Foreign Policy Live

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.

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into the complexities of Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine. He discusses how Trump's policies could alter U.S. support amid the ongoing conflict and impact global oil prices and inflation. McFaul examines the implications of sanctions and challenges facing President Zelensky's leadership. He also explores the resilience of Ukrainian civil society and strategies for U.S. involvement, emphasizing the importance of democracy as a weapon in this geopolitical struggle.

Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard professor and former chief economist at the IMF, dissects the recent 10% decline of the U.S. dollar. He discusses whether this drop signals a severe threat to the dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency. The conversation touches on historical parallels with past economic decisions, the potential rise of alternative currencies, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Rogoff highlights that the dollar's weakening could reshape international alliances and economic strategies amid rising global tensions.

Former Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal shares insights on Indonesia's global role as the world's largest Muslim-majority democracy. He discusses Indonesia's strategic balancing act with China while navigating tensions in Southeast Asia. Djalal also reflects on how U.S. foreign policy changes could influence Indonesia, particularly in trade relationships and regional stability. He highlights Indonesia's evolving stance on the Israeli-Gaza conflict and its ambitions within frameworks like BRICS, advocating for a rules-based global order.

Thomas Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times and author of 'From Beirut to Jerusalem', shares insights on the recent Trump-Netanyahu meeting. He discusses the complex negotiations concerning a potential ceasefire in Gaza and the impacts on Israeli domestic politics. Friedman analyzes the broader geopolitical landscape, including the U.S.'s bipartisan support for Israel and its implications for relations with China and Iran. He emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue in addressing contemporary conflicts.