The President’s Inbox

Reuben Brigety, the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa from 2022 to 2025 and President of Busara Advisors, joins James M. Lindsay to discuss the recent meeting between Presidents Trump and Ramaphosa. They unpack the complex U.S.-South Africa relations through historical and contemporary lenses. The conversation delves into the controversial claims of genocide against white farmers, South Africa's role in BRICS, and the anti-American sentiment within the ANC, highlighting the need for a strong partnership as global power dynamics shift.

Šumit Ganguly, a senior fellow and director of the U.S.-India Program at Stanford's Hoover Institution, dives into the recent military clash between nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. He sheds light on the deadly terrorist attack that sparked the conflict and examines India’s shifting military strategies, moving from restraint to aggression. Ganguly discusses U.S. influence on ceasefire agreements and the role of China in the geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the fragile nature of treaties and the escalating tensions in South Asia.

Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, shares his insights on the intricate U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. He discusses the complexities of indirect talks and the recent shift toward direct dialogue, revealing the historical context of Iran's diplomatic strategies. Sadjadpour highlights the delicate balance Iran seeks to maintain regarding its nuclear program amid pressures from hardline factions and external allies like China and Russia. He also addresses the evolving dynamics among Gulf states in response to these tensions.

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.