Foreign Policy Live

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and author of 'We the People', dives into the complexities of the U.S. Constitution amid rising political polarization. She discusses the challenges of amending the Constitution, linking it to the framers' supermajority requirements and modern partisanship. Lepore highlights the implications of government shutdowns on foreign policy and the erosion of democratic norms. The conversation touches on originalism, the relationship between income inequality and civic engagement, and the urgent need for constitutional evolution.

Majed al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson and advisor to the Prime Minister, discusses Qatar's unique role as a mediator in the Middle East. He addresses Israel's recent strike in Doha, framing it as a serious violation of Qatari sovereignty. Despite potential shifts in regional dynamics and threats to its mediation efforts, Majed insists Qatar will continue its diplomatic approach. He highlights the importance of maintaining strategic partnerships, particularly with the U.S., while navigating the complexities of international law.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and former Prime Minister of Estonia, discusses critical EU foreign policy issues. She shares insights on navigating U.S.-European relations amid the Trump administration's unpredictability and the implications of Russia's war in Ukraine. Kallas highlights EU sanctions and aid strategies while addressing China’s cautious stance on Russia. Furthermore, she explores the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizes the importance of two-state recognition for Palestine, and underscores a united European vision for engaging with a transactional U.S.

Adam Tooze, an economic historian and professor at Columbia University, delves into the recent dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and its repercussions for global development. He argues that the core driver of development has always been power, not values. With the U.S. retreat, he discusses whether China can seize the opportunity to lead in global aid. Tooze also critiques the failed 2015 Development Agenda while sharing insights on China's clean energy initiatives and the evolving landscape for new development professionals.

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.