The President’s Inbox

Elliott Abrams, senior fellow for Middle East studies and the Council, and Ed Husain, senior fellow at the Council, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the state of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks and whether President Donald Trump's twenty-point peace plan will produce a lasting ceasefire.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Elliott Abrams, "The Teaching of Hate in Jordan," CFR.org   Naftali Bendavid, Scott Clement, and Emily Guskin, "Many American Jews Sharply Critical of Israel on Gaza, Post Poll Finds," Washington Post   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/two-years-since-october-7-elliott-abrams-ed-husain

Matt Waxman, adjunct senior fellow for law and foreign policy and Liviu Librescu Professor of Law at Columbia University sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the legality of the Trump administration's military strikes against drug traffickers and the implications for U.S. foreign policy.   Mentioned on the Episode:   James Madison, “Federalist No. 51,” The Federalist Papers   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/legality-trumps-drug-boat-strikes-matthew-waxman

Liana Fix, a Senior Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, offers her expertise on European security and the nuances of the NATO-Russia dynamic. She analyzes the recent drone incursions into Polish airspace, emphasizing their implications for the Ukraine war. The conversation delves into Moscow's testing of NATO's resolve, Poland's invocation of Article 4 for consultations, and the challenges of establishing a no-fly zone. Liana also discusses European concerns regarding U.S. reliability and the complexities of countering drone warfare.

Todd Harrison, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the complexities of the proposed Golden Dome Missile Defense System. He discusses its multi-layered approach and the feasibility of innovative space-based interceptors. With comparisons to Israel's Iron Dome, Todd reveals critical differences in defense strategies. The conversation also highlights geopolitical implications, especially with nations like Russia and China. Additionally, Todd addresses emerging threats, including drones, underscoring the need for advanced national defense strategies.

Michelle Gavin, Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies, dives into the transformational impact of urban youth on African politics. She discusses how urbanization and a vibrant youth demographic are reshaping political expectations and reform. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by entrenched leadership and the necessity for youth engagement in addressing economic issues. Gavin also critiques U.S. foreign policy, shedding light on the urgent need to align it with the realities facing African nations and the implications of job creation and migration.

Roxanna Vigil, an International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the alarming rise of political violence in Colombia as the country approaches a pivotal presidential election. She highlights the struggles for power among various factions, including FARC dissidents and the ELN, emphasizing their ties to drug trafficking. Vigil also examines the precarious future of demobilized FARC members and the broader implications of Colombia's instability on regional security and migration issues.

Stephen Walt, a leading figure in international affairs and a professor at Harvard, debates the merits of a realist foreign policy with James M. Lindsay. They discuss the principles of realism, especially the dangers of military overreach and the necessity of understanding power dynamics in global politics. Walt emphasizes a strategic pivot towards Asia amid China's rise and advocates for offshore balancing, arguing for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense. They also touch on the financial benefits of this approach, enhanced by emerging technologies.

Michael Kimmage, a history professor and former U.S. State Department policy planner, delves into the complexities of the Trump-Putin summit. He analyzes the ambiguous agreements made between the two leaders and their implications for Ukraine. Kimmage critiques narratives around the war, exposing misconceptions about Russian strength. He discusses the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, the need for cohesive transatlantic unity, and the troubling implications of proposed territorial land swaps, emphasizing their impact on Ukraine's sovereignty.

Hal Brands, a distinguished professor of global affairs and author of The Eurasian Century, joins James M. Lindsay to delve into the strategic importance of Eurasia. They discuss how control over this landmass affects U.S. national security and trace its historical context from World War I to today's autocratic regimes. The conversation highlights geopolitics, with Brands emphasizing Mackinder's theories on land versus sea power and the rise of China. The duo warns against U.S. isolationism, stressing the need for robust military alliances to safeguard global stability.

Joshua Kurlantzick, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into the complex border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. He discusses the historical context behind the conflict, tracing its roots to colonial decisions. The conversation highlights the impact of nationalism and military posturing, as well as the recent ceasefire's prospects amid geopolitical tensions. Kurlantzick also examines how international players like the U.S. and China shape the dynamics of regional diplomacy and trade.