The President’s Inbox

Michelle Gavin, a senior fellow at CFR, discusses Sudan's ongoing civil war, including the power struggles, devastating impact on cities, challenges in estimating death toll, lack of humanitarian access, and urgent need for global intervention to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Discussing the 2024 European Parliament elections, Liana Fix and Matthias Mattijs explore topics such as German power in European Russia policy, EU election stakes, and potential shifts in European politics. They analyze the impact of the recent elections on the EU's political landscape, highlighting trends in voter turnout, far-right support, and the resilience of the pro-EU center. The podcast also delves into the selection process for the head of the European Commission and the implications of Ursula von der Leyen's potential second term.

Steven A. Cook, a Middle East expert, discusses US policy in the region, highlighting shifts from ambitious goals to pragmatic approaches. They explore historical events like the Iranian Revolution and challenges in promoting democracy. The conversation emphasizes the need for nuanced strategies and clear assessments to navigate the complexities of the Middle East.

Andrés Rozental, a distinguished retired Mexican diplomat, discusses Mexico's upcoming election dynamics, key players like AMLO, and pressing issues for citizens. The podcast also explores the Mexico-US relationship challenges, cartel violence, USMCA agreement significance, and disputes in trade relations under USMCA.

David Sanger, White House correspondent, discusses America's new Cold Wars with a focus on geopolitical rivalry, Russian interference, China's influence, semiconductor self-sufficiency, AI safety, nuclear arms limitation, and navigating relationships with Russia and China.

Associate research professor of public policy, Andrew Reddie, discusses the impact of AI on warfare, emphasizing the evolution over revolution in military operations. Topics include AI tools for data analysis, anomaly detection, and decision support, challenges of integrating AI into nuclear decision-making, and upcoming high-level AI talks between Washington and Beijing. The episode also explores regulating AI in military operations through a political declaration and the need for governance frameworks and adversarial testing for responsible AI future.

Guest John Ikenberry discusses the relevance of liberal internationalism for U.S. global leadership. Topics include historical roots, benefits of collaboration, challenges facing the global order, geopolitical alignments, and strategies for success in the 21st century.

Brad Setser, CFR fellow, discusses China's export surge's impact with James M. Lindsay. They explore US job losses, China's industrial policies, Xi's economic philosophy, global trade dynamics, and policy coordination challenges among major players.

Captain John Barrientos and Colonel Kristen Thompson discuss challenges facing the U.S. military, including adapting military strategy, reflections on Navy teamwork, sailor participation, and leadership philosophy, and exploring leadership and skill development in the military.

Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at CFR, and Ray Takeyh, the Hasib J. Sabbagh senior fellow for Middle East studies at CFR, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel and the prospects for a broader Middle East war.   Mentioned on the Episode    Steven A. Cook, "Iran Attack Means an Even Tougher Balancing Act for the U.S. in the Middle East," CFR.org   Steven A. Cook, The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East [forthcoming]   Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh, “Keeping U.S. Power Behind Israel Will Keep Iran at Bay,” New York Times   Ray Takeyh, "Iran Attacks on Israel Spur Escalation Concerns," CFR.org   Ray Takeyh, The Last Shah: America, Iran, and the Fall of the Pahlavi Dynasty   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/irans-attack-israel-steven-cook-and-ray-takeyh