The Foreign Affairs Interview

In a fascinating discussion, Eric Edelman, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy expert, alongside Middle East specialists Suzanne Maloney and Andrew Miller, dissect Iran's nuclear ambitions and the repercussions of recent military actions. They explore the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, including domestic pressures and strategic military considerations. Key topics include the effectiveness of strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, implications for Israel's policies, and the evolving power dynamics within Iran. Their insights shed light on a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Philip Gordon, a seasoned Middle East analyst and former White House coordinator, discusses the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following recent Israeli strikes. He highlights the risks of further escalation while exploring potential pathways for de-escalation. Gordon delves into Iran's nuclear ambitions and the complexities of U.S. support for Israel amidst humanitarian concerns in Gaza. He also reflects on shifting dynamics in the region and the challenges of authentic U.S. foreign policy, advocating for a more principled approach to diplomacy.

Adam Posen, the President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, dives deep into the complexities of Donald Trump's trade policies. He explains why trade wars, especially with China, may not be the 'easy win' Trump claims. Posen discusses the economic uncertainties stemming from tariffs, rising consumer prices, and the disconnect between stock market success and everyday American struggles. He also explores the critical need for strategic partnerships and questions the U.S.'s reliance on global supply chains in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Chair in U.S.-Asia Relations at Harvard Kennedy School and a leading historian of China, challenges the assumptions driving U.S. policies towards China. He argues that predictions about China's future often fail. The discussion covers China's political and economic shift under Xi Jinping, exploring its assertive global stance. Mitter highlights China's push for moral leadership through green technology and the potential for political liberalization. The conversation also delves into the U.S.-China dynamic and the implications of education on bilateral relations.

Ahmed Kodouda, a humanitarian policy expert fresh from Sudan, and Mai Hassan, an MIT Associate Professor specializing in political science, delve into the ongoing war in Sudan. They explore how the conflict, featuring the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, has spiraled into a horrific humanitarian crisis. The duo discusses the historical roots and regional complexities fueling the violence and emphasizes the ramifications for both Sudan and the broader region. Their insights reveal a desperate need for peace amid escalating international interests and suffering.

Dana Stroul, a Middle East expert and former deputy assistant secretary of defense, delves into the complexities of the region's current dynamics. She explores Trump's recent tour, which included strategic deals with Gulf leaders and potential shifts in policy concerning Iran and Syria. Stroul discusses the challenges of a new nuclear agreement with Iran and the intricate realities of the Gaza conflict. Highlighting the need for effective U.S. leadership, she suggests that a new regional order could emerge if approached carefully amidst ongoing turbulence.

Michael Beckley, an associate professor of political science at Tufts University and an analyst of American grand strategy, discusses the evolution of U.S. foreign policy in a rapidly changing world. He argues that America has become a 'rogue superpower,' acting aggressively without clear internationalist or isolationist aims. Beckley highlights the risks of unilateralism, especially in relations with China and allies. He emphasizes the need for a new global order based on shared democratic values, and the importance of rebuilding trust and collaboration in international alliances.

Nadia Schadlow, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former deputy national security adviser, dives into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy. She discusses the lasting impact of the 2017 National Security Strategy and its focus on great-power competition, particularly with China. Schadlow also explores the challenges in U.S. foreign policy with countries like Ukraine and North Korea. She highlights the need for innovative approaches in military production and the importance of balancing humanitarian aid with national security priorities.

Donald Trump famously promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of returning to the White House. But he is just over 100 days into his presidency, and the war is certainly not over. With Kyiv opposed to territorial concessions, and with Russia’s military campaign showing no signs of slowing down, the Trump administration has threatened to walk away from the conflict if both sides don’t agree to a cease-fire and a path to peace—leaving Ukraine and its European partners planning for a future in which Russian aggression continues, but U.S. support does not. In a recent article for Foreign Affairs, Jack Watling, senior research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute in London, argues that Europe can, in fact, replace the United States as Ukraine’s primary backer. Senior Editor Hugh Eakin spoke with Watling on April 28 about the latest developments on the battlefield—and what the coming months will demand of Ukraine and its partners in order to avoid a catastrophic defeat. You can find sources, transcripts, and more episodes of The Foreign Affairs Interview at https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/foreign-affairs-interview.

Kimberly Clausing, a UCLA professor and former Treasury official, and Michael Pettis, a Peking University expert on trade imbalances, share insights on Trump's tariffs. While Clausing critiques protectionism and proposes a progressive trade system, Pettis argues that the reckoning in global trade is long overdue. They discuss how tariffs impact the global economy, the role of the U.S. dollar, and the challenges of American manufacturing. Both highlight the need for a reevaluation of trade strategies that address systemic issues rather than temporary fixes.