We are in the midst of one of the most dangerous and unstable geopolitical moments in recent history. Wars are intensifying in Ukraine and the Middle East, the rise of China as a superpower is threatening the entire Asia-Pacific region, and an unprecedented migrant crisis in the US and Europe is paving the way for right wing populists who threaten to destabilize and destroy the international rules based order that has given us eight decades of relative peace and prosperity. And in the backdrop of this chaos is a United States that is deeply divided and unable - and sometimes unwilling - to provide leadership at a moment of global instability. Our guest on this Munk Dialogue is uniquely qualified to speak on these conflicts, and offer prescriptions for how the US should navigate these dangerous waters and steady the ship, so to speak. Richard Haass is widely considered to be the embodiment of America’s foreign policy establishment. He was president of the Council on Foreign Relations for 20 years and served in multiple presidential administrations. He’s also the editor of a new weekly newsletter called Home and Away, which is published on substack.    The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/ To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.   To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membershipMembers receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/ Executive Producer: Ricki GurwitzSenior Producer: Daniel KittsEditor: Kieran Lynch

Debate on whether TikTok poses a national security threat due to data collection and ties to Chinese Communist Party. Arguments for and against a proposed bill to sell or ban TikTok, highlighting concerns over targeting one app and setting dangerous precedent. Analysis of economic and free speech implications of banning TikTok, as well as debates on regulating foreign ownership risks and the need for balancing national security with user safety.

Debate on American workers' economic situation and fiscal stimulus impact, analysis of American economic policies and fiscal sustainability, navigating stock market highs and economic realities, detailed analysis of the economic state of American workers, exploring privilege and generational talent in the post-pandemic economy

Debate on whether Donald Trump is a weak general election candidate, with insights on his loyal base, swing voters, and past victories. Analysis of black American voters shifting towards Trump and his unique crisis navigation skills. Contrast of Trump's viability as a candidate with concerns among Republican voters.

Exploring Russia's abandonment of arms control agreements, the podcast discusses the implications for nuclear war and the challenges faced by the US and its allies. Featuring insights from former NATO official Rose Gottemoelle, the episode delves into the urgent need to re-establish arms control measures and the impact of Russia's withdrawal from New START. Analyzing China's strategic nuclear build-up and navigating nuclear threats and deterrence are also highlighted topics in this informative discussion.

Exploring the challenges of achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians, focusing on the two-state solution. Gilead Sher advocates for this path despite security risks, emphasizing safety and prosperity for both sides. The podcast discusses the importance of separate nation-states and strategic partnerships to counter Iran's influence. Personal reflections on resilience and loss near the Gaza border shed light on the impact of conflict. Host concludes with gratitude for engaging dialogue and promotes open debates.

“An elderly man with a poor memory”. That is how a special counsel report described Joe Biden, president of the United States. Public appearances of the President looking confused and forgetting important dates and names seem to support this finding. Some Democrats believe Biden’s cognitive decline is a major liability that can no longer be ignored. With so much at stake in the 2024 election, and polls that are favouring Trump to win, it’s time for Biden to step aside for a candidate that can take on Trump with the energy and mental vigour such a contest requires. Biden’s supporters argue that his record as one of America’s most effective presidents renders his age irrelevant. Unlike previous candidates, Biden has proven that he can form a winning coalition. The risk of replacing him this close to the election would all but guarantee his defeat and the ruin of American democracy at the hands of a President Trump. Arguing in favour of the resolution is Jeff Weaver. He was a senior advisor on Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and he is currently serving as an advisor to Representative Dean Phillip’s campaign to be the Democratic nominee. Arguing against the resolution is Jim Kessler. He’s the Executive Vice President of Policy at Third Way, a Washington DC Democratic think tank. SOURCES:  MSNBC, NBC News   The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths  Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/ To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.   To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 50+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/ Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz Editor: Kieran Lynch  

Experts discuss the rise of the Russia-China axis and its threat to global stability. They analyze the aggressive behaviors of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the geopolitical dynamics between the West, Russia, and China, and the importance of the international rules-based order. The dialogue emphasizes the need for strategic responses to prevent a devastating global war in the 21st century.

14 countries, including Canada and the US, suspended funding to the U.N.’s Palestinian Refugee Agency in response to Israeli allegations that 12 employees were involved in the attack on Israel on October 7th, and roughly 10% of their employees in Gaza have links to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Human rights workers argue that this is a form of collective punishment that will have dire consequences on a population already suffering from widespread hunger, displacement, and disease. Furthermore, cutting off payments to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria could destabilize an already volatile region. UNRWA’s critics argue that by keeping Palestinians in a perpetual state of refugee status, the organization prevents them from setting down roots elsewhere in the region and thus acts as an obstacle to peace. Given the irrefutable evidence of its ties to Hamas and support of terror against Israel, they argue, there is no reason to continue to fund an agency openly committed to the right of return for Palestinian refugees and the elimination of the Jewish State.  Arguing in favour of the resolution is Kenneth Roth, the former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch Arguing against the resolution is Einat Wilf, former member of the Israeli Knesset and the author of The War of Return: How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace Vote on who you think won the debate at https://munkdebates.com/podcasts/unwra-debate/   SOURCES: ABC News, UN WATCH   The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths  Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/ To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.   To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/   Executive Producer: Ricki Gurwitz Editor: Kieran Lynch  

John Mearsheimer, a leading realist scholar in international relations, discusses the need for Ukraine to sever ties with the West. He explores the ongoing conflict with Russia, the limitations of military power in a multipolar world, and the threat of a growing alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.