The President’s Inbox

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.

Liana Fix, a Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and Trump’s striking ultimatum to Putin. She discusses the resilience of Ukraine’s fighters despite internal challenges and explores the shifting military support from China and North Korea. The conversation also addresses the contrasting perceptions of American and Russian motivations in the crisis and the implications for NATO and U.S.-Europe relations amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

Oliver Stuenkel, an associate professor at Fundação Getulio Vargas and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discusses Brazil's strategic role within the BRICS group. He highlights Brazil's multi-alignment approach amid global tensions and its cautious stance on BRICS expansion, especially regarding China's influence. Stuenkel explores the geopolitical dynamics of BRICS membership in light of the Ukraine conflict, the diplomatic challenges posed by absent leaders, and Brazil's balancing act between the U.S. and other global players.

William Henagan, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the shifts in U.S. foreign aid following Trump’s reforms. He highlights a potential $20 billion decline in aid and the importance of programs like PEPFAR in combating diseases. The conversation critiques the rise of effective altruism and its risks to U.S. competitiveness against China. Henagan also explores the U.S. Development Finance Corporation's role in promoting investments and warns about the implications of weakened humanitarian support on national security.