Foreign Policy Live

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin discusses her ambitious "war plan" aimed at revitalizing the middle class to better position the Democratic Party against Trump. She emphasizes aligning foreign policy with public concerns about economic security and job stability. Slotkin also addresses the challenges of navigating government funding and healthcare negotiations for Democrats, and highlights the need for bipartisan discussions. Her insights provide a roadmap for the party’s strategy in a changing political climate.

Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, discusses the evolving nature of U.S. foreign policy in a post-unipolar world. She argues that the U.S. is no longer the unchallenged superpower and emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies, especially in relation to rising powers like China. The conversation covers influences on American foreign policy perspectives, from 'America First' to progressive views, and touches on how public sentiment, particularly among younger generations, is shifting towards collaboration in international relations.

Nirupama Rao, a former Indian Foreign Secretary and ambassador, shares her insights on the shifting dynamics between India and the United States under Trump. She discusses the potential impacts of Modi's increasing ties with Russia and China, raising questions about India's geopolitical realignment. Rao emphasizes India's pursuit of strategic autonomy while navigating trade tensions and evolving global alliances. Their conversation also touches on India's unique role in a multipolar world, likening it to a 'titan in chrysalis,' poised for greater influence on the global stage.

In this engaging discussion, Mohammad Javad Zarif, former Iranian Foreign Minister and key architect of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, shares insights on Iran's foreign policy. He offers a candid take on the aftermath of the June war with Israel and the moral dilemmas it posed. Zarif argues for a paradigm shift in diplomacy with the U.S., emphasizing the need for regional cooperation. He also delves into Iran's support for militant groups and the internal political dynamics affecting these decisions, shedding light on a nuanced perspective rarely heard in the West.

Dan Wang, a researcher at the Hoover Institution and author of 'Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,' explores the U.S.-China rivalry. He highlights the contrast between America's lawyer-centric society and China's engineering focus. Dan argues that each country could significantly benefit by adopting aspects of the other's culture. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by U.S. infrastructure, the adaptive strategies of both nations, and the cutting-edge rivalry in AI chip technology, suggesting cooperation could enhance global competitiveness.

Sergey Radchenko, a Cold War historian from Johns Hopkins, and Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former CIA analyst and Russia expert, share insights on Trump’s recent diplomatic maneuvers in Ukraine. They analyze the implications of the Trump-Putin summit and its perceived pageantry versus real outcomes. The duo discusses the contrasting views within Russia about the war and critiques the oversimplification of the conflict by Trump's administration. They highlight the need for strategic U.S. responses amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Jared Cohen, President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs, dives into Europe's defense future amid substantial budget increases. He discusses the importance of reallocating funds effectively to strengthen the continent’s military capabilities. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, especially after the Ukraine invasion. Cohen emphasizes balancing advanced technology with traditional defense needs and how climate change intersects with military spending, underlining the urgency for Europe to define its own defense identity.

Dani Rodrik, a Harvard economist known for his critical views on globalization, dives into the complexities of current trade wars. He discusses the implications of Trump’s tariffs and the need for modern industrial policies to address economic nationalism. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in fostering economic equity and the changing landscape of global trade, emphasizing the diminishing influence of the U.S. Rodrik highlights the necessity for nations to evolve strategically to thrive amidst these turbulent trade dynamics.

Daniel Levy, a former Israeli peace negotiator and co-founder of J Street, discusses the shifting dynamics of Western support for Israel amid growing international recognition of Palestine. He examines the impact of recent diplomatic moves by Britain, Canada, and France, exploring the political motivations behind these changes. Levy highlights the decline in public support for Israel's actions in Gaza, the implications for U.S. foreign policy, and the challenges Israel faces regarding its humanitarian responsibilities and global image.

Dive into the evolving geopolitics of U.S.-China-India relations. Explore how China's transformation reflects in a cashless society and advancements in clean energy. Discover the rise of Labubus toys as a symbol of Chinese soft power. Examine the intricacies of U.S.-India ties under Trump's administration, including trade tensions and tariffs. Unpack the challenges of decision-making in a transactional political landscape, highlighting the stakes as superpowers navigate their complex relationships.