The President’s Inbox

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.

Liana Fix, a CFR fellow specializing in European security, and Charles A. Kupchan, a CFR senior fellow and expert on international affairs, delve into Trump's evolving policies on Ukraine. They discuss the impact of U.S. foreign policy on European dynamics, including mixed responses to the Ukraine conflict and the challenges of unity among European nations. The conversation highlights potential economic partnerships centered around rare earth elements for Ukraine’s reconstruction, stressing the significance of a unified strategy against Russian aggression.

Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert on U.S.-India relations, discusses the significant meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. She highlights how personal dynamics influence their diplomatic relationship, alongside India's impressive trade surplus with the U.S. The conversation delves into complex immigration issues and their impact on bilateral ties. Lastly, Madan touches on Modi and Trump's navigation of critical geopolitical challenges, showcasing India's quest for autonomy amid global pressures.

Mark Horowitz, Chair of Electrical Engineering at Stanford, and Sebastian Elbaum, technologist at the Council on Foreign Relations, dive into the future of chip manufacturing and the crucial role of semiconductors in AI innovation. They discuss the implications of Moore's Law and the intensifying U.S.-China competition, alongside the pressing need for skilled labor in chip manufacturing. The conversation highlights strategic investments necessary for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in tech, as well as the intersection of energy sustainability with advanced computing.

Robert Kaplan, an acclaimed journalist and the author of *Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis*, discusses the complexities of our interconnected world with James M. Lindsay. He argues that growing global interdependency heightens the risk of crises spanning multiple regions. Kaplan draws parallels to the Weimar Republic to illustrate the obsolescence of isolationism. The conversation delves into the relationship between order and freedom, the emotional fabric of politics, and the geopolitical decline of major powers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of leadership decisions.

Adam Segal, Ira A. Lipman chair in emerging technologies and national security at CFR, dives into the shocking advancements of China's DeepSeek AI program. He discusses how this challenges the U.S. narrative of AI supremacy and explores the geopolitical implications of U.S.-China tech competition. Segal contrasts optimism about innovation with concerns over regulatory obstacles and internal challenges in China’s technology ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic policy solutions to ensure U.S. leadership in the evolving AI landscape.

Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, brings his expertise in Middle East politics to discuss the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire. He breaks down the intricate three-phase agreement, focusing on hostages and potential withdrawals. Cook delves into the complex dynamics between both sides, highlighting political pressures and public sentiment in Israel. He also critiques controversial proposals for Palestinian relocation and examines the ramifications of U.S. foreign policy on regional stability and international relations.