The Foreign Affairs Interview

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.

Kurt Campbell and Rush Doshi, both former officials in the Biden administration, dive into why the narrative of China's decline is misleading. They discuss the strategic shifts in China's foreign policy under Xi Jinping, including military expansion and the Belt and Road Initiative. The pair assert that America must reassess its alliances in Asia to enhance stability and counter threats. They also touch on escalating trade tensions and the systemic complexity behind U.S.-China negotiations, emphasizing the need for strong diplomacy to navigate these challenges.

Brian Winter, longtime editor of Americas Quarterly and Latin America analyst, discusses the shifting political landscape in Latin America under Trump’s administration. He highlights how leaders from Argentina to Mexico are adapting to confrontational U.S. policies while navigating their own political challenges. Winter explores the region's response to issues like immigration and drug trafficking, as well as the rise of strongman governance. He emphasizes that Latin America may be better positioned than many think to handle the geopolitical turmoil ahead.

Jude Blanchette, Head of the China Center at RAND, and Ryan Hass, a Brookings Institution Fellow and former China policy expert, delve into the vital U.S.-China relationship dynamics. They discuss Trump's tariff threats and military concerns in the Taiwan Strait while contemplating a potential 'grand bargain' between Trump and Xi. The conversation highlights the risks of American decline and the complexities of assessing China's growing influence amid shifting geopolitical realities, including its ties with Europe and Russia.