Foreign Policy Live

In a deep dive with Peter Baker, Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, listeners explore the twists of Trump's second term. Baker sheds light on how foreign policy has been transformed, from a surprising dovish approach to China to a focus on economics and personal interests. He discusses the awkward dynamics of global leaders trying to navigate Trump's unpredictable ego and the fallout from pivotal moments like the Zelensky Oval clash. Tune in for insights on lasting changes and how countries adapt to Trump's style.

James Story, former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, provides a deep dive into the escalating tensions surrounding the country. He predicts an 80/20 chance of U.S. military action and explains how Venezuela's navy could spark naval confrontations. Story discusses the challenges of sanctioned ships and why the U.S. views migration and crime as primary factors in its policy. He also explores the complexities of regime change, potential successors to Maduro, and the implications of U.S. credibility in hemispheric affairs.

In this discussion, Jared Cohen, co-head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute and author of 'The New Wealth of Nations', delves into the transformation brought about by sovereign wealth funds, particularly in the Middle East. He explores how pivotal Gulf funds are shaping geopolitics and global markets, highlighting their investments in AI and infrastructure. Cohen contrasts the Gulf’s instrumental capital with traditional models, assesses global risks, and argues that U.S. industrial policy is more crucial than a sovereign fund for America. Intriguing insights on economic strategy abound!

Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and advocate for women's rights, discusses the nuances of U.S. foreign policy at the Doha Forum. She critiques the Trump administration's national security strategy, expressing concerns about shifting alliances and its implications for Ukraine. Clinton emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding current events, especially regarding Israel and Palestine. She also highlights the urgent need for Congress to reclaim its oversight role and discusses challenges in women's rights amidst changing global dynamics.

Gracelyn Baskarin, Director of the Critical Mineral Security Program at CSIS, shares her insights on critical minerals and their geopolitical significance. They discuss why rare earth elements are essential for defense technologies and energy systems. Baskarin highlights China's dominance in processing these minerals and the U.S.'s struggle to catch up. She emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and international cooperation to secure mineral supply chains, while also addressing the environmental implications of mining. This conversation unveils the intricate ties between minerals and foreign policy.

Lyric Thompson, founder and CEO of the Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative, dives into the unexpected global progress on women's rights. She highlights advancements in political representation through quotas and commendable actions by leaders, like Mexico’s president confronting gender violence. Thompson also discusses the complexities of cultural misogyny and the essential role NGOs play in sustaining progress. With insights on feminist foreign policy, she urges young women to vote, run, and lead for a more equal future.

In a lively Ask-Me-Anything format, the conversation dives into the implications of Trump's absence at the G-20 Summit and the resulting geopolitical shifts. Discussions include the chaos surrounding Trump's Ukraine peace efforts, the complexities of sanctioning Russia, and potential military actions in Venezuela. Insights on the U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan and the strategic use of rare earths are also explored. Finally, looming questions about American democracy and shifting political views on Israel offer a thought-provoking conclusion.

Bill McKibben, an environmentalist and author, brings optimism about solar energy in the face of climate change. He highlights breakthroughs in solar technology and battery advancements that promise to lower costs and increase adoption. McKibben emphasizes the significant role of China in renewable energy development and its implications on global power dynamics. He also discusses the cultural and moral necessity of transitioning to solar and the potential for AI to influence clean energy growth.

Join Oliver Stuenkel, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and expert on Latin American politics, as he and host Ravi Agrawal dive into the complexities of U.S. military actions toward Venezuela. They discuss the Trump administration’s strategy and its implications for Cuba and regional dynamics. Stuenkel explores the challenges post-Maduro planning poses, how personal relationships influence foreign policy, and the growing role of China amidst U.S. unpredictability. A fascinating look into geopolitics!

Elizabeth Economy, a renowned China scholar and former senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce, analyzes the recent Trump-Xi meeting, highlighting its implications for U.S.-China relations. She notes that while stability was restored, the meeting largely reverted to pre-trade-war dynamics. Economy contrasts Trump's aggressive rhetoric with China's cautious approach and discusses potential shifts in U.S. policies. They also address critical issues like rare earths and the structural challenges facing both nations, emphasizing the complexities of global influence.