The Foreign Affairs Interview

Michael Froman, former U.S. Trade Representative and current President of the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the profound changes to the global economy due to recent tariffs. He argues that the traditional trade order is irreparably damaged and warns of potential economic anarchy. Froman emphasizes the necessity of implementing new rules in global trade, even in the absence of a unified system. He also highlights the interplay between economic policies and national security, pointing to the evolving landscape of international trade agreements.

Ami Ayalon, a former commander of the Israeli Navy and head of Shin Bet, shares his insights on the path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He argues that Israel's long-term security hinges on acknowledging Palestinian rights and establishing a Palestinian state. Ayalon discusses the strategic errors leading to the current conflict and the urgent need for a clear post-war vision. He emphasizes the importance of international collaboration for a viable two-state solution and the necessity for Israeli leadership to navigate the ideological battles within society.

Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman, political scientists and co-authors of 'The Rise of the Economic Security State,' dissect the shift from U.S. dominance in global financial networks to the emergence of rivals like China wielding their own economic leverage. They explore the implications of 'weaponized interdependence,' how this transformation blurs lines between national security and economic power, and the evolving dynamics of sanctions and technology. Their insights reveal a critical turning point in geopolitics and the need for new strategies to navigate these challenges.

Margaret MacMillan, a renowned historian and professor emeritus at Oxford University, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign alliances under the Trump administration. She discusses how Trump's approach undermines traditional diplomacy, posing risks similar to historical appeasement before World War II. MacMillan warns against normalizing territorial conquests like those seen in Ukraine, reflecting on the repercussions for global relations. The conversation also explores NATO dynamics and how historical narratives influence modern political identities.

Nicholas Eberstadt, a leading political economist at the American Enterprise Institute, delves into the world’s stunning decline in fertility rates. He highlights that we may be entering an era of depopulation, with the U.S. hitting its lowest birthrate ever in 2024. Eberstadt discusses how this demographic shift will reshape societal structures and global geopolitics. He also emphasizes the potential of migration to address workforce shortages and the role of AI and automation in navigating these profound changes.

In a riveting discussion, Stephen Kotkin, a leading Russia expert at Stanford, and Orville Schell, a prominent China scholar, delve into the motivations behind Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s leadership. They explore how both leaders draw from their tumultuous pasts, shaping their autocratic styles. The conversation highlights the impact of historical narratives on modern geopolitics, especially in the context of the Ukraine war and Sino-Russian relations. Their insights expose the complex interplay of power, ideology, and the ambitions driving these formidable figures on the world stage.

Ashley J. Tellis, a scholar and former U.S. official, makes a case for India's closer alignment with the U.S. to counter China, stirring debate. Dhruva Jaishankar counters that the U.S. isn't offering India a true alliance, pushing for a multipolar order instead. Nirupama Rao emphasizes India's need for strategic autonomy amidst complex international dynamics. The trio dives deep into the challenges of U.S.-India relations, the implications of India's political shift, and the need for effective collaboration to tackle regional threats.

Robert Keohane, a prominent scholar of international relations, shares insights on the legacy of his friend and collaborator, Joseph Nye. They discuss Nye's groundbreaking concept of soft power and the implications of President Trump’s focus on hard power. The conversation navigates U.S.-China relations, the rise of populism, and the importance of international cooperation. Keohane reflects on the future of American foreign policy, the challenges of economic disparities, and the evolving landscape of global alliances influenced by technology and political dynamics.

Pranay Vaddi, formerly overseeing nuclear policy at the National Security Council, discusses the urgent nuclear landscape today. He highlights the alarming expansion of China's arsenal and Russia's nuclear threats in Ukraine. Vaddi argues that the U.S. must revitalize its nuclear strategy, especially in the context of alliances that may falter amidst rising tensions. They also delve into Iran's nuclear ambitions and the proliferation risks that complicate global stability, urging a reassessment of deterrence tactics in this unpredictable era.

Mira Rapp-Hooper, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, and Rebecca Lissner, an associate professor at the Naval War College, delve into the transformative impact of Trump's presidency on American foreign policy. They discuss the resilience of global alliances despite disruptions and the implications of a potential second Trump term. The duo emphasizes the need for innovative strategies in a multipolar world and argues that the current landscape offers a unique opportunity to redefine U.S. diplomatic engagement and partnerships.