffs could reshape military readiness and NATO’s fortification. The chat also dives into Ukraine’s innovative defense strategies and the complexities of negotiating peace with Russia. Additionally, Breedlove shares humorous anecdotes from his military experiences that highlight the challenges faced on the ground, adding a unique lens to the serious geopolitical discussions.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, known for hits like Black Bag and Contagion, shares intriguing insights into the world of espionage. He discusses the compelling nature of watching people lie, emphasizing trust as vital in spycraft. Soderbergh also explores the complexities of marriage within the espionage realm in his latest film, revealing emotional challenges. The conversation delves into his take on the connection between intelligence and global pandemics, hinting at a potential sequel to Contagion that balances creativity and audience anticipation.

Jon Finer, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, shares his insights on the unintended leak of classified information through a group chat by Trump cabinet members. He discusses the critical need for secure communication channels in sensitive environments. Finer also highlights his experiences during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, detailing U.S. strategies for peace negotiations. He expresses cautious optimism about the situation in Gaza and reflects on the importance of credibility within the intelligence community.

What is it like to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow? Will President Trump's phone call with President Vladimir Putin help end the war? And why is AI now the hottest tool in cybersecurity?In this week’s episode, Christina Ruffini catches up with co-host and former head of Britain’s MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, to unpack the global implications of President Donald Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week. Sir Richard shares exclusive insight into his meetings in Moscow and what Ukrainians are telling him about ending the war. He also reveals what he believes is Putin’s true vulnerability. Later in the episode, Sir Richard sits down with Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security for Cyber and Emerging Technology under the Biden administration. They explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in defense systems and why China is the leading cybersecurity adversary.Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week’s episode, correspondent Christina Ruffini and co-host former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta sit down with former United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Barbara Leaf, who was also previously Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Arabian Peninsula in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq. They discuss Leaf’s role in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump’s plans for Gaza, and how the Arab world has reacted. Leaf also shares behind-the-scenes diplomatic stories from the dramatic fall of the Assad regime and recounts an afternoon spent with Syria’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his plans for a new Syria and relations with Israel. Plus, how the nation is battling emerging Assad supporters. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

In this week's episode, correspondent Christina Ruffini sits down with co-host Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director. They discuss President Donald Trump’s recent address to a joint session of the United States Congress, and his tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. They also discuss the U.S. decision to halt military aid to Ukraine and the dangers of pausing U.S. cyber operations against Russia. Plus, Christina Ruffini shares a bit of history behind America's annual State of the Union address.Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

Trois ans après le début de la guerre en Ukraine, l’équilibre mondial continue de se redessiner. L’Europe se trouve à la croisée des chemins : comment affirmer son indépendance stratégique face à une Amérique en mutation et aux menaces d’intimidations commerciales ? L’idée d’une défense européenne autonome peut-elle enfin se concrétiser ? Cette semaine, nous recevons Thierry Breton, ancien Commissaire européen au marché intérieur et ancien ministre de l’Économie. Il nous livre son analyse sur les grands enjeux du moment : l’évolution des relations transatlantiques, l’impact de la guerre en Ukraine, l’avenir de l’industrie de la défense, mais aussi l’influence croissante d’acteurs non étatiques comme Elon Musk, qui bousculent les équilibres traditionnels. Une conversation essentielle pour comprendre les défis auxquels l’Europe doit faire face et les leviers dont elle dispose pour rester un acteur majeur sur la scène internationale. Margot Haddad, journaliste française et présentatrice, reçoit Thierry Breton.Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Senator and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, shares insights from her recent visit to Ukraine, recounting the resilience of its citizens amidst conflict. She discusses America’s reliability as an ally, the significance of foreign aid, and the implications of mineral rights deals with Ukraine. Shaheen also addresses challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and the necessity of supporting Ukraine in the face of ongoing war, alongside reflections on U.S. foreign policy during the Trump administration.

Roderich Kiesewetter, a senior member of the German Bundestag and expert in foreign policy, joins Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, for a compelling discussion on the upcoming pivotal German elections. They explore voter concerns like immigration and the economy, amid rising support for the far-right AfD party. The conversation also delves into Germany's defense posture regarding Russia and the war in Ukraine. Additionally, they address Elon Musk's surprising influence on European politics and the urgent need for a cohesive defense strategy within NATO.

Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, discusses Europe's need to step up in defending Ukraine amidst rising tensions. Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia, shares insights on combating Russian interference and affirming her legitimacy as a leader. Meanwhile, Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Defense Minister, advocates for gender diversity in the armed forces and stresses the significance of collaborative defense strategies in Europe. The conversation highlights pressing issues of democracy, military readiness, and the fight against external pressures.