One Decision

Join Alexandra Prokopenko, a Fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center and former advisor to the Bank of Russia, as she unpacks the precarious state of Russia's economy. She reveals how military spending is straining resources and why drastic budget cuts are unlikely. Prokopenko discusses the paradox of sanctions which, instead of weakening the Kremlin, are fostering unity among Russians. With insights into labor shortages and the complexities of military recruitment, this conversation offers a deep dive into the cracks forming in Putin's war economy.

The discussion centers on Israel's groundbreaking use of AI in warfare, highlighting how these technologies intercept communications and shape tactics. Unique AI models like 'Lavender' and 'Gospel' are transforming target identification while raising pressing ethical questions. The conversation delves into how international law is struggling to keep up with machine-driven decision-making in conflict zones. Insights on the shifting dynamics between tech companies and military operations reveal a future where algorithms could dictate life-and-death outcomes.

Chuck Freilich, former Deputy National Security Advisor for Israel, shares his transformation from a two-state solution advocate to proposing a new strategy for Gaza and the West Bank. He outlines a bold plan involving multilateral land swaps and cooperation with Egypt. Freilich discusses the political motivations behind Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions and the implications of the ongoing conflict for Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation dives into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and critiques the endorsements of Palestinian statehood by European leaders.

The podcast dives into the FBI's search of John Bolton's property, revealing issues tied to the mishandling of classified documents by top officials. It discusses the legal implications facing figures like Trump and Biden, alongside their struggles with government oversight. Insightful comparisons are made between U.S. and UK policies on handling sensitive information, shedding light on the intricacies of intelligence in politics. Finally, the conversation emphasizes the challenges faced by intelligence officials when working with inexperienced policymakers.

Join John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, as he dives into the complex fallout from President Trump’s summit with Putin. He discusses whether Trump is being outwitted by Putin and how Europe’s newfound military unity could shift global power dynamics. The conversation also touches on Russia’s gray warfare tactics and the fragility of Putin’s regime amidst ongoing conflict. With NATO's credibility on the line, Herbst emphasizes the critical need for strong Western support in Ukraine.

Donald Trump's surprising decision to allow Nvidia to sell chips to China raises eyebrows about global power dynamics. The discussion reveals the complex interplay between technology exports and national security, alongside profit-sharing arrangements that blur ethical lines. The hosts dive into the intricate U.S.-China relationship under Trump and the influence of economic factors on trade strategies. They also analyze how tech giants navigate government demands, highlighting the significant implications for international diplomacy and innovation.

Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, to dissect the complexities of the Trump-Putin summit. They analyze whether Alaska represents a strategic peace overture or a perilous gamble. The duo discusses the critical absence of Ukraine in negotiations, historical lessons about appeasement, and the potential impacts on NATO unity and Taiwan. These insights reflect their vast experience in Cold War strategy and the delicate balance of modern geopolitics.

The upcoming summit between Trump and Putin raises eyebrows in Europe, particularly without Ukraine's participation. The hosts delve into Ukraine's refusal to concede territory and the vital support it needs amid shifting U.S. foreign policy. Tensions escalate as they discuss the implications for diplomatic relations, stressing the need for a strategic approach. Additionally, the podcast highlights Trump's controversial federal response to crime in D.C., drawing intriguing parallels to Thatcher's governance. It's a whirlwind of geopolitical intrigue and historical echoes!

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian specializing in authoritarian leaders, dives into the complexities of modern autocracy. She discusses the psychological traits of powerful leaders like Putin and Gaddafi, revealing their obsessive behaviors. The conversation shifts to how tech oligarchs are reshaping political dynamics, creating a new breed of authoritarianism. Ben-Ghiat also highlights the illusion of competence among strongman leaders and the challenges democracies face as these figures promote themselves as saviors while obscuring failures.

Tensions escalate as an Israeli minister visits Temple Mount and Hamas releases a provocative hostage video. Trump's envoy is off to Moscow, but Putin shows little willingness to compromise. Meanwhile, the U.S. plans to reposition nuclear submarines near Russian territories, raising eyebrows about potential threats. The complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and its intertwining with the Ukraine-Russia conflict reveal the intricate web of international relations and diplomatic challenges.