The President’s Inbox

In this engaging discussion, Zoe Liu, a senior fellow specializing in China studies, dives into the complexities of the U.S.-China trade war. She outlines China's strategic responses to tariff hikes and explains the economic anxieties stemming from these tensions. Liu also sheds light on the historical narrative of China's 'century of national humiliation' and its impact on current leadership. The conversation explores the resilience of the Chinese economy, particularly the role of small enterprises, as well as the challenges multinationals face in this evolving landscape.

Carla Anne Robbins, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former New York Times editor, is joined by Matthias Matthijs, an expert in international political economy at Johns Hopkins. They dissect Trump's first 100 days in office, focusing on the chaos of his early foreign policy choices. The duo dives into Trump's transactional diplomacy, the implications of tariffs on trade, and the weaknesses in his national security team. They also analyze the geopolitical stakes of the Ukraine conflict, shedding light on the tensions between democratic and authoritarian regimes.

Varun Sivaram, senior fellow for energy and climate and Director of the Climate Realism Initiative at the Council, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the state of the global environment and U.S. climate policies on the occasion of Earth Day 2025.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Varun Sivaram, Taming the Sun   Varun Sivaram, “We Need a Fresh Approach to Climate Policy. It’s Time for Climate Realism," CFR.org   “The Moral Assumptions Embedded in Economic Models of Climate Change,” The Economist For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/climate-change-realism-earth-day-2025-varun-sivaram

Will Freeman, a Fellow for Latin America Studies at CFR, shares insights on the complexities of U.S.-Panama relations. He discusses Trump's provocative suggestion for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal and its implications for geopolitical stability. The conversation dives into Panama's current political landscape, President Molino's challenges, and the economic impacts of the U.S.-China trade war on Latin American countries. Freeman emphasizes the need for diplomacy and understanding regional identities in light of historical U.S. influence.

Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of Silverado Policy Accelerator and former CTO of CrowdStrike, dives into the intricate U.S.-China rivalry. He discusses the strategic importance of Taiwan and the implications of Chinese espionage. Alperovitch highlights the necessity of strong alliances, such as NATO, to counterbalance China's influence. He also examines the effects of U.S. export controls on China's technological advancements, illustrating the complexities of international trade and cooperation. A compelling look at today's geopolitical challenges!

Sophia Besch, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discusses Germany's significant rearmament as Europe faces new security challenges. She highlights the shifting public sentiment toward military readiness and how recent elections reflect changing priorities. The impact of U.S. policies on German politics and defense spending is examined, revealing a newfound commitment to increasing military budget beyond traditional limits. Besch emphasizes the need for a united European defense strategy amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

Edward Fishman, a senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy and adjunct professor at Columbia University, dives into the evolving landscape of economic warfare. He discusses the U.S.'s expanded use of financial and trade sanctions and their effectiveness in achieving foreign policy goals. Fishman highlights the complexities of sanctions against nations like Iran and Russia, and the strategic use of export controls against China. He emphasizes the U.S. dollar's role in global trade and the impact of tariffs versus sanctions on international relations.

Mvemba Dizolele, senior fellow and director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the renewed fighting in the Eastern Congo that pits the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda against the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.   Mentioned on the Episode:    Mvemba Dizolele, Into Africa, Center for Strategic and International Studies For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/conflict-eastern-congo-mvemba-dizolele

Nina Armagno, a retired lieutenant general of the U.S. Space Force, and Jane Harman, former congresswoman and president emerita of the Wilson Center, delve into the significance of space in both commercial and security realms. They discuss the surge of satellite launches and the pivotal role of low Earth orbit, addressing the urgent need for space traffic management amidst increasing congestion. The conversation also highlights the dangers of space debris and the importance of international collaboration to adapt U.S. space policy in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Jane Perlez, a seasoned foreign correspondent for the New York Times and fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center, shares her insights into the declining foreign reporting from China and its implications for U.S.-China relations. She discusses the significant challenges journalists face, including government surveillance and limited access to reliable sources. Perlez also highlights cross-cultural misunderstandings and the misconceptions fueled by media on both sides. As tensions evolve, she reflects on key flashpoints in the relationship between the two superpowers.