
One Decision
Tough decisions rattle us all to the core. But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history. No pressure! They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences.A fresh take on foreign policy.Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.
Latest episodes

Mar 5, 2025 • 33min
Un Épisode Spécial: Thierry Breton sur une Europe face à Trump
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.

Feb 27, 2025 • 27min
Top US Foreign Relations Senator on Trump's New Playbook with Ukraine, EU
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.

Feb 21, 2025 • 31min
Ex-MI6 Chief & Top German Parliamentarian on its Path Ahead
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.

6 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 39min
European Presidents on the New World Order, What's Next for Ukraine
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.

Feb 18, 2025 • 38min
Canadian Foreign & Defence Ministers on Trump’s Threats
Melanie Joly, Canadian Foreign Minister, shares insights on Canada's foreign policy and its evolving relationship with the U.S. She discusses the implications of recent tariff threats and the importance of ties with Nordic and Arctic nations. Bill Blair, Canadian Defence Minister, addresses Canada’s defense strategy, stressing cooperation with NATO and the U.S. He elaborates on the challenges of Ukraine's potential NATO membership and the need for enhanced internal defense. Together, they navigate the complexities of global security dynamics.

Feb 14, 2025 • 41min
Women Leaders in the Era of Trump
Live from Munich—One Decision teamed up with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle for a live podcast official side event at the 2025 Munich Security Conference. Hosts Christina Ruffini and DW chief political correspondent Nina Haase lead a panel of global women leaders, including Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, former Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren. This episode is an edited version of the live panel discussion which explored US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and how it can influence peace talks for the war in Ukraine. The panelists also discussed the growing influence of tech mogul Elon Musk in American foreign policy, the role of the United States as a reliable ally, Ukraine joining NATO, and how women leaders are shaping the current geopolitical landscape.Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

Feb 13, 2025 • 21min
What to Expect as World Leaders Meet in Munich
Nina Haase, chief political correspondent for DW, shares her expert insights on the Munich Security Conference. She discusses the significance of Vice President JD Vance's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and the complexities of European defense in light of a potential second Trump administration. The conversation highlights how the Ukraine conflict has reshaped discussions on security and diplomacy, emphasizing the urgent need for unity against rising far-right influences in Europe.

Feb 6, 2025 • 37min
Ex-MI6 & Aussie Spy Chiefs on Trump’s Gaza Gambit, Chinese Threat
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and resident spymaster, Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain’s MI6, discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House and President Donald Trump’s latest plans for Gaza and the Middle East. Later in the episode, the hosts are joined by Nick Warner, former Director-General of Australia’s Office of National Intelligence (ONI) to discuss the emerging presence of the Australian intelligence community, their role in countering Chinese surveillance operations, and the unpredictable black swan events that could rattle the geopolitical landscape this year. Episode produced by Situtation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.

Jan 30, 2025 • 35min
Colombia’s Ex-Defense Minister on How to Handle Trump's Tough Tactics
In this week’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and resident spymaster, Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, are joined by Juan Carlos Pinzón, a former Defense Minister of Colombia and two-time Ambassador to the United States to unpack the recent developments in Colombia as President Trump’s tariff threats compelled the nation's president Gustavo Petro to give into deportation efforts. They also discuss the growing role of China in Latin America, the drug crisis affecting the region’s political sovereignty, and the threat of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro's regime on the region's democracy. Plus, the future of the Panama Canal.

Jan 23, 2025 • 32min
Ex-MI6 Chief & Tory Leader on Trump's Relationship with the UK, Chagos Islands Deal
In today’s episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini and resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain’s MI6, are joined by former United Kingdom security minister and Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat to discuss what President Donald Trump’s second administration could mean for the future of US-UK relations. They also discuss how Trump’s foreign policy could shape the future of the war in Ukraine and what lies ahead for the Chagos Islands, a British archipelago in the Indian Ocean. As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to hand over the islands to Mauritius—what potential role could the Trump administration play in the final negotiations? Later, Sir Richard and Christina unpack the events of the Presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. Plus, it’s Sir Richard’s birthday, and he shares his thoughts on what he believes is the biggest, most impactful foreign policy shift he has witnessed.Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.