Alternate Shots with Richard Haass and John Ellis
Richard Haass and John Ellis
The idea of the podcast is this: We talk about “three things” that are interesting, important or both. The third thing will be about something from the world of sports.Richard is a veteran diplomat (he served in the Carter, Reagan, G.H.W. Bush and G.W. Bush administrations). He was president of the Council on Foreign Relations for two decades (he’s now president emeritus). He’s a Senior Counselor at Center|View Partners, a prominent New York City-based investment banking firm. He also distributes a weekly newsletter — Home and Away — on Friday mornings. Home and Away addresses matters domestic and foreign. John is the founder and editor of News Items, a daily newsletter that covers global politics, financial news, advanced technologies and science. He has been in and around the news business for virtually all of his adult life, working for NBC News (as a political analyst), The Boston Globe (as a columnist), CNBC, Fox News, and Newscorp. In 2016, he launched News Items as a morning brief for executives and editors at Fox and Newscorp. In 2018, News Items became The Wall Street Journal CEO Council's morning newsletter. He restarted News Items as an independent newsletter in August of 2019.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 33min
Episode 13
The discussion dives deep into Iran's protests and the complexities of U.S. policy options. Venezuela's struggles illustrate the challenges of American foreign action, especially in oil investment. Trump's controversial Greenland proposal is deemed counterproductive, while insights into Cuba's potential collapse are explored. The political landscape heats up with predictions of voter suppression in the upcoming midterms. As a break from heavy topics, the hosts shift gears to tackle college and pro football, analyzing teams and players with humor.
9 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 25min
Episode 12
Hosts dive into the complexities of U.S. intervention in Venezuela, framing it as a leadership change rather than mere regime change. They explore the motivations behind the operation, including oil access and drug trade, while cautioning about the potential pitfalls of failed arrangements. The geopolitical landscape is examined, revealing how Russia and China might actually benefit. The conversation also touches on Trump’s unpredictable comments and contrasts Venezuela’s situation with that of neighboring Mexico and Colombia, questioning the coherence of U.S. strategy.
15 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 35min
Episode 11
Explore a radically altered foreign policy landscape as Trump 2.0 prioritizes commerce and unilateralism. Dive into the rising concerns over military reforms and outdated defense programs. Witness the impact of stringent immigration policies on innovation, driving talent away from the U.S. Unpack the complexities of the AI bubble versus its revolutionary promise. Plus, analyze how new media dynamics are reshaping the industry and how online gambling poses risks to youth. Finally, celebrate exciting sports comebacks, including Lindsey Vonn's triumph!
16 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 32min
Episode Ten
Recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy prioritize economic interests over traditional alliances, with a surprising focus on the Western Hemisphere. Tensions around Venezuela and Colombia highlight America's evolving strategies. The podcast critiques Trump's messaging on affordability and examines the Biden administration's immigration challenges. Additionally, China's advances in fracking pose a new economic competition. The hosts also celebrate Philip Rivers' NFL return and the impressive start of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
8 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
Episode Nine
Tensions rise as the discussion reveals flaws in US strategies for negotiating peace in Ukraine and doubts about commitment to NATO and Taiwan. The hosts explore the complexities of military action against drug trafficking boats off Venezuela. They argue about defense spending and the inefficiency of current military procurement practices. The conversation highlights modern warfare innovations, like gamers piloting drones, and delves into concerns about Trump's mental fitness amidst a chaotic political landscape. Finally, the New York Giants' misfortunes add a dash of sports drama.
12 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 29min
Episode Eight
The conversation delves into the leaked Ukraine peace plan that critics say favors Russia, raising questions about U.S. foreign policy. The hosts discuss the implications of the Afghanistan withdrawal on U.S. credibility and its impact on relations with Taiwan. Tensions between China and Japan add another layer of complexity as they analyze regional dynamics. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted look at the New York Giants' struggles and future prospects in sports.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 31min
Episode Seven
The hosts dive into the complexities of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, especially its implications for Venezuela. They analyze the sustainability of Russia's war in Ukraine and potential escalation in Europe. U.S. debt is framed as a slow-motion crisis, with a discussion on AI's role in economic growth and the idea of a 'debt coalition of the willing.' They explore the evolving media landscape, spotlighting the rise of alternative voices alongside traditional outlets. The conversation then lightens up with a humorous take on sports, particularly the New York Giants.
7 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 29min
Episode Six
Explore the twists of Ukraine's peace negotiations and the implications of territorial concessions on European security. Delve into the geopolitical dynamics surrounding Venezuela, with a focus on regime change rather than just drug interdiction. Discover insights into the potential consequences of a U.S. government shutdown and the alarming state of financial markets. The discussion wraps up with critical observations on Congressional redistricting and a passionate lament over the New York Giants' struggles, ending on a high note with Shohei Ohtani's remarkable performances.
13 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 29min
Episode Five
A tense discussion unfolds around the Middle East, with hopes for a hostage-ceasing deal in Gaza. The political landscape in Israel raises questions about Netanyahu’s future amid rising right-wing politics in Europe. Attention turns to the potential dangers of AI-generated videos, which threaten to distort political trust. The conversation dives into the waning credibility of news media and reflects on the current U.S. government shutdown. Meanwhile, there's a bittersweet nod to the trials of being a New York sports fan.
Sep 25, 2025 • 36min
Episode Four
In this episode, Richard and John dive into Trump's unconventional speech at the UN, highlighting the global reactions. They analyze the shifting stance on Ukraine and explore the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The discussion turns to H-1B visas and how changes may affect talent competition, especially concerning China. They also assess the gloomy American electorate and Trump's ongoing influence within the GOP. On a lighter note, they touch on Daniel Jones' impressive performance with the Colts and expectations for the Ryder Cup.
