The President’s Inbox

Liana Fix, a CFR fellow focusing on European security and transatlantic relations, and Matthias Matthijs, a senior fellow specializing in Europe’s political economy, join James M. Lindsay to unpack Europe's strategy for a potential second Trump administration. They discuss how political turmoil in Germany could reshape EU relations and the pressures of trade policies and defense spending. The conversation also touches on the EU's digital regulations amid U.S. tensions and the growing perception of China as a security threat, influencing European economic strategies.

Christopher M. Tuttle, a senior fellow at CFR and former policy director for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, dives into Trump’s national security appointments. He discusses the challenges of unifying a diverse team and possible implications for foreign policy towards Ukraine, China, and the Middle East. Tuttle scrutinizes potential selections like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and considers the impact of figures like Tulsi Gabbard. The conversation also covers the intricacies of Senate confirmations amid evolving political dynamics.

Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at CFR and expert on Middle Eastern politics, joins to dissect reactions from the region to Trump’s electoral win. He shares insights on how countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia view Trump's return with optimism, while also touching on Iran's muted response. The discussion navigates the evolving U.S.-Egypt relationship and the implications of the Abraham Accords. Cook emphasizes the delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy amid regional tensions and the future of U.S.-Middle East dynamics.

Stephen Hadley, a former national security advisor to George W. Bush, shares his insights on the intricate process of presidential transitions and the staffing challenges new presidents face. He discusses the crucial impact of personnel choices on foreign policy and emphasizes the need for communication between outgoing and incoming teams. Hadley highlights the balancing act of upholding campaign promises while addressing unfolding global events, as well as the importance of effective crisis communication and structuring a cohesive National Security Council for optimal decision-making.

Jennifer Kavanagh, a military analysis expert from Defense Priorities, and Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a specialist in Transatlantic security at the Center for a New American Security, discuss the rising cooperation among authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. They delve into the implications of this alliance for global security, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict. The duo also examines the distrust within these partnerships and the need for the U.S. to recalibrate its foreign policy to navigate these complex international dynamics effectively.

Liza Tobin, a senior director for economy at the Special Competitive Studies Project, and Jake Werner, acting director at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, dive deep into the complexities of U.S.-China relations. They discuss the shift from engagement to rivalry and the historical misjudgments of the U.S. regarding China. The duo examines China's quest for global dominance and the balance of power under Xi Jinping. Key insights on navigating these challenges for future U.S. policy highlight the need for cooperation despite systemic tensions.

Oriana Schuyler-Mastro, a Center Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute, and David Sacks, a Fellow for Asia Studies at CFR, dive into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan. They explore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the Taiwan Relations Act and the importance of strategic ambiguity. Both guests discuss China's military ambitions and Taiwan's defense challenges, calling for stronger U.S. support. They also reflect on how these dynamics might influence the upcoming 2024 election.

Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow at CFR with extensive knowledge on the Middle East, teams up with Amy Hawthorne, a former deputy director at the Project on Middle East Democracy, to explore pressing regional challenges. They dive into Israel's military objectives against Hamas and the complexities of its evolving strategies for Gaza. The conversation unfolds to include heightened tensions involving Hezbollah and Iran's influence. They also discuss the critical foreign policy decisions awaiting the next U.S. president amidst these escalating conflicts.

Edward Alden is a senior fellow at the CFR and a distinguished professor, while Ana Swanson is a trade journalist at the New York Times. They dive into the evolving landscape of U.S. trade policy, highlighting challenges stemming from competition with China. The duo dissects past deindustrialization narratives and the impacts of tariffs, especially during Trump’s presidency. They explore how shifting protectionist sentiments are reshaping society and influencing the upcoming election's trade discussions.

Alice Hill, a senior fellow for energy and the environment, and Varun Sivaram, a senior fellow for energy and climate, delve into the intersection of climate change and U.S. foreign policy as the 2024 election approaches. They discuss three decades of climate achievements and setbacks, highlighting the urgent need for robust climate policies. The conversation covers technological innovations like nuclear energy and carbon capture, the economic trade-offs of climate adaptation, and the election's significant impact on climate initiatives, emphasizing national security implications.