The Foreign Affairs Interview

Elizabeth Economy discusses China's vision for a new world order and emphasizes the need for the US to offer its own vision to compete. Topics include Xi Jinping's foreign policy initiatives, China's role in global politics, and the Secretary of Commerce's role in US-China strategy.

Former top policymaker on Asia and deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration, Matt Pottinger, discusses the evolving US-China policy, advocating for a tougher approach and setting clear goals. Topics include strategies for managing competition, engaging with allies, China's role in the illicit fentanyl supply chain, influencing China's future, analyzing China's rise to power, and navigating challenges under Xi Jinping's regime.

Former Obama adviser and author Ben Rhodes discusses the risks of a second Trump term, praises Biden's foreign policy focus on alliances, critiques conventional thinking. Topics include US-Israel relations, ceasefire challenges in conflict zones, Iran deal implications, and navigating complexities in foreign policy and diplomacy.

Denise Dresser, a political analyst in Mexico, warns about the threats to democracy in Mexico as Claudia Sheinbaum's win could lead to either democracy or autocracy. They discuss corruption, mishandling of the pandemic, challenges in governance, international relations, and the potential governance style of the new president.

Vali Nasr, an expert in international affairs, discusses the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, warning of a potential explosion in the Middle East. He emphasizes the need for a regional order to end cycles of violence. The podcast explores Iran's regional strategy, Biden administration's policies, Washington's misconceptions, geopolitical dynamics, recent political developments in Iran, and post-Gaza scenarios.

The podcast delves into the breakdown of international law in the Israel-Hamas conflict, discussing war crimes and violations. It explores the challenges of protecting civilians in wartime and the blurred lines between civilians and combatants. The discussion also highlights the potential arrest warrants for war crimes and implications on global relations. Additionally, it examines the Biden administration's stance on international law compliance and the role of the United States in upholding global standards.

Historian Stephen Kotkin discusses Putin's resurgence in Russia, Biden administration's response to Ukraine, complexities of a potential armistice deal in 2022, navigating the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and speculating on Trump's return. The podcast explores Russia's future scenarios, geopolitical challenges, and the significance of managed competition in international relations.

Iran's historic attack on Israel, intercepted by the US, sparks tension. Experts discuss escalation, shadow war strategies, and regional dynamics. Analyzing Iran's nuclear ambitions, interconnected conflicts in Israel and Gaza.

Martin Indyk, a seasoned diplomat, discusses the cease-fire in Gaza, the Biden administration's influence on Israeli actions, and the possibility of moving towards a two-state solution after the recent war. The conversation explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the evolution of US policy, and the potential impacts on Israeli leadership amid growing pressure for change.

The podcast discusses the surge in violent conflicts worldwide, including conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ethiopia. It explores the breakdown of international trust and norms, the challenges of conflict resolution, and the role of major geopolitical tensions. The episodes also touch on the complexities of outside actors in conflict mediation and the importance of cohesive strategies for resolution.