Deep Dish on Global Affairs

After months of diplomatic outreach, President Trump has abruptly shifted course on Venezuela—from covert CIA operations and expanded military activity in the Caribbean, to publicly backing Venezuela’s opposition leader. Is this a crackdown on drugs and migration, or part of a broader strategy reshaping US policy in South America? Economist Francisco Rodríguez explains the political, economic, and human stakes of Washington’s evolving approach.

Evan Medeiros, a professor at Georgetown University and former senior director for Asia on the U.S. National Security Council, dives into China's ambitions under Xi Jinping. He discusses China's goal to reshape global norms and challenges to the liberal order. Medeiros critiques U.S. policies across administrations and emphasizes the need for intense diplomacy to avoid miscalculations. He also highlights China’s alliances and the importance of rebuilding partnerships, particularly with India, while navigating the complexities of global influence.

Russian drones are crossing European skies, testing NATO while US focus shifts elsewhere. Charles Kupchan and Constanze Stelzenmüller unpack Russia’s strategy, the risks for Ukraine, and what it means for the future of the transatlantic alliance. 

Nearly two years after the Hamas attacks, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are pushing a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war. Experts Steven Cook and Sanam Vakil say the terms essentially demand Hamas’ surrender—so is peace possible, and what does this mean for the future of regional stability and alliances? They join Deep Dish to debate the deal and what it reveals about shifting American power in the Middle East.

As the United Nations turns 80, it faces a legitimacy crisis fueled by budget cuts, global crises, and a United States President that is antagonistic toward the institution. This week’s UNGA highlights the stakes: What is the future US role on the global stage? Can the UN still deliver in a fractured world? Will a woman be the next UN Secretary General? Longtime UN insiders Corinne Momal-Vanian and Richard Gowan discuss.

President Trump’s state visit comes at a precarious time for Britain: weak growth, political turbulence, and pressure to reset its ties with the EU. With Prime Minister Keir Starmer forging a strategic bond with Trump, what’s next for the US-UK relationship? New York Times London Bureau Chief Mark Landler explains what lies ahead.

Baroness Dambisa Moyo, an esteemed economist and board member for Starbucks and Chevron, dives into the shifting landscape of the global economy. She tackles Europe's stagnating growth and productivity issues in comparison to the U.S., emphasizing the crucial role of historical lessons in shaping today's markets. Moyo discusses urgent economic challenges, including inequality, demographic shifts, and resource limitations. She also explores unexpected income discrepancies and urges policymakers to address economic inequality amidst deglobalization and rising tariffs.

Syria’s war may have faded from the headlines, but for millions of refugees, the crisis is far from over. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, explains why global aid is failing and what the world must do now to fix it. From Gaza to Syria, he shares how to reset a broken system and rebuild hope as the UN turns 80. 

Almost every conversation about China is framed as an all-out competition—but expert Jessica Chen Weiss argues that reflexive rivalry is making America weaker, not stronger. She breaks down why resilience matters more than dominance, how strategic integration protects US interests, and why “beating” China shouldn’t be the ultimate goal.

As Ukraine calls for security and support, world leaders juggle high-stakes negotiations and competing interests. Alexander Cooley and Alex Dukalskis, authors of Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics, unpack how authoritarian strategies are influencing the talks and argue that negotiating peace isn’t just about stopping the fighting—it’s about who walks away with the leverage.