The President’s Inbox

Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at CFR, and Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow at CFR, delve into the challenges in U.S.-Russia relations amid the Ukraine conflict. They discuss what 'victory' means for Ukraine beyond just military success and the complexities of NATO membership. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a unified Western strategy and examines nuclear dynamics, especially with the looming expiration of the New START Treaty. Their insights are crucial for understanding the geopolitical landscape as the 2024 U.S. election approaches.

Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at CFR and a columnist for The Washington Post, joins James M. Lindsay to unpack Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy legacy. They discuss Reagan's complex presidency, noting his triumphs like economic revival alongside failures such as delayed crisis responses. The dialogue highlights Reagan's communication prowess, his transformative summit with Gorbachev, and contrasts his tactics with the current U.S.-China relations. Boot emphasizes the necessity of active U.S. global leadership amidst contemporary isolationist trends.

In a compelling discussion, Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow at CFR, explores the escalating military tensions in the Middle East. He analyzes Iran's delayed response to provocations and the implications of U.S. military presence in the region. Cook dives into Israel’s military strategies against Hezbollah, highlighting their arsenal and the complexities of targeting leadership. The conversation also unpacks the intricate relationships between Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel, raising questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential outcomes for regional stability.

Liana Fix, a fellow for Europe at CFR, discusses Ukraine's bold military move into Kursk, exploring its strategic implications for European security. She highlights Ukraine's shift in strategy to strike within Russia amid changing Western support. The conversation also covers Belarus's complicated role and the internal challenges facing the Russian military. Additionally, Fix examines Germany's fluctuating support for Ukraine against a backdrop of political tension and rising far-right influence, revealing the intricate dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

Stephen Heintz, the president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, shares insights on how the U.S. can navigate a new world of great power competition. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing existential threats like climate change and nuclear proliferation. Heintz critiques outdated international relations frameworks, advocating for inclusive strategies. He proposes redefining U.S. global engagement from dominance to collaboration, particularly in diplomacy with rising powers like China, to foster a stable, multipolar world.

Rush Doshi, a C.V. Starr Senior Fellow for Asia Studies and director of the China Strategy Initiative, shares insights on U.S.-China geopolitical dynamics. He delves into the Thucydides Trap, discussing the potential for conflict as China ascends. Doshi analyzes China's perception of U.S. power and its grand strategy to expand influence. He emphasizes the importance of diplomatic engagement between Biden and Xi, while also addressing skepticism towards alliances in American politics. A thought-provoking exploration of navigating complex international relations!

Christopher Kirchhoff, former special assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Raj M. Shah, managing partner of Shield Capital, explore the intersection of technology and warfare. They discuss the Pentagon's efforts to collaborate with Silicon Valley to modernize military operations. Key topics include the historical tech gap, new contracting models for startups, and the challenges of integrating consumer technologies in defense. The duo also highlights the implications of using commercial tech and autonomous systems in military strategies.

Charles A. Kupchan, a senior fellow at CFR and international affairs professor at Georgetown University, discusses U.S. grand strategy amidst great power competition. He emphasizes the need to blend traditional realism with domestic influences to adapt foreign policy. Kupchan explores the evolution from isolationism to liberal internationalism, the challenges of multipolarity, and U.S. relations with rising powers like China and India. Ultimately, he advocates for a coherent strategy that balances competition, cooperation, and internal political stability.

Sir Robin Niblett from Chatham House discusses a potential US-China Cold War with James Lindsay. They delve into the implications for global alliances, reflect on parallels with the US-Soviet Cold War, and analyze foreign policy choices in global affairs. They explore the dynamics of a new Cold War, touching on trade, alliances, and nuclear arms.

Stephen Flynn, founding director of the Global Resilience Institute, discusses the threat of nuclear terrorism with a focus on preventing and responding to such incidents. Topics include the risk of non-state actors acquiring nuclear weapons, dirty bombs, global challenges in countering nuclear terrorism, and the importance of preparedness and response strategies.